Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

Square Enix Reaffirms Turn-Based Combat—but Announces No New Games

Square Enix says it will continue emphasizing turn-based combat, but its shareholder-meeting response did not announce a new game or promise a return to command-style combat for Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Square Enix says it intends to keep developing turn-based combat, but it has not announced a new game or said that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 changed its plans. The distinction matters: shareholders asked about future turn-based games and requested command-style Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy titles, while the company’s published response reaffirmed the combat format in general.

What Square Enix actually said

In its summary of the June 25, 2025 annual shareholders’ meeting, Square Enix described turn-based combat as a format appreciated worldwide and said it intended to continue developing it carefully. The chairperson also called command-type combat a key system rooted in the company’s history and said Square Enix would continue to emphasize it. Square Enix Holdings’ meeting summary, published July 4, 2025, does not identify a game, set a schedule, or say that Expedition 33 prompted a change in strategy.

The meeting summary records two related but distinct shareholder prompts. One asked whether Square Enix was considering many future games with combat similar to Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. Another requested new Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy games as command-type RPGs. Those questions and requests are not project confirmations. The response reaffirmed the format generally and said the company would take comments into account; it did not promise that either franchise would use that combat system in a future installment.

Square Enix says the English document is a reference translation and that the Japanese original prevails if the two differ. It is a published summary, not the legally mandated meeting minutes. The company also cautioned that misleading accounts of comments at the meeting had circulated, making the summary the primary source for its published account.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Unstable Games Casting Shadows Board Game - Fantasy Strategy Game
  • Fast-Paced Strategy Board Game: Engage in 30-60 minute turn-based gameplay with this 2‐4 players Casting Shadows board game, great for competitive and strategic fun for teens and adults ages 12 and up.
  • Transformable Character Mechanics: Collect spells and companions while mastering shadow form transformations for unique gameplay and strategic depth each session.
  • Designed for Immersive Play: Features illustrated tiles, character cards, and custom resource dice that enhance the world-building and make each playthrough visually engaging.
  • Highly Giftable Fantasy Game: A fun choice for birthdays, holidays, or gatherings with friends, ideal for players who enjoy strategic battles, magical themes, and tabletop adventures.
  • Expand Your Game Collection: Discover new abilities and gameplay paths with the Ice Storm and Molten Rock expansions for even more magical battles.

How Expedition 33 fits the turn-based conversation

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 combines turn-based choices with real-time reactions. Players choose actions and plan their strategies, then must dodge, jump, or parry during enemy attacks. Its combat also uses timing-based attack rhythms and lets players aim at enemy weak points. Calling it “reactive turn-based” captures the blend better than describing it as either a menu-only RPG or a purely real-time action game.

Sandfall Interactive founder and creative director Guillaume Broche called it “The battle system is what we call reactive turn-based.” In a separate interview, he said, “We didn’t want the game to just be a pretty face”. The developer has also described distinct character playstyles, Pictos that evolve into passive Lumina abilities, and difficulty settings that adjust the timing windows for parries and dodges. These design choices help explain why the game is part of discussion about turn-based combat without making it a conventional example of the format.

Rank #2
Unstable Games Twisted Cryptids Base Card Game
  • Cryptid-Themed Strategy Card Game: Experience a light strategy game for 2-4 players featuring cryptid characters, action cards, and skill-based play that adapts to your group's pace and style.
  • Take-That Mechanics: Outwit opponents in just 60 minutes using hidden trait cards, Cryptid meeples, and take-that mechanics. A great addition to your collection of strategy board games with dynamic, competitive gameplay.
  • High-Quality Components: Includes Cryptid meeples, tarot-sized cards, and durable action cards designed for immersive mind games. The box art features spooky lenticular packaging that looks great on your gaming shelf.
  • Board Game for Adults, Teens, and Families: A fun card play for family game night, Halloween, or casual gatherings. Its light strategy mechanics fit well alongside party board games and family games for kids and adults.
  • Expand Your Game Collection: Grow your lineup of card games with expansion packs like Cryptid Culture, Ness is More, and Yeti or Not. Explore cryptid-themed collectibles including vinyl blind boxes, reversible plushies, and card sleeves.

