Square Enix confirms Forspoken sales were ‘lacklustre’

Way back in 2021 when Square Enix first started raising its game prices to match the new $70 standard that Sony ushered in with the PS5, I talked a little bit about the negative impact this may have on Forspoken. While the game was highly anticipated at the time, the $70 price tag posed a huge barrier to entry and could put gamers off from taking a chance on a brand-new IP. Now, Square Enix has confirmed that the game sold below expectations. 

As part of its recent financial results presentation, Square Enix commented on Forspoken, saying that the game's sales were “lacklustre” and adding that the launch reviews were “challenging”. Early criticism of the game put the brakes on launch sales. Now, Square Enix worries that it won't hit its projected revenue targets for the year.

Forspoken released in February for PS5 and PC. While the game did find an audience, it wasn't enough to drown out the critics, who were disappointed with the game's overall performance and elements of the game's story and writing. In the aftermath of the launch, Square Enix made the decision to absorb Luminous Productions, with employees now due to be spread out over other projects at Square Enix's offices.

While Square Enix may take a hit during this financial year, things should turn around pretty quickly, as Final Fantasy 16 is due to launch later this year. Beyond that, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part Two is also on the way, albeit as a PS5 exclusive.

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KitGuru Says: Forspoken may have disappointed but I must say, Octopath Traveller 2 has highly impressed me so far. I would love to see Square Enix continue to create HD-2D games and in my opinion, these are currently the best games the publisher produces. 

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