(ese producer of
Video Game s and
Manga . Square Enix is best known for its
Computer Role-playing Game franchises, which include the ''
Final Fantasy '' series and the ''
Dragon Quest '' series (previously known as ''Dragon Warrior'' in
North America ). Square Enix was formed as the result of a
Merger between
Square Co., Ltd. and
Enix that took effect as of
April 1 ,
2003 . Enix officially absorbed Square, with Square stockholders receiving only 0.81 shares of stock in the new company compared to Enix stockholders receiving a one-to-one trade. Despite this, many top officials within Square assumed leadership roles in the new corporate hierarchy, including Square
President Yoichi Wada , who was appointed president of the new corporation.
Square Enix has regional operations, including Square Enix, Inc. (for all of North America) and Square Enix Ltd (for
Europe and other areas that use the
PAL -
Television standard). In
July 2003 , Square Enix relocated their headquarters to Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. In
March 2004 , Square Enix acquired
UIEvolution, Inc. in order to strengthen its wireless market. On
August 22 ,
2005 , Square Enix announced their acquisition of
Taito Corporation , renowned for their arcade hits, ''
Space Invaders '' and the ''
Bubble Bobble '' series. By
September 28 ,
2005 , Square Enix had wholly acquired Taito. In January 2005, the company expanded operations to
Beijing ,
China by establishing Square Enix (China) Co., Ltd as a
Wholly-owned Subsidiary . The company also has a
Controlling Interest in Community Network Software Engine of
Beijing , China which focuses on network middleware for gaming.
See Also: List of Square Enix games#Square Enix
By far, Square Enix's video gaming properties are its most valued assets. Square Enix's '' series (developed in collaboration with
Disney 's
Buena Vista Games ) has become massively popular worldwide, adding another valuable asset to the company.
In
May 2004 Square Enix announced an agreement with
Sony Online Entertainment for the Japanese publishing rights to ''
EverQuest II ''. As of
2006 , Square Enix has produced titles for the
Sony PlayStation 2 ,
Nintendo GameCube , and
Microsoft Xbox 360 Video Game Console s, as well as for the Nintendo
Game Boy Advance and
Nintendo DS Handheld Game Console s. The company has announced titles for the upcoming
PlayStation 3 , and
Wii consoles, as well as for the
Nintendo DS and
PlayStation Portable (PSP). In addition, they have published games for
Microsoft Windows -based
Personal Computer s, and for various models of
Mobile Phone . Square Enix
Mobile Phone games are available on the
Vodafone network in some European countries, including
Britain ,
Spain , and
France . More than 10 of Square Enix's video games were included in ''
Famitsu '' magazine's top 100 games, seven being in the top ten list
{Link without Title} .
- '' Final Fantasy '' - from Square - established on the Famicom in 1987
- '' Dragon Quest '' - from Enix - established on the MSX in 1986
- '' Itadaki Street '' (Japan-only) - from Enix - established on the Famicom in 1988
- '' SaGa '' - from Square - established on the Gameboy in 1989
- '' Seiken Densetsu '' - from Square - established on the Gameboy in 1991
- '' Chrono Trigger '' - from Square - established on the Super Famicom in 1995
- '' Front Mission '' - from Square - established on the Super Famicom in 1995
- '' Star Ocean '' - from Enix - established on the Super Famicom in 1997
- '' Drakengard '' - in development for Enix, but published in the Square Enix name - established on the PlayStation 2 in 2003
- '' Kingdom Hearts '' - from Square with Disney - established on the PlayStation 2 in 2002
'''' is a
CGI -
Anime Movie based on Squaresoft's successful
PlayStation game ''
Final Fantasy VII '' that is set two years after the events of the game.
The company also has a '', and ''
Fullmetal Alchemist ''. Also contains manga adaptations of diverse Enix, and later Square-Enix games, like
Kingdom Hearts .
'''' were licensed by
Tokyopop .
