Square Enix Restructures Western Operations as Layoffs Hit Multiple Divisions
- ⚡Xe⚡
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
As previously reported, Square Enix’s “Reboots and Awakens” initiative is reshaping how the company develops and manages its games. That restructuring has now reached its Western operations, with significant layoffs across nearly all departments in Europe and North America.
The changes are part of a broader overseas reform meant to make the company’s publishing and development structure leaner and more efficient. Teams in marketing, publishing, QA, and other support areas were among those affected. The London office alone reportedly saw around 140 staff placed at risk, showing the scale of the reorganization.
These measures follow last year’s staff reductions across Western branches, which the company has now admitted did not bring the expected results. This second round is meant to complete the overseas phase of its wider three-year transformation plan.
The timing of the layoffs has drawn attention since Square Enix announced them alongside plans to automate most QA and debugging work through generative AI within two years. Many fans see this as a worrying sign that human roles in testing and support are being replaced rather than restructured.
The overlap between job cuts and the company’s growing reliance on automation has raised wider concern about how far this shift could go. As Square Enix continues consolidating operations in Japan, the balance between cost efficiency and fair treatment of staff remains a key point of debate among fans.
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About Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX and TAITO branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix group of companies. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 204 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST, which has sold over 95 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at https://square-enix-games.com