You may have heard of Microsoft and Square Enix, two of the largest companies in the gaming industry.
But the question remains: does Microsoft own Square Enix?
The answer is somewhat complicated, as the two have a unique relationship. While Microsoft does not own Square Enix outright, there are several acquisitions and partnerships between the two that have been made throughout the years.
In this article, we’ll discuss the relationship between Microsoft and Square Enix, the impact and future prospects of Microsoft owning Square Enix.
Microsoft and Square Enix’s Relationship
Microsoft and Square Enix have been intertwined for years, their relationship as strong as ever. Despite not owning Square Enix, Microsoft has published several of their games, such as the Elder Scrolls and Halo series, and the two companies have worked together closely since the mid-2000s.
Square Enix benefits from Microsoft’s technological expertise, using their artificial intelligence technology to develop games for the Xbox platform. The companies have also collaborated on streaming services like Xbox Live Arcade and Xbox Game Pass, which allow players to access a variety of games.
In addition, Microsoft and Square Enix have collaborated on numerous marketing campaigns. They partnered on a series of commercials for the Xbox Live service, and launched an online store for Xbox 360 that allowed players to purchase games directly from the console’s interface.
The partnership between Microsoft and Square Enix has been beneficial for both companies. Microsoft leverages Square Enix’s technology and marketing expertise, while Square Enix accesses Microsoft’s innovative technology and extensive customer base. Together, they have created some of the most successful gaming experiences of the past decade.
Acquisitions Made by Microsoft
You’ve surely heard of many of the acquisitions Microsoft has made over the years, but have you ever wondered what impact they’ve had? Microsoft has been very strategic in its acquisitions, often forming strategic alliances to further their marketing strategies.
Microsoft’s acquisitions have helped the company expand its reach and capabilities and have allowed them to stay competitive in the technology industry. Microsoft has acquired numerous companies since its inception, but some of the most notable acquisitions include LinkedIn, GitHub, and Mojang.
With LinkedIn, Microsoft gained access to a professional network that has enabled them to expand their reach and connect with customers. GitHub allowed Microsoft to strengthen its presence in the open source software community and has allowed them to become a major player in the software engineering industry. Finally, Microsoft’s acquisition of Mojang, the developer of the popular game Minecraft, allowed them to become a major player in the gaming industry.
Microsoft has also acquired many small companies and startups over the years. These acquisitions have allowed Microsoft to gain access to new technologies and products that are not available in their own products. Additionally, these acquisitions have helped Microsoft stay on the cutting edge of technology, as they are able to quickly incorporate new technologies into their products and services.
Microsoft has made many acquisitions over the years and each has had a positive impact on the company’s reach and capabilities. Their strategic acquisitions have allowed them to remain competitive in the technology industry and have enabled them to quickly adopt new technologies. Through these acquisitions, Microsoft has been able to expand its reach and remain a leader in the technology industry.
Partnerships Between Microsoft and Square Enix
Microsoft and Square Enix have a long-standing relationship that dates back decades, and recently this relationship has been strengthened through two major partnerships.
One is with Final Fantasy XV, the fifteenth main installment in the Final Fantasy series, where Microsoft provided Xbox One and Windows 10 exclusivity to the game for a period of time.
The second partnership is with Rise of the Tomb Raider, which was made available for Xbox One and Xbox 360 on a timed exclusive basis.
Both of these partnerships have been beneficial to both companies, and have strengthened their long-term relationship.
Final Fantasy XV
You’re invited to experience the stunning world of Final Fantasy XV, where fantastical creatures and a captivating story awaits. Developed by Square Enix, it’s the fifteenth installment in the main Final Fantasy series.
Final Fantasy XV is an action role-playing game that follows Noctis Lucis Caelum, the prince of the kingdom of Lucis, as he embarks on a quest to reclaim his homeland and its magical crystal from the clutches of the empire of Niflheim. As Noctis and his three companions traverse the world, they encounter various creatures and characters inspired by the mythos of Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts and other games.
