Square-Enix Seeks Tecmo Takeover
As much as I love RPGs, I realize that here in the states they are still a fairly niche market. So what's a developer like Square-Enix to do if it wants to improve its American market share? How about a little friendly takeover of a developer that has captured a more mainstream American audience. Enter Tecmo, a developer with its own fair share of troubles in need of a financial sugar daddy, and with its excessive violence and patented "jiggle physics" that keep the American frat boy audience clamoring for more, it seems like just the merger to give Square-Enix that little American boost it needs. And so today Square-Enix will begin outlining its plans for the friendly takeover of Tecmo.
Square-Enix President Yoichi Wada said regarding the takeover:
"In entertainment, games are the equal of the film and television industry, and growth is strong. But, now the Japanese game industry isn't leading with the same vigor that it did previously... This is a worldwide battle."
Square-Enix has proposed to buy Tecmo stock at a 30 percent premium, and has given the Tecmo Board of Directors until September 4th to make their decision. The downside for Tecmo is that if it agrees to the takeover it will fall under the Square-Enix umbrella and possibly lose the Tecmo brand name. But at the same time, Tecmo could use the support, so losing a brand name might not be so bad compared to losing their jobs.
In one sense, the match seems to fit fairly well. Both Square-Enix and Tecmo are known for some of the highest quality CG graphics in games today, so their technological philosophies are in sync. However, Square-Enix is known for its RPGs and focus on story, whereas Tecmo is known for Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive, both of which put plot aside as an afterthought, if at all. It does look to be a very good financial move for both companies though, and maybe Square-Enix can use Tecmo's fighting game prowess to make a Final Fantasy brawler to put those horrible memories of Ehrgeiz away for good.
Square-Enix Plans to Takeover Tecmo [Kotaku]
Square-Enix President Discusses "Friendly" Tecmo Takeover [Kotaku]
NaviFairy
Posted to Video Games on 28 August 2008
Other stuff like this: square-enix, tecmo
Name: Dave