E3 2004: Square Enix takes Everquest 2 to Japan
The first deal like it from Japan's finest
Perhaps taking the line that if you can't beat them sign them, Square Enix have today confirmed a deal to take Sony Online's MMORPG sequel to Japan, making this long-awaited sequel the firm's second such title along with their own Fantasy XI: Online. Square will handle distribution, marketing, customer service and hosting, and will be working alongside Sony to 'culturelise' the game for Japanese players.
This is the first time Square Enix have signed such a deal for a third-party title, which more than anything else must demonstrate how highly they regard this new online game. "Sony Online Entertainment has been a great partner for Final Fantasy XI in the U.S. market, and we are excited to work with them again in offering EverQuest II to gamers in Japan," enthused the publisher's president Yoichi Wada. "By combining our sophisticated community management skills with SOE's great content, we believe EverQuest II will have a tremendous impact on the online gaming community."
The game will launch early next year in the region.