Broche named Final Fantasy, the Tales series, Lost Odyssey, and Persona among Sandfall’s JRPG inspirations. He also cited action games including Souls, Devil May Cry, and NieR as influences on bringing timing and enemy-reading into a turn-based setting.

What the sales milestones establish

The game’s commercial success helps explain why shareholders might bring it up, but the reported figures are dated milestones, not a current lifetime total. SEGA’s announcements attribute the figures to publisher Kepler Interactive:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Steve Jackson Games Proteus - Strategy Game for 2 Players, Ages 14+
  • In Proteus, two players duel across a regular chessboard – but their chessmen are six-sided dice.
  • The piece that each die represents is determined by the symbol on top. And each die can be turned.
  • So the bishop that just took your rook could be transformed into a knight next turn
  • Players gain points by capturing their opponent’s dice. The player who captures the most pieces will not necessarily be the winner; it depends on the value of the captured pieces.
  • New Pocket Box format; back in print after 20 years!
Milestone Counting basis Source
3.3 million copies in 33 days Package and digital copies across platforms, as of May 26, 2025; excludes Game Pass. SEGA, May 28, 2025
5 million copies worldwide Package and digital copies across platforms, as of October 8, 2025; excludes Game Pass. SEGA, October 9, 2025

The later announcement supersedes the earlier one as the most recent milestone listed here; neither figure should be presented as a live total beyond its stated date. SEGA lists PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. The physical package described in SEGA’s Japanese-market announcement is for PS5 only; platform availability does not mean a physical edition exists for every platform or market.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why the headline needs a qualification

Automaton West reported on June 26, 2025 that headlines claiming Square Enix planned more turn-based RPGs overstated the meeting response. Its account says the shareholder’s request referenced Expedition 33’s success and that Square Enix acknowledged awareness of the game. That is secondary reporting; the official meeting summary supports the narrower conclusion that Square Enix reaffirmed turn-based and command-type combat without announcing a specific project or attributing a strategy change to Expedition 33.

Rank #4
Brotherwise Games Dungeon Kart, Fast-Paced Racing Adventure, Strategic Racing, Family-Friendly Fun, Board Game, for 2 to 8 Players and Ages 10+
  • Boss Monster Racing: Dive into Dungeon Kart for turn-based tactical thrills in the Boss Monster universe!
  • Spell-Slinging Action: Wield powerful Spells to boost yourself or disrupt rivals on the track.
  • Strategic Speed: Balance speed and caution to avoid hazards and outmaneuver opponents.
  • Unique Dashboards: Customize your racing experience with specialized dashboards for each Boss.
  • Race to Victory: Show your rivals who's boss by crossing the finish line first with skill and a dash of luck!

So the supported takeaway is a general expression of intent, not a slate of confirmed turn-based releases. The meeting offers no title, release window, or franchise-specific commitment to compare.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 3
Steve Jackson Games Proteus - Strategy Game for 2 Players, Ages 14+
Steve Jackson Games Proteus - Strategy Game for 2 Players, Ages 14+
So the bishop that just took your rook could be transformed into a knight next turn; New Pocket Box format; back in print after 20 years!
$27.95
Bestseller No. 4
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Risk Board Game, Strategy Games for 2-5 Players, Strategy Board Games for Teens, Adults, and Family, War Games, Ages 10 and Up
  • Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
  • Includes gameboard, armies with 4 Infantry, 12 Cavalry, and 8 Artillery each, deck of 56 Risk cards, 1 card box, 5 dice, 5 cardboard war crates, and game guide.
  • PLAY USING ALEXA SKILL: Players have the option of playing this Risk game using Alexa. (Alexa device sold separately. ) Note: sound comes from paired Echo device.
  • DRAGON TOKEN: This Risk game includes a dragon token. Players must destroy the dragon before it destroys their troops. A lucky roll can subdue the dragon and get it out of a player's territory

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How To Create Custom Stickers & Shoutouts In Monster Hunter WildsMonster Hunter WildsBlog20min
  2. How to Get XL Gogoat in Pokemon Legends Z-A (An Extra-Large Gogoat)Pokemon Legends Z-ABlog20min
  3. How to Get Rotting Lightbringer in Diablo 4Diablo 4Blog17min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.