As acquisition hearsay flies around social media, Square Enix has entered the rumor mill with a can of gas and a box of matches, torching any gossip surrounding the sale of the Japanese gaming brand.
Square Enix: We Are Not for Sale
Square Enix has released an official statement at square-enix.com regarding media coverage that stated the company has acquisition interest from many potential buyers.
A prior Bloomberg Japan report had stated that “several potential buyers have shown interest in Square Enix, CTFN quoted two bankers familiar with the matter.”
However, Square Enix has been quick to correct Bloomberg.
What Does the Square Enix Statement Say?
It doesn’t actually say a lot. But then, it doesn’t need to aside from denying the rumor started by the two CTFN quoted bankers.
The statement reads:
Bloomberg has reported today that there is interest from several buyers to acquire Square Enix. However, this report is not based on any announcement by SQUARE ENIX HOLDINGS CO., LTD. We do not consider selling off the company or any part of its businesses, nor have we received any offer from any third party to acquire the company or any part of its businesses.
And that is it! At least now we know that Square Enix isn’t going to become the next publisher exclusive to any particular console.
Why Did the Square Enix Sale Rumors Start?
It is hard to say, but perhaps it is best not to trust a banker with video game news. Obviously we have recent acquisitions, such as Microsoft’s Bethesda buyout in 2020, and the EA takeover at Codemasters. So it makes sense that people would ruminate on more potential sales.
Other than that, there is nothing really to suggest Square Enix would be up for sale. There has been no news relating to such, and this rumor appears to have sprung up out of nowhere.
What Is Square Enix?
In case you haven’t heard, Square Enix is a popular video game publisher based in Japan. It is responsible for the release of a wide variety of immeasurably popular titles. Final Fantasy, anyone? Yep, that was Square Enix.
It also oversees several companies that Square Enix itself has acquired, including Crystal Dynamics—the developer responsible for Tomb Raider (post-Eidos takeover) and this writer’s favorite PS game, Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain.
Square Enix Not Selling Up Shop
Thankfully, Square Enix titles will remain the property of Square Enix, as the company isn’t up for sale. This means you can continue to enjoy your games no matter what platform you use.