In the ever-evolving landscape of digital entertainment, even the most cherished games eventually face their final curtain. This autumn, Square Enix, a titan in the gaming industry, is preparing to say farewell to two of its long-running mobile RPGs, a move that signals a broader strategic shift within the company. For players, it`s a bittersweet moment; for industry watchers, a clear indicator of corporate recalibration.
A Decade of Digital Adventures Concludes
At the close of October, two prominent mobile titles – Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius and Dragon Quest of the Stars – will cease operations in Japan. Both games, born in the bustling year of 2015, are approaching their tenth anniversaries. For Dragon Quest of the Stars, the milestone arrives on October 15th, followed by Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius on October 22nd. The irony is palpable: these games are being pulled just as they reach their venerable tenth year, a testament to their longevity in a typically volatile market, yet not enough to secure their future.
While the Japanese servers are now the focus, this isn`t the first time these titles have faced the digital chopping block. The international version of Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius was already retired last year, and Dragon Quest of the Stars bid adieu to its global audience in 2021. The current closures represent a complete sunset for these once-vibrant mobile ecosystems, with in-app purchases already suspended, drawing a definitive line under their commercial lifespan.
The “Reboot” Directive: Streamlining for the Future
This decision aligns with a broader corporate directive from Square Enix executives, who earlier in 2025 articulated a desire to “reboot” the company over the next three years. For Square Enix, “rebooting” appears to involve a rather literal defragmentation of its digital portfolio, consolidating resources and shedding less profitable ventures. It`s a strategic move designed to streamline operations and refocus efforts on new, potentially more lucrative, projects.
“In the corporate ledger, even nostalgia has its limits, and hard decisions must be made to pave the way for future endeavors.”
Survival of the Fittest: An MMO`s Resilience vs. a Sequel`s Demise
The story of these mobile games contrasts sharply with other titles within the Square Enix family. Take, for instance, the venerable Final Fantasy XI. Launched 23 years ago, this massively multiplayer online game was reportedly slated for shutdown last year. However, its director, Yoji Fujito, confirmed it was spared due to a consistently active and dedicated player base. This demonstrates a key factor in a game`s longevity: a thriving community can sometimes override pure age or perceived obsolescence.
Conversely, not all projects are so fortunate. The potential sequel to Outriders faced an entirely different fate. Developer People Can Fly reportedly harbored ambitions for Outriders 2, only to be overruled by Square Enix. This led to layoffs within the studio and the rumored cancellation of the sequel, a stark reminder that even promising concepts can be sacrificed in the strategic restructuring of a large publisher.
The Transient Nature of Mobile Gaming
The closure of these ten-year-old mobile games underscores the unique challenges and life cycles inherent to the mobile gaming sector. Unlike console or PC titles that might receive a few major expansions and then settle into a long tail of sales, live-service mobile games demand constant updates, events, and a robust monetization model to retain players and justify operational costs. A decade is a substantial run in this fast-paced environment, often exceeding the lifespan of many competitors.
As player numbers naturally decline and the cost of maintaining servers and developing new content outweighs revenue, publishers face the inevitable decision to reallocate resources. It`s a pragmatic, albeit often painful, business choice that reflects the dynamic nature of the free-to-play market.
What`s Next for Square Enix?
While some doors close, others are certainly opening. Square Enix continues to invest in new intellectual properties and technologies. Among their upcoming releases is The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, a brand-new HD-2D action-RPG slated for 2026. This title promises to arrive on next-generation platforms including Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, signaling a renewed focus on core gaming experiences and innovative graphical styles.
This balance of streamlining older, less profitable ventures while investing in fresh, high-potential projects is a classic strategy for large corporations navigating a competitive landscape.
The impending shutdown of Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius and Dragon Quest of the Stars marks a significant moment for Square Enix. It`s not merely the end of two games, but a tangible manifestation of a larger corporate “reboot,” prioritizing future endeavors over past achievements. For the dedicated players who invested countless hours and resources, it`s a somber farewell. Yet, in the cyclical nature of the gaming industry, every ending also paves the way for new beginnings, new worlds to explore, and new adventures to embark upon.
