Square Enix Faces Financial Setback as Life is Strange: Double Exposure Fails to Meet Sales Expectations

The recent developments surrounding Life is Strange: Double Exposure have raised concerns for Square Enix. Even though the title garnered positive feedback from both gamers and critics alike, its commercial performance fell significantly short of the company's expectations. Recent quarterly reports indicate that Double Exposure is viewed as a substantial financial setback, which raises questions regarding the potential for subsequent installments teased at the end of the game.

There is anticipation building regarding the rise of Japanese intellectual properties on a global scale. This growth is likely to be spearheaded by companies like Bandai Namco and Sony Group, renowned for their anime creations, along with Square Enix Holdings. In contrast, while Square Enix HD achieved considerable success with Dragon Quest III: And into the Legend..., selling over 2 million copies, the disappointing sales of Life is Strange: Double Exposure have greatly impacted their overall financial health. The third first quarter of the financial year concluding in March 2025 reflected a decline in operating profit compared to the previous year. On a different note, Final Fantasy XVI, which launched in June 2023, reportedly reached over 3.5 million copies sold, according to the statements from Square Enix HD's President during a recent financial briefing.

This scenario appears quite paradoxical. Life is Strange has historically stood as one of Square Enix's most cherished franchises in Western markets, primarily due to its distinctive narrative approach. Yet, the choices made in crafting Double Exposure seem to have missed the mark with its audience, even even though it extended the initial concept storyline featuring the beloved character Max Caulfield.

What are your thoughts on Double Exposure? Do you consider it a miscalculation for the series?