Square Enix Holdings CO., today announced a new technology service for high definition games in the browser called Core Online. Developed by Hapti.co studio, a wholly owned Square Enix Group subsidiary, Core Online allows users to easily play popular, console quality games on the web.
“Square Enix is at the forefront of experimentation of new business and services models in the game industry,” said Yoichi Wada, chief executive officer of Square Enix Holdings. “Through our Core Online technology service, users can access our content easily through the browser.”
Games on Core Online are made available via a combination of Google and Square Enix’s proprietary technology, which allows for support of Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Core Online is easy to use, allowing players to click on a level and start playing instantly, and giving them the ability to start from any part of the game they wish.
Aspects of the user experience such as saves and achievements are managed in the cloud, and can be accessed from the browser. In the future, Core Online services may be a feature of Square Enix’s global online services.
Also launched today is a new business model for Core Online, enabling free content supported by video advertising, similar to television advertising. Users can elect to skip advertisements by purchasing levels and entire games.
Titles available at launch include Hitman: Blood Money, from the famed Hitman franchise, and Mini Ninjas. Lara Croft and The Guardian of Light, the award-winning title announced in collaboration with Google at their Google IO event in June 2012, will launch at Core Online in October.
Also under development for Core Online is Tomb Raider: Under World, from the famed Tomb Raider series, and GyroMancer, the first title available on the service from Square Enix Japan. Further titles from Square Enix’s worldwide lineup of content are intended to be made available within the next year.
Official Websites: http://www.CoreOnline.com
