Final Fantasy XIV must be popular or somethin’, at least that’s according to Square Enix’s financial results for 2021. While the MMO wasn’t the only title mentioned in the company’s report, the publisher acknowledged Endwalker sales and increased subscriptions to FFXIV as a major contributor to its success.
In a press release from Square Enix (thanks, Game Developer), the publisher shared its financial results for the nine-month period that ended back on December 31, 2021. Net sales saw a 7.9% jump from 2020, bringing its new profit total to 273.6 billion yen. Square Enix’s operating income also saw an increase of 22.2% from its year-over-year change at 41 billion yen, with 2021’s third-quarter reporting 50.1 billion yen. The jump had Square Enix issuing a revision to its financial forecast, highlighted by RPG Site, bringing it in line with recent success.
Right, so that’s a lot of numbers going up, but as for what it means, Square Enix points to Final Fantasy XIV’s success. The company’s HD games in 2021 like Outriders, NieR Replicant, Guardians of the Galaxy, and others, didn’t quite turn the same profits the company saw the year prior, but its MMO sales carried digital entertainment. Square Enix’s report notes that not only did the company see “a sharp rise in the number of monthly paying subscribers,” but folks also showed up to buy its expansion, Endwalker.
Merchandising “based on key IP ” saw a steady rise, too. I reckon that’s part of the report I could have written without any word from Square Enix given how hard some of us were fighting that silly Endwalker box.
Anyway, the message here is that everyone’s favorite MMO is doing just as well as we’ve all thought, and it’s not overblown. Square Enix generally has good news on the Final Fantasy XIV front after the relaunch years ago, but this recent surge has propelled its online adventure into the spotlight as a whole new beast. From my ramblings and past reporting, it’s pretty easy to infer how I feel here—I’m thrilled my favorite game is so popular—I just hope Square Enix doesn’t make any more horrible decisions with the extra cash. You know, real villain-level shit like playing a role in ushering in our new NFT hell. That would sure be a shame.
