2022's video game release calendar makes one thing clear: Square Enix never rests. The company has tons of huge projects releasing this year; Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin will give Final Fantasy fans a new look at the franchise, while Triangle Strategy will add a new strategy game to the Square Enix library. What's more, Square Enix and Luminous Productions are nearly done with a bold new action RPG called Forspoken. Even in Square Enix's diverse library, Forspoken is unique thanks to its focus on magic and its use of the isekai genre, so the game's impending release is something to be excited about.
Considering how distinct Forspoken is, it's a little surprising that Square Enix hasn't made more noise around the game in the last few months. While fans got more glimpses at Forspoken in December, there hasn't been much advertising for the game in early 2022 so far, even though these are the final months before the game's release in May. Square Enix and Luminous Productions ought to change that policy and give Forspoken as much attention as it can. As a new IP, Forspoken needs as much public support from its creators as possible, especially when early 2022 is packed with explosive game releases.
2022's Early Video Game Successes
Video game releases have been rocky in the last few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but things are looking up for the game industry in 2022. Elden Ring has just released to universal acclaim, marking another major success for From Software. Game Freak and Nintendo also just released the innovative Pokemon Legends: Arceus, while Guerrilla Games' long-awaited Horizon: Forbidden West came out shortly before Elden Ring. These games have dominated gaming discourse in the first few months of 2022, and since they're still very new, they're bound to retain the industry's attention for some time.
That creates a major need for Square Enix to invest in Forspoken advertising. The game has made its name known through flashy gameplay reveals in 2021, but in order to generate more launch sales, Forspoken needs lots of publicity in these final months before its release. Without a strong marketing campaign from Square Enix, Forspoken could struggle to pull fans away from hype for Elden Ring and its peers, as well as other major games releasing in the next few months, like Nintendo's broad roster of new Switch titles. Forspoken has to raise its voice, or it risks being lost in the crowd.
Forspoken's Launch is Crucial
The need for more Forspoken publicity doesn't just have to do with 2022's other major games. It's also important that Forspoken gets the best launch that it possibly can for the sake of its own future. Forspoken's unique concept, setting, and combat have the makings of a lucrative new Square Enix franchise, but if the RPG is going to have a future, it needs a strong launch first. Even if Forspoken gets good reviews, Square Enix might not be interested in ordering a sequel if Forspoken doesn't sell well. Quality is always crucial to driving game sales, but publicity is too. Forspoken needs much more visibility than it has now.
It's possible that Square Enix is waiting until late March or April to put Forspoken in the public eye, but the sooner it starts advertising aggressively, the better. Forspoken will likely do better if it spends multiple months gathering new fans, rather than waiting until the final weeks before release to make a publicity push. Hopefully Square Enix has a marketing plan in mind that it simply hasn't rolled out yet. Between its stunning looks and explosive spellcraft, Forspoken definitely deserves the company's total support. After all, the more Square Enix invests in Forspoken now, the more it's bound to get out of the IP later.
Forspoken releases May 24, 2022 for PC and PS5.
