Square Enix Makes Layoffs as Part of Restructuring Global Games Publishing Group

Square Enix, the Japanese video game giant behind megahit “Final Fantasy” among other titles, is laying off an unknown number of employees in its North America and European publishing operations as it looks to streamline the business.

The company made the disclosure in a presentation Thursday to investors as part of releasing its earnings for the the six-month period ended Sept. 30, 2025. “In the current fiscal year, a fundamental restructuring of the overseas publishing organization is being implemented with the aim of further strengthening global publishing capabilities and improving operational efficiency,” Square Enix said in the presentation.

Square Enix expects to annual cost savings of over 3 billion yen (currently $19.6 million) from the restructuring. The reorganization will involve consolidating the HD Games publishing organization from 11 divisions to four, according to the presentation.

The company declined to say how many employees are being let go. In a statement to Bloomberg, a Square Enix rep said, “We are reorganizing our operations in North America and Europe to strengthen our development structure and to drive a globally integrated marketing strategy,” adding that the layoffs represented “an extremely difficult decision” to will “best position the group’s long-term growth.”

Square Enix develops, publishes, distributes and licenses Square Enix and Taito branded entertainment content throughout the Americas. The company’s portfolio of intellectual property includes the “Final Fantasy” franchise, which has sold more than 204 million units worldwide; “Dragon Quest,” which has sold over 95 million units worldwide; and the iconic arcade game “Space Invaders.”

Pictured above: Still from Square Enix’s “Final Fantasy XVI”