The game has been met with critical acclaim, garnering numerous awards such as ‘Best RPG’ and ‘Game of the Year’. Microsoft has had various partnerships with Square Enix in the past, including the Xbox One version of Final Fantasy XV, which includes exclusive content not available on other platforms.
Microsoft and Square Enix have also collaborated on a range of titles such as the classic Final Fantasy XIV, which was released on the Xbox One in 2016.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
Experience Lara Croft’s thrilling adventure as she embarks on a quest to uncover the secret of immortality in Rise of the Tomb Raider. The action-adventure game was released in 2015 by Square Enix for the PC version and Xbox One, and it was a commercial success, prompting a Hollywood adaptation.
In Rise of the Tomb Raider, Lara Croft travels to Siberia in search of an ancient city, hoping to uncover its secrets. The game features multiple puzzles and environmental puzzles, as well as shooting and stealth elements. Players can upgrade their weapons and gear, and unlock new paths as they progress through the game.
Rise of the Tomb Raider has a deep and engaging storyline, and its vast environments, varied gameplay, and stunning visuals make it an unforgettable experience.
Impact of Microsoft Owning Square Enix
If Microsoft were to own Square Enix, it could have a dramatic impact on the gaming landscape, potentially revolutionizing the industry. Microsoft’s massive financial and technological resources could be used to fund Square Enix’s games and expand them to new platforms. This could result in Square Enix having a larger market share in the gaming market, as Microsoft could help them reach more gamers than ever before.
Furthermore, Microsoft could use their control of Square Enix to negotiate exclusive deals with other companies and publishers. This could help Microsoft gain a larger foothold in the industry and better compete with other gaming companies. The acquisition could also be beneficial for Square Enix as it would provide them with more resources to create bigger and better games.
Microsoft could help Square Enix develop new technologies and platforms, enabling them to create even more engaging and immersive experiences for gamers. Additionally, Microsoft could help Square Enix optimize their games for their platforms, such as Xbox and PC, to ensure that they are running at their best. This could help Square Enix make their games even more appealing to gamers.
The deal could also be beneficial for gamers, as Microsoft would be able to bring Square Enix’s games to a wider audience. Microsoft could help Square Enix publish their games on more platforms, such as Xbox, PC, and mobile, giving gamers more opportunities to experience their games. Additionally, Microsoft could also help Square Enix make their games more accessible and affordable to gamers, potentially offering discounts and other incentives to make their games more attractive.
Overall, Microsoft’s acquisition of Square Enix could have a major impact on the gaming industry. It could help both companies expand their market share, while giving gamers more opportunities to experience their games. Moreover, Microsoft could use their control of Square Enix to negotiate exclusive deals and create new technologies to make their games even better.
Future Prospects
The potential of Microsoft’s ownership of Square Enix is immense, offering a wide range of opportunities for both companies and gamers alike. As Microsoft continues to invest in the gaming market, the potential for digital exclusives from Square Enix is a major factor to consider. With the backing of Microsoft, Square Enix could produce games with more advanced graphics and mechanics than ever before. This could give the publisher a major edge in the industry, as it would be able to offer gamers a unique experience on Microsoft’s platforms.
Another potential benefit of Microsoft’s ownership of Square Enix is the ability to create exclusive partnerships. With Microsoft’s relationships with many major game developers, Square Enix could potentially create exclusive partnerships with these developers to produce exclusive games for Microsoft platforms. This would further increase the potential for Square Enix to create original and innovative titles.
Furthermore, Microsoft’s ownership of Square Enix could result in the publisher expanding its reach into new markets. This could open up new opportunities for the publisher, as it would be able to tap into previously untapped gaming markets. This would also mean that Square Enix would be able to reach a wider consumer base, potentially increasing its overall profits.
Finally, Microsoft’s ownership of Square Enix could lead to the publisher entering new business models, such as subscription services. This could give gamers access to a wider range of games for a more affordable price. This could be a major boon for both Microsoft and Square Enix, as it would allow them to reach more gamers and potentially increase their profits.
