Leona Lewis may hold key to revival of Square Enix's fortunes [2/23]

[Amizon]

Square Enix's global fortunes may be in the hands of UK X Factor winner, after VP of brand, Larry Sparks told reporters that her collaboration in singing the game's main theme would boost the upcoming Final Fantasy XIII to an even wider demographic.

Final Fantasy XIII, the company's flagship title, successfully shipped in Japan last December to 4 million Playstation 3 users.

The March launch date for 'PAL' users in North America and Europe, which also includes an Xbox 360 version is expected to boost the company's profits for the full year.

"Leona Lewis has become a star in such a short space of time and she appeals to the 'now generation'" said Larry.

"Add to that her stylish classy music, it provided a great opportunity to collaborate on Final Fantasy XIII. It has allowed us to reach out and touch consumers who may never have heard of the franchise, which can only be a great thing."

Final Fantasy is the turn-based RPG series that Square Enix traditionally releases with its best designs and gameplay efforts.

This year's release, Thirteen (XIII) is the first to see a collaboration with a Western artist after Faye Wong sung 'Eyes on Me' in English on Final Fantasy Eight (VIII) to appeal to English audiences.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Games company, continues to suffer a mixed fortunes in on the stockmarket where the company trades at a record low after falling to a five year low in February '09.

Currently it remains at 1794, down 7 pct on last year again, despite a return to profits over last two quarters.

The company posted sales of 44 billion in Q3 (+31 pct), and is expected to post 45 billion in its final quarter to year end when the reporting season begins of Japan in April.

In total, the company is expected to confirm 10 billion yen net income for 2010 up 58 pct on last year at a time when the Games Industry has suffered.

Analysts recommend a buy, outperform and hold on the company, with roughly equal numbers on each.

The company may also benefit from its relationship with Warner Bros who today made itself a majority stakeholder in the London-based developers of Batman's Arkham Asylum - Rocksteady Studios.

Source: IBTimes

 

[Linnaete]

.....Are they serious?

Just because Leona Lewis is singing the western theme song of FFXIII, and the fact that her face is there - it does not automatically mean the game will appeal to westerners who have never played a FF game before. Maybe in Britain where we know her the best - but that doesn't mean Leona is that well known and popular elsewhere. There are plenty of people who don't know who she is at all.

Besides - what SE needs to revive its fortunes are games that don't divide opinions but are of good quality and popular to the masses - not celebrity endorsement. SE can promote their future games with Leona as much times as they want, but if the games are crap, I won't give a toss.

 

[Amizon]

I can see the validity of their argument, but I'm unsure as to whether it will succeed or not. I guess time can only tell. Their fortunes COULD go up. It's just a case of waiting, really.

 

[Saints&Storms]

.....Are they serious?

Just because Leona Lewis is singing the western theme song of FFXIII, and the fact that her face is there - it does not automatically mean the game will appeal to westerners who have never played a FF game before. Maybe in Britain where we know her the best - but that doesn't mean Leona is that well known and popular elsewhere. There are plenty of people who don't know who she is at all.

Besides - what SE needs to revive its fortunes are games that don't divide opinions but are of good quality and popular to the masses - not celebrity endorsement. SE can promote their future games with Leona as much times as they want, but if the games are crap, I won't give a toss.

She was on that Diva's show with Miley Cyrus, Kelly Clarckson and many other well known artists, if you know who Kelly and Miley are then you HAVE to know who Leona is.

 

[Eight]

.....Are they serious?

Just because Leona Lewis is singing the western theme song of FFXIII, and the fact that her face is there - it does not automatically mean the game will appeal to westerners who have never played a FF game before. Maybe in Britain where we know her the best - but that doesn't mean Leona is that well known and popular elsewhere. There are plenty of people who don't know who she is at all.

Besides - what SE needs to revive its fortunes are games that don't divide opinions but are of good quality and popular to the masses - not celebrity endorsement. SE can promote their future games with Leona as much times as they want, but if the games are crap, I won't give a toss.

Believe it or not, it does work, the point that someone is involved in something has been known to sell, it's what we consider a USP (Unique Selling Point). Why do you think they put celebrity names on poster and DVDs, or having celebrities endorse products, so it would work here too. Not most of us would know cause this community doesn't exactly consist of a lot of Leona Lewis fans, but her singing the theme isn't gonna stop us buying it, but it will encourage her fans too. Every little helps in the marketing of products, so what's to stop this, even if it's a slight boost.

However, you may be right about the fact that she isn't known to well outside of the UK, though UK may prosper, it may not elsewhere. But the song is very powerful and could end up increasing Leona's fan base. Sort of a "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" between SE and Leona, and it shouldn't have too much of a bad effect, so what's the harm in trying? Plus if they find out Lewis was on the X-Factor, they'll do the math, "X-Factor with Simon Cowell who is on American Idol...My this woman MUST be good if Simon Cowell thinks she is good, which means this game could be good too! " Links and connections have a stronger influence than we think.

Audience physcology. It's weird but fun to learn.

 

[Linnaete]

She was on that Diva's show with Miley Cyrus, Kelly Clarckson and many other well known artists, if you know who Kelly and Miley are then you HAVE to know who Leona is.

Hmm...I haven't seen that show nor do I know what exactly it is.

Kelly Clarkson is a good point actually - plenty of Brits know her, so it's probably fair to say Leona Lewis is like that outside the UK too.

....actually I think I was too harsh. There is some validity in that argument I suppose....

 

[Saints&Storms]

Hmm...I haven't seen that show nor do I know what exactly it is.

Kelly Clarkson is a good point actually - plenty of Brits know her, so it's probably fair to say Leona Lewis is like that outside the UK too.

....actually I think I was too harsh. There is some validity in that argument I suppose....

The show was hosted by Paula Abdul, on VH1.

SE definitely made a good decision by having her sing for the game, Although they have done this before with My Chemicals Romances Gerard Way...not sure how that worked out...

 

[SapphireStar]

It could happen. Leona Lewis is loved worldwide, so this may defo help Final Fantasy. Im on the fence with this one and see how it pans out. It'll be .. interesting to say the least.

 

[Gingerbread Lesbian]

The Vice President of Square Enix's marketing isn't exactly going to come out and say anything different. And whilst I don't think she'll particularly help, it won't matter regardless since Square Enix are piss poor at marketing. Japan had adverts several weeks if not months before the release, for all these millions of pounds Square Enix said they'll pump into advertising I've only heard of that London Event and some tour bus that'll appeal to the minority.

Whilst I do like her as a singer, and would be happy to see her prosper from this, Square Enix are just dire at marketing outside of Japan.

 

[Fusionist]

I let out a snort

It's because she's doing the song for FFXIII for the West that I even know about her now. I don't hate the singer, in fact I think she has a great voice, but the music style isn't something I'm into, and honestly, the song "My Hands" doesn't sound very distinctive compared to the Japanese one :/

But putting aside my own prejudice, I highly doubt one song that plays once in the entire game is going to rake in money for SE.

Here's what we have to ask - is Leona Lewis so popular and appealing that she can get people to buy the game because her name is going to be in the credits? People who haven't played FF before, or aren't into RPGs? What about people who don't even play video games? Does her name really have that much sway? I don't think so.