Final Fantasy: Square Enix Talks Future

   As previously reported, the release schedule of Final Fantasy XII, Dragon Quest VIII and Kingdom Hearts II has not been fixed yet. It was also clarified that the delay of Final Fantasy XII's release had nothing to do with the game's development status, but was a strategic decision. The possibility that both the newest Final Fantasy installment as well as Dragon Quest VIII will see a Japanese release during the current fiscal year ending on March 31st, 2005 still exists. Regardless, Wada stuck to the target of selling 8.06 million copies in Japan, commenting that if one title's release would slip into the next fiscal year, there had to be a backup plan.
   Following the resignation of Yasuhiro Fukushima as company chairman, Akitoshi Kawazu, head of Square Enix's second production team will take over his seat on the board of directors. Fukushima, who was also founder of Enix, is Square Enix's largest shareholder and will assume the role of a consultant.