For Square, this new partnership marks a divergence of their current RPG offerings. The Gas Powered Games and Square Enix collaboration will start development of “SUPREME COMMANDER® 2, a sequel to the award-winning real-time strategy series.”

Reading the tealeaves, Square Enix is looking to increase awareness among gamers who typically pass-up RPGs to play a RTS. What does this mean for gamers? Will we be seeing mechwarrior chocobos?

[SquareEnix Via GameIndustry]

So now, what of this new partnership? Based on the longevity of the Final Fantasy series, Square Enix brings A LOT to the table in experience for this market. They have a formula, they have the talent, and they are flush with cash. With this partnership I see them testing the waters, branching out of their traditional RPG role. Square is collaborating with a proven U.S. developer “in tune with customer tastes.” One could argue that Dirge of Cerberus was a step in this direction; I would say a misstep would be more accurate.

CEO of Square Enix John Yamamoto admitted that RPGs will be the main focus for Square Enix, but left open the possibility for future NON-RPG titles. “As for the future, we evaluate partnerships based on the quality of the project, much more so than the genre, so it’s always possible that we’ll find a non-RPG game that we really want to collaborate on.” Read: They want to understand what works in an American market first before moving to their own original <gasp> new IP. This could lend itself to some really interesting elements, some cool hybrids of game play, possibly some chocobo mechwarriors.

As a side note/public service announcement, the gaming industry area is a buzz with the postings of multiple career opportunities for Square’s Los Angeles office. I think I may have to polish my own resume.

Original image courtesy of Droemar