Square Enix is set to concentrate once more on creating core JRPG titles following the surprise success of 3DS title Bravely Default

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“ When we developed console games with a worldwide premise, we lost our focus.

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Company president Yosuke Matsuda spoke to Nikkei Trendy (translated by Siliconera ) to acknowledge the company had "lost its focus" in the past, and was now planning to rectify this. Matsuda admitted that this was necessary in light of the fact numerous titles had lower than expected sales figures "If you focus too much on the global aspect, you might lose sight of who you're actually making the game for," Matsuda said. "For example, if you look back at 2013, we've had some home console games made for a global audience that struggled." starting with the new Hitman title in development for PS4 and Xbox One . Matsuda explained pressure to appeal to the mass market caused serious problems with Hitman: Absolution's development."The development team for Hitman: Absolution really struggled in this regard," he said. "They implemented a vast amount of 'elements for the mass' instead of for the core fans, as a way to try getting as many new players possible."It was a strategy to gain mass appeal. However, what makes the Hitman series good is its appeal to core gamers, and many fans felt the lack of focus in that regard, which ended up making it struggle in sales."So, as for the AAA titles we're currently developing for series, we basically want to go back to their roots and focus on the core audience, while working hard on content that can have fans say things like 'this is the Hitman we know'. I believe that is the best way for our development studios to display their strengths."In the past," Matsuda continued, "when we developed console games with a worldwide premise, we lost our focus, and not only did they end up being games that weren't for the Japanese, but they ended up being incomplete titles that weren't even fit for a global audience."On the other hand, there are games like the JRPG we made for the Japanese audience with the proper elements, Bravely Default, which ended up selling well all around the world."The last year has seen a period of major transition for Square Enix, beginning with changes in philosophy and reshuffles . Since then, the company has slowly been gaining traction, with Final Fantasy XIV's successful relaunch expected to return the company to profit by the end of the financial year.Square Enix is currently developing new titles in the Final Fantasy, Deus Ex, Hitman and Tomb Raider series.

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK News Editor. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on Twitter