How to pitch a video game to Square Enix

In its own words

“In order to avoid any potential disputes or misunderstandings, Square Enix and its employees do not accept unsolicited creative works or ideas.”

What you agree to by sending something

“Square Enix may use or redistribute the Material (including any ideas therein) for any purpose whatsoever, commercial or otherwise, without any restriction, and without any compensation to you or any third party.”

What it has bought from outside

1. 2005

   Taito (Space Invaders, Bubble Bobble) from its shareholders

   “In September 2005, Square Enix bought the gaming developer and publisher Taito, renowned for their arcade hits such as Space Invaders and the Bubble Bobble series; Taito's home and portable console games divisions were merged into Square Enix itself by March 2010.…” en.wikipedia.org

2. 2009

   Eidos (Tomb Raider, Deus Ex) from its shareholders £84.3 million

   “In February 2009, Square Enix reached an agreement to purchase Eidos plc for £84.3 million, pending shareholder approval,…” en.wikipedia.org

Other companies that take a video game

• 

  Microsoft XboxHas a submission portalXbox publishes independent developers’ games through ID@Xbox, with support and resources to launch them.

• 

  NintendoHas a submission portalNintendo does not accept game or product ideas it did not ask for.

• 

  Sony Interactive (PlayStation)Has a submission portalPlayStation invites game developers and publishers to register at partners.playstation.net.

• 

  ValveHas a submission portalValve does not accept or consider game or character ideas it did not request, and anything sent anyway becomes its property.
• Devolver DigitalHas a submission portalDevolver takes game pitches at pitch.devolverdigital.com, now for games releasing in 2028 or later.

• 

  Activision BlizzardDoes not take outside ideasBlizzard refuses to accept or look at any submissions or ideas it did not ask for, including expansions, novels and screenplays.

• 

  Electronic ArtsDoes not take outside ideasElectronic Arts does not accept product ideas, game concepts or music it did not ask for, and returns or deletes any it receives.

• 

  UbisoftDoes not take outside ideasUbisoft’s policy bars the company and its staff from accepting or considering ideas it did not ask for.

All of them, open doors first