Square Enix president Yosuke Matsuda is stepping down after a decade, with Takashi Kiryu taking his place after the company board votes in June, the company announced in a statement. Matsuda joined Square Enix in 2013 and oversaw the release of games such as Final Fantasy XV, where he appeared as an optional boss, and a renewed push to bring the publisher’s classic games back to life for new audiences. These decisions were accompanied by less triumphant ventures, including the sale of the company’s Western studios and investment in NFTs.
Takashi Kiryu joined the company in 2020 as his first venture in the corporate world and served in various executive capacities, including on Square Enix’s board and as chief strategy officer.
“Under the rapid change of business environment surrounding the entertainment industry, the proposed change is intended to reshape the management team with the goal of adopting ever-evolving technological innovations and maximizing on the creativity of [Square Enix Holdings Co. Ltd.]’s group in order to deliver even greater entertainment to its customers around the world,” Square Enix said in the statement.
It’s unclear whether Kiryu will continue pursuing investments in blockchain technology as Matsuda did or how his plan for the company will differ from his predecessor’s, if at all.
The news comes after Square Enix reported declining revenue and a weaker-than-expected fiscal year. The company will release its highly anticipated RPG Final Fantasy 16 on June 22, 2023, for PS5 consoles.
Written by Josh Broadwell on behalf of GLHF
