Yoichi Wada Says Square Enix Takes Too Long To Make Games

[Gingerbread Lesbian]

It's the dawn of a new era for Square Enix, but president Yoichi Wada still has time for a bit of self-reflection. Speaking with Gamesindustry.biz, he took a moment to look in the mirror and comment on what he perceives to be the publisher's problems.

Asked whether Square Enix wants the public to have more trust in the quality of Eidos products, Wada said, "Yes - that's what I hope to achieve for the entire group. But we at Square Enix also have a problem - it takes too long for us to produce a game."

"In reality I think the issues we have are basically the same. On one side you might say that because of the budgetary constraints they released the games without having the games polished to perfection, but on the other side we take too long to release the game."


Wada said one reason for this is that "the management and control of the process isn't strict enough." He said he'd like to see "the right production" process in place for the entire company, so that "good cost performance and having a good quality game can co-exist."


"I think that this relationship is actually a positive one. But when you look to the creators they tend to think that if they're asked to pursue a better cost performance, they have to sacrifice quality," he said.


"It's not true, but we have to change the mindset of the creators - you probably also do a better job when you're busy."

Source: 1UP

 

[Sir Kenneth]

It's a bit of a strange comment to make. Especially in these days where Square seem to be spitting out more games than ever before.

If anything it would be great if Square could optimize their publishing process. Ideally the English versions of their games should be in production at the same time as the Japanese versions. The English voice actors should be in the studio at the same time as the Japanese, and the lip animations should be roughly in sync with both the English and the Japanese script.

 

[Rey]

Well I would say they make the game so much better when there busy. But Final fantasy xiii is taking so much concentration right now. They have 3 games in the Fabula project to make so I say take there time and not rush and give us a sucky game. Square is a huge company but they need Immense Concentration.

 

[Big Casino]

Hes just stating something we already know isnt he The waiting time for a final fantasy game nowadays is WAY to long, sure you get smaller games released for the DS etc but there always remakes or spinoffs, not a main numbered game. Although i would be happy if the length between new games were reduced im not THAT bothered. Its not like my lifes goal is to play the next ff game. If they put in a lot of effort and time im sure it will be worth the wait.

 

[Gingerbread Lesbian]

I think he could have a point about them taking too long, I mean sure it doesn't seem long sometimes when they have a lot of games released in a short period of time but we don't know when the development started on them so it could have taken forever to make and release for all we know...XIII was going to take a long time though, naturally.

 

[Linnaete]

True, the president and CEO is being honest about his own company.

I'm not that bothered about Square Enix taking so long making their next installments in their flagship franchises, but there is one thing that annoys me.

The closed theater trailers shown in various events such as the TGS. This happens especially with FFXIII trailers. Why they so frequently do this is odd even in later stages of game development- as though they are wary of the public's judgment. This antagonises with the fans who want to see these new things- but can't. Very few other companies do this.