Square Enix confirmed in November 2025 that it was cutting jobs in North America and Europe, but it did not disclose a total. Game Developer, citing IGN, reported that well over 100 employees were expected to be affected. That figure is an estimate, not a company-confirmed final headcount.
How many Square Enix jobs were cut?
The company did not publish a number for the November 2025 layoffs. Game Developer’s November 7 report, citing IGN, said well over 100 people would be affected. The reporting does not verify the final number of employees who ultimately left.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE - PlayStation 5 | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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FINAL FANTASY I-VI Collection Anniversary Edition - 2024 (NSW) | $45.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE | $32.45 | Buy on Amazon |
Square Enix told IGN the restructuring was intended “to strengthen our development structure and to drive a globally integrated marketing strategy.” It described the decision as difficult and said it would provide departing employees with support. These are the company’s stated reasons and commitments, not independent evidence of the eventual effects of the reorganization. Game Developer’s report carries the company statement and the estimate attributed to IGN.
Where were the layoffs, and what work was affected?
The confirmed geography was North America and Europe. Reports also referred to cuts in US and UK offices, but did not provide a complete country-by-country breakdown or a count by location. The broader restructuring covered overseas operations, including publishing and studio development organization; the available reporting does not establish a detailed list of affected teams or roles.
#1 Best Overall
- Cinematic pixel art - What if FINAL FANTASY had continued to push the limits of pixel art? The first FINAL FANTASY to join the HD‑2D lineup, FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE delivers a visually striking experience that feels both nostalgic and new, enhanced by dynamic camera angles and pixelized 3D models that make every moment more dramatic and immersive.
- A return to the familiar - A classic RPG adventure unfolds in a world filled with beloved FINAL FANTASY elements—airships, crystals, espers and moogles woven into the fabric of the story, and so much more.
- Strategic turn-based battles - Exploit enemy weaknesses to stagger them—breaking their defenses to seize extra turns and gain the upper hand with powerful Resonance attacks in cinematic battles shaped by smart choices.
- FINAL FANTASY legends - Bolster your team with Visions, echoes of beloved FINAL FANTASY characters, who fight alongside you with unique skills and abilities for deep party customization.
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How did the layoffs fit Square Enix’s wider reorganization?
Square Enix’s wider business-plan effort described a fundamental restructuring of overseas publishing and a review of its overseas studio development organization. The reported direction included closing overseas development studios, consolidating development functions in Japan, integrating management of intellectual property previously overseen by overseas studios, and reviewing development support and personnel allocation across the group. The stated objective was to strengthen global publishing capabilities and improve operational efficiency.
Game Developer reported an annual cost-savings target exceeding 3 billion yen, which it rendered as about $19.5 million at the time. The yen figure and dollar conversion describe the reported plan, not independently verified savings already achieved. Game Developer’s coverage of the savings target provides that context.
Rank #2
- The games that inspired a generation come to life once more, in the ultimate 2D pixel remaster!
- These games are newly developed remaster editions based on the original titles. Some of the changes and additional elements found in other remakes of these games are not included.
- The Anniversary Edition includes a pixel character sticker sheet.
- Universally updated 2D pixel graphics, including the iconic FINAL FANTASY character designs created by Kazuko Shibuya, the original artist and current collaborator.
- Beautifully rearranged soundtrack in a faithful FINAL FANTASY style, overseen by original composer Nobuo Uematsu.
Were the layoffs caused by Square Enix’s AI plans?
The available reporting does not establish that AI caused the job cuts. Around the same period, Square Enix described a goal to automate 70% of QA and debugging tasks in game development by the end of 2027, using generative AI. That was a future target, not a reported achievement, and temporal proximity to the layoffs does not prove a connection. Coverage of the target described work involving Square Enix engineers and the University of Tokyo’s Matsuo Laboratory. GamesRadar+’s report on the automation goal discusses the target.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does this compare with Square Enix’s 2024 restructuring?
Square Enix had announced a separate restructuring affecting its US and European offices in 2024. PC Gamer reported that the number of affected employees was unspecified and that the company had discussed structural reforms to those offices. The 2024 episode is distinct from the November 2025 cuts; the figures should not be combined. PC Gamer’s 2024 report covers the earlier announcement.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Immerse yourself in the city of Midgar like never before, with improved textures, lighting, and background environments
- Players can switch between two game modes: "Graphics Mode" prioritizes 4K high-resolution graphics; "Performance Mode" prioritizes smooth action at 60 frames per second
- Capture and share your memorable moments from the game with a fully customizable “Photo Mode”
- Players can enjoy immersive battles by using the DualSense PlayStation 5 controller with its haptic feedback integration
- Play the brand-new episode featuring Yuffie and experience new combat and gameplay additions
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