Square Enix controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
War of the Visions discloses violations of Japan lottery laws
Issue disclosure
Square Enix issued a statement apologizing for violations of Japan's lottery laws in the Japanese client of War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. The statement explained where and when the violations occurred and provided compensation to affected players.
Company response
Apology — Square Enix
Square Enix released a statement apologizing for violations that occurred in War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, according to Japan’s lottery laws.
Refund or compensation — Square Enix
It distributed compensation to players who rolled on the banners affected by the issue.
Source excerpt
Square Enix released a statement apologizing for violations that occurred in War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, according to Japan’s lottery laws.
This is exclusive to the Japanese client of the game.
The official statement reveals that most of the possible combination of rewards from these pulls were never offered.
2020
Square Enix apologizes for Marvel’s Avengers post
Company response
Square Enix apologized after its Marvel’s Avengers account posted content that readers criticized as insensitive amid demonstrations supporting Black Lives Matter. The company acknowledged that the timing of the post was inappropriate, and the account removed the tweet. The incident is noted as a controversy involving the brand’s social media communication during a period of protest.
Company response
Apology — Square Enix
"We apologise for being insensitive."
Source excerpt
In the context of all this, the Avengers tweet seemingly defending a defaced monument of a patriotic hero - complete with law enforcement drones - could be seen as insensitive to current social issues, and judging by the dozens of replies saying "read the room", many felt it was tone deaf.
Eventually, the Marvel's Avengers Twitter account removed the tweet and issued an apology.
"We apologise for being insensitive."
2009
Dispute surrounding the cancelled Fortress project
Developer Grin alleged that Square Enix had imposed difficult milestones and failed to make expected payments during work on a Final Fantasy spin-off code-named Fortress. The project was cancelled and Grin later entered bankruptcy. The allegations were reported publicly, but the available reference does not establish a judicial finding against Square Enix.
2001
Financial fallout from The Spirits Within
Square suffered substantial financial pressure after the underperformance of its first feature film, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. The setback contributed to discussions about a merger and led Sony to purchase a minority stake in Square.