While Sega and Capcom have been looking to the West to expand their businesses for some time now, Square Enix has been a bit slower, but today the company took its first step towards its "goal of increasing western development efforts aimed for the global markets." The Japanese publisher has formed a "strategic partnership" with developer Gas Powered Games to publish the real-time strategy title Supreme Commander 2 (game details, platforms and a release date to be announced in the future).

"...the decision to form strategic partnerships with developers located outside of Japan serves as a new cornerstone of its strategy to create games targeted primarily at consumers in Europe and North America," the publisher noted. "Additionally, Square Enix Group's foray into the real-time strategy genre is a significant expansion of its product lineup, largely known for its leadership role in the genre of role-playing games."

"We see great opportunities in European and North American markets, both of which are expected to be maintaining sustainable growth over these coming years," said Yoichi Wada, president and representative director of Square Enix Co., Ltd. "Therefore, it is crucial we create alliances with proven developers such as Gas Powered Games in order to serve these significant markets better by providing products and services in tune with customer tastes."

"Gas Powered Games is an accomplished development house that has demonstrated its ability to successfully create and develop intellectual properties," said John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.. "We are extremely excited to begin working with Gas Powered Games' talented personnel and see this strategic partnership as a significant step in our efforts to bring Square Enix titles to a broader global audience."

Gas Powered was founded in 1998 by industry veteran Chris Taylor, known for his work on Dungeon Siege, Total Annihilation and others. "It is truly a great honor to join forces with as renowned a developer and publisher as Square Enix, Inc." said Taylor. "Everyone at Gas Powered Games is thrilled about this collaboration, and the results will surely delight video game fans around the world."