Square Enix's focus on mobile and online games is paying off

Some good news for Square Enix fans, but some bad news for the 'fans' that want Square Enix to stick to the same business models that were clearly not working for it; the company is again profitable, and it's thanks to its new business model that is focused on online and mobile experiences.

For the first half of the fiscal year, Square Enix reported a profit of ¥2.6 billion (around $260 million US, give or take depending on the exchange rate), which is even more impressive when you consider the previous period last year saw it lose ¥5.5 billion.

The (successful) re-release of Final Fantasy XIV was a big factor in this turn around. Currently sitting comfortable with 600,000 subscribers, the MMO looks like it has a good life ahead of it as well, and represents Square Enix's new approach to the market. In the earnings report, Square Enix stated that the company's games divisions are now focused on online games with variable pricing models, and mobile games.

Looking forward, Square Enix is anticipating around ¥150 billion in revenue for the year and a profit of between ¥3.5 and ¥6 billion.

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Review: Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (PS3)

Escape Reality. Live the Fantasy; that's the slogan plastered on the back of the box. It's also the statement of intention for Square Enix, who desparately needed this complete remake of the original Final Fantasy XIV to work and to engage people on a very deep level to the point where it becomes a second life. The good news is that Square Enix has largely succeeded. This new Final Fantasy XIV is the kind of game you can lose months to, and fine proof that MMOs can work on console.

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