It seems like Square Enix is taking the Nintendo Switch very seriously. The platform, of course, has become a global hit, including in their native Japan (where no other system has actually done all that well), and it also presents them with a unique opportunity to revive their mid tier games, which have become unfeasible on higher end consoles.
Recognizing that, and perhaps buoyed by the early indications of success for the upcoming Octopath Traveler, Square Enix has apparently devoted an entire division to producing Switch games. Speaking to Game Informer, Tomoya Asano, division executive at Square Enix, said that the publisher has more in the works for Nintendo’s hybrid.
“Square Enix has decided that it wants to focus on original titles for the Switch,” he says. “If Octopath Traveler does well and this is something that appeals to fans, we want to focus on Switch. Please pick up the Switch if you want to play games like Octopath Traveler.”
He was also very clear that further Square Enix games for the Switch are not contingent on Octopath‘s success- more Switch games are coming anyway. “There are several other titles that we’re currently working on for Switch,” he said. “If you could just wait a bit longer, we’ll work with Nintendo and announce them in the future.”
Presumably, Square Enix and Nintendo want to wait until Octopath is already out before announcing new games. Which makes sense- we already know they have The World Ends With You due out on the Switch this year, and that is already a big deal.
Meanwhile, Octopath Traveler will launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch on July 13. The game looks absolutely marvellous, so make sure to pick it up if you are at all interested in RPGs.
