Square Enix posts $33 million loss, cancels Final Fantasy XV content amid Tabata resignation

Final Fantasy XV took ten years to develop, and game director Hajime Tabata made the project a reality. While it may not have been the perfect experience everyone was hoping for, it still stood out from the crowed with a complex and emotional narrative.

Numerous expansions were released for the game, and more initially planned for 2019. Unfortunately, Episode Noctis and more have been cancelled due to substantial losses at Square Enix. Today, the company hosted its latest earnings call in which executives acknowledged that the company lost $33 million. Furthermore, Tabata announced his resignation from the company.

The following content is still coming to Final Fantasy XV.

• Episode Ardyn will still launch in March 2019.
• New Comrades multiplayer content is on the way.
• Final Fantasy XV and Final Fantasy XIV are getting a collaboration.

Tabata issued the following statement discussing his departure and future plans. Hopefully the next project he undertakes will be as grand as Final Fantasy XV. Gematsu compiled his response.

It's almost going to be two whole years since the release of Final Fantasy XV. I honestly believe the reason we were able to get this far is because of all you loyal fans. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Today, I have a personal announcement to make to all of you. I, Hajime Tabata, will be resigning from Luminous Productions and the Square Enix Group... I was able to gain so much experience with my time at Square Enix. Every title I was able to be a part of means a lot to me.

However, Final Fantasy XV stood out from that group as it was a special project for me which I went all-in on. Therefore, I decided to take this opportunity to officially announce my departure from Final Fantasy XV to all the fans who have supported the title across the globe... I have a project that I truly wish to solidify as my next challenge after Final Fantasy XV. For that reason, I have decided to leave my current position and start my own business in order to achieve my goal... I would like to thank everyone who continue to support Final Fantasy XV and those who have also supported myself personally.

We wish Tabata the best of luck in the future. It's a shame that we won't get more episodes for Final Fantasy XV, but at the end of the day it's a business and a $33 million loss is no small amount.

Don't miss our interview with Tabata, discussing the Final Fantasy XV's recent mobile expansion.

What do you think about the news? Let us know.

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