Overview
- A progress report confirms a joint research project with the University of Tokyo’s Matsuo‑Iwasawa Laboratory and a stated goal to automate 70% of QA and debugging by the end of 2027.
- Square Enix told staff it is implementing a “fundamental restructuring” of its overseas publishing organization, with layoffs across Europe and North America and more in‑office requirements for remaining roles.
- Reports indicate around 137 employees in the London office were notified they are at risk under UK consultation rules, with additional reductions expected in the US across functions including IT, marketing, publishing, sales, QA and business planning.
- Investor materials describe plans to close some overseas studios, consolidate development functions in Japan, and integrate management of IP previously overseen by overseas teams.
- A company statement says the reorganization is intended to strengthen development and create a globally integrated marketing strategy, while industry figures have criticized the feasibility and workforce impact of heavy QA automation.