# Square Enix Montréal

> Canadian video game developer

**Wikidata**: [Q24877463](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q24877463)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_Enix_Montreal)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/square-enix-montreal

## Summary
Square Enix Montréal was a Canadian video game developer based in Montreal, founded in 2011 as a subsidiary of Square Enix. The studio was known for developing mobile games, particularly in the Hitman and Tomb Raider franchises, before being acquired by Embracer Group in 2022 and subsequently closed in November 2022.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 2011 as a subsidiary of Square Enix
- Based in Montreal, Canada
- Employed approximately 40 people as of 2016
- Specialized in mobile game development
- Acquired by Embracer Group on August 26, 2022
- Closed on November 1, 2022
- Known for developing mobile games in the Hitman and Tomb Raider franchises
- Had a Twitter presence with over 19,000 followers
- Operated under the name "Onoma" from October 2022 until closure

## FAQs
### Q: What happened to Square Enix Montréal?
A: Square Enix Montréal was acquired by Embracer Group in August 2022 and was subsequently closed on November 1, 2022, along with a QA team.

### Q: What games did Square Enix Montréal develop?
A: The studio was known for developing mobile games, particularly in the Hitman and Tomb Raider franchises, though specific titles are not listed in the provided source material.

### Q: When was Square Enix Montréal founded?
A: Square Enix Montréal was founded in 2011 as a subsidiary of Square Enix.

## Why It Matters
Square Enix Montréal represented Square Enix's strategic expansion into mobile gaming, demonstrating the industry's shift toward mobile platforms. As a Canadian subsidiary of a major Japanese gaming company, it exemplified the global nature of the video game industry and the importance of regional development studios. The studio's closure in 2022, following its acquisition by Embracer Group, reflects the ongoing consolidation and restructuring within the gaming industry, particularly regarding mobile game development strategies.

## Notable For
- Being Square Enix's Canadian mobile game development arm
- Developing mobile titles for major franchises like Hitman and Tomb Raider
- Operating as a subsidiary of both Square Enix and later Embracer Group
- Having a significant social media presence with over 19,000 Twitter followers
- Being part of the industry consolidation trend with its 2022 acquisition and closure

## Body
### Founding and Ownership
Square Enix Montréal was established in 2011 as a subsidiary of Square Enix, the Japanese video game developer and publisher. The studio operated as part of Square Enix's global development network, focusing on mobile game development.

### Location and Operations
The studio was headquartered in Montreal, Canada, employing approximately 40 people as of 2016. Montreal has become a significant hub for video game development in North America, making it a strategic location for Square Enix's mobile gaming operations.

### Social Media Presence
The studio maintained an active Twitter presence under the handle @squareenixmtl, which had over 19,000 followers as of early 2023. The account was verified and operated from November 2011 until the studio's closure.

### Corporate Changes
In August 2022, Square Enix Montréal was acquired by Embracer Group, a Swedish video game holding company. Following the acquisition, the studio operated under the name "Onoma" from October 2022. However, this rebranding was short-lived as the studio was closed on November 1, 2022, along with a QA team.

### Industry Context
The studio's closure reflects broader trends in the video game industry, particularly regarding mobile game development and corporate consolidation. The acquisition by Embracer Group and subsequent closure demonstrates the volatility of specialized mobile game studios within larger corporate structures.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/embracer-closing-former-square-enix-montreal-studio-and-qa-team)