Square Enix has officially announced a new game in collaboration with TBS Games, a gaming subsidiary of Japan’s TBS television network. This unexpected partnership is generating buzz across the gaming industry, especially following Square Enix’s decline in net profit earlier in 2024, attributed largely to a lack of major hit releases.
The new original IP aims to revitalize Square Enix’s development pipeline, particularly after the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, a mobile title that many expected to launch in 2024. While the company hasn’t disclosed the full scope of this new project, early signs suggest it could be a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG).
What We Know So Far
According to TBS Games and Famitsu Japan, the upcoming title will be an entirely new intellectual property, not tied to Square Enix’s established universes like Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest. The reveal marks the first collaboration between Square Enix and TBS Games and is likely part of a strategic shift to introduce fresher experiences and reach broader audiences.
Industry watchers have noted recent job listings from Square Enix Japan that support the MMORPG theory. The company is actively recruiting a project manager and a server system engineer with experience in online infrastructure and multiplayer game systems — all pointing toward a large-scale online project.
Why the Partnership Matters
While Square Enix is no stranger to blockbuster franchises, the studio has struggled to maintain momentum in recent years. Partnering with TBS Games, known for interactive entertainment based on television IPs, could provide new creative synergy and cross-media potential. However, the partnership also raises questions about the direction and scale of the new title — will it lean into mobile platforms or aim higher?
Despite TBS Games’ background in app-based projects, early announcements suggest that this IP is more ambitious than their usual fare. Speculation leans toward a console or PC MMORPG, possibly leveraging Square Enix’s proven expertise in the genre (Final Fantasy XIV being a standout success).
What’s Next?
Square Enix has not confirmed a release window, but more information is expected later in 2025, possibly during Tokyo Game Show or other global gaming expos. Until then, fans are left to speculate and hope that this bold move signals a strong creative resurgence for the iconic Japanese publisher.
After a turbulent financial year and a disappointing cancellation, Square Enix’s alliance with TBS Games represents a calculated risk — and a hopeful reinvention. Whether it turns out to be a groundbreaking MMORPG or an entirely different genre, this new original IP could be the breath of fresh air the company — and its fans — desperately need.