Square’s franchise-pimping “new business model”: Updated!

Update: So, the guys over at PlayStation Universe didn’t cite a source for this story, which was wise, because it turns out that it’s bogus. Seeing as how I along with the guys at Joystiq, Siliconera, and EvilAvatar were not really able to decipher the moon language on Square-Enix’s Japanese Web site, the story was posted damn near everywhere. Chris Kohler put the pieces together — namely, older Digg stories with similarly-worded verbiage — and traced the “story” back to its source: an unfunny fake news report from an unfunny fake gaming news site.

The good news is that there’s no indication — no valid indication, anyway — that Square-Enix is about to jump the shark in any official capacity. Square-Enix, however, is still churning out sequels and spinoffs by the truckload, just sans mission statement. Sort of funny that something this silly could be made so believable by Square-Enix’s development habits as of late, ain’t it?

Apologies all ’round for kicking up a ruckus based PSU’s false claim, and big ups to Kohler for exposing our mass delusion. My original write-up which, while false, is still very entertaining in its own little way, can be read after the jump. 

Guys, I’ve got some bad news. Turns out that the franchise-spewing womb that is Square-Enix has decided to make its recent antics a little more official. PlayStation Universe is reporting that the monolithic company has updated its website with what they’re calling the new business model, one that revolves primarily around remakes of and sequels to existing titles. This means more ports to more platforms, more updates of old classics and a renewed hope for the oft-rumored Final Fantasy VII remake on the PlayStation 3.

Essentially, this news only serves to solidify what many have already come to suspect: original IP isn’t exactly a high priority for Square-Enix. For those of you happy with the company’s recent antics, rejoice: nothing’s going to change. And to the rest of you a bit disappointed in the lack of original creative vision within the once-infallible giant, it’s going to get worse before it gets better. Y’know, if it ever gets better.

There are two ways this can play out. The first and less desirable option is the development and publication of no less than 4 more Final Fantasy 7 spinoffs in the next two years. The second, of course, is Chrono Break. Put on your prayer hats, people.