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Forums - Gaming - Square Enix Opens a Los Angeles Studio... Then Close's it. R.I.P 2008-2011 Games: None

Xxain on 01 July 2011

Report: Square Enix Los Angeles Studio Closed

By Spencer . July 1, 2011 . 1:03pm

Back in 2008 and a few months before the Eidos acquisition, Square Enix opened a video game studio in Los Angeles. Fumiaki Shiraishi, one of the designers on Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life As A King, was leading Square Enix LA.

 

"We do like to have one full-size project if possible, and then have the downloadables on the side. We’re still in the process of trying to figure out what the first title will be," Shirashi said while discussing the studio’s plans with Gamasutra. "Right now we’re still in the very early phase of testing out gameplay stuff and testing out the technology. The scope of the game, and how it’s going to be sold, is going to come a little bit later."

 

The studio had two goals: test new technology for the company’s Japanese division and create new games. Project Dropship, which we revealed earlier, was one of the titles cooking inside Square Enix. The game was being made for PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade with the Gamebryo Engine. Sources tell Siliconera development of Project Dropship ceased in March. The reason why is because Square Enix closed the Los Angeles studio. At that time, we understand there were between 10-20 employees, many of which were artists. Project Dropship was not completed, but it was far into development. We reached out to Square Enix for further details and confirmation, but did not receive a comment by press time.

 

Read more stories about Project Dropship & Square Enix on Siliconera.


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VXIII on 01 July 2011

That is one of many examples that reflects SE situation this gen , they don't seem to know what they're doing , long development time and delays until they kill the hype , meaningless exclusivity contracts here and there , average and below-average games , that whole (westernize) nonsense .

Drastically changes are needed , Wada is the first one that comes to mind



FinalEvangelion on 01 July 2011

Square Enix went into this generation trying to fix things that weren't broken. They probably would have done much better if they didn't try so hard to Westernize.



"Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, IT IS THE LEADERS of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is TELL THEM THEY ARE BEING ATTACKED, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. IT WORKS THE SAME IN ANY COUNTRY."  --Hermann Goering, leading Nazi party member, at the Nuremberg War Crime Trials 

 

Conservatives:  Pushing for a small enough government to be a guest in your living room, or even better - your uterus.

 

badgenome on 01 July 2011

It's like Wada is Sephiroth, and Square-Enix is Aerith. Only this time it's tragic, not funny.



VXIII on 01 July 2011
badgenome said:
It's like Wada is Sephiroth, and Square-Enix is Aerith. Only this time it's tragic, not funny.


You think Aerith death by Sephiroth blade was funny ?!! , have a soul mate D:



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ThePS3News on 01 July 2011
VXIII said:
That is one of many examples that reflects SE situation this gen , they don't seem to know what they're doing , long development time and delays until they kill the hype , meaningless exclusivity contracts here and there , average and below-average games , that whole (westernize) nonsense .

Drastically changes are needed , Wada is the first one that comes to mind


Your whole statement summarize's my thoughts of SE exactly.  :)

And its a real shame that the only good games they made this gen were only on handhelds...



Cirio on 01 July 2011
VXIII said:
badgenome said:
It's like Wada is Sephiroth, and Square-Enix is Aerith. Only this time it's tragic, not funny.


You think Aerith death by Sephiroth blade was funny ?!! , have a soul mate D:

Aeirth died?! Sephiroth killed her?? (playing FFVII right now)



Seece on 01 July 2011

One of the big 3 need to buy them, completely cut the fat and sort it out



 

FinalEvangelion on 01 July 2011

When will the shareholders give Wada the boot?



"Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, IT IS THE LEADERS of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is TELL THEM THEY ARE BEING ATTACKED, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. IT WORKS THE SAME IN ANY COUNTRY."  --Hermann Goering, leading Nazi party member, at the Nuremberg War Crime Trials 

 

Conservatives:  Pushing for a small enough government to be a guest in your living room, or even better - your uterus.

 

demonfox13 on 01 July 2011

I say Sony should buy more stock, and reach about 30ish % to have more of a say as opposed to the current what? 8%? I forget.



Make games, not war (that goes for ridiculous fanboys)

I may be the next Maelstorm or not, you be the judge http://videogamesgrow.blogspot.com/  hopefully I can be more of an asset than a fanboy to VGC hehe.