Square Enix could be investing in games as a service and esports
A recent job listing indicates that Square Enix could be planning a move towards games as a service and esports.
Square Enix recently posted a job opening for a Brand Manager in its London office. This is not particularly interesting in of itself, but certain details from the job summary point towards slightly more intriguing pastures.
"A new role has arisen, for a commercially minded digital and brand marketer to join the Brand team for a new GaaS [Games as a Service] IP, at Square Enix’s London office."
Not an especially subtle hint.
"The successful individual will have experience in the Games as a Service and eSports sectors, working alongside development, marketing and communication teams to drive outstanding user acquisition, retention and monetisation campaign strategies," the summary continues.
Although the game is specifically listed as using a games as a service model, it's unlikely esports are mentioned for no reason - especially because the term crops up again further down the job page, with one of the key duties being described as:
"Build out best-practice planning to promote the eSports ambitions for the title and engage through all levels of the playing community to grow this side of the business."
Finally, the listing mentions that a desirable candidate would ideally possess an "active involvement in eSport successes and a deep understanding of this area of the games industry."
Interestingly, Square Enix posted a job opening for a Senior GaaS Manager just three weeks ago - although that opening is specifically tied to an upcoming Western game, whereas the Brand Manager gig mentioned above reports to the SEJ West team, meaning that it's a Japanese game.
In related news, Rogue One writer Gary Whitta is leading the writing department for Square Enix's Project Athia. Meanwhile, Dragon's Dogma gameplay lead Ryota Suzuki is currently working on a new action game.