Square Enix Collective has a Japanese-language site for independent developers interested in funding, investment and publishing support. The localization covers the program's mission, services and application process rather than simply translating a landing-page headline.
The live page also corrects a key part of the story circulating around it: developers cannot currently send a pitch. A maintenance notice says the submission function is temporarily suspended and asks visitors to try again later. The English version carries the same warning and does not give a reopening date.
What developers need to prepare
Collective says it evaluates games across genres and from studios of different sizes. The program offers funding and publishing expertise alongside localization, quality assurance, marketing and distribution support. Its stated terms emphasize that developers retain creative control and receive revenue share from the first sale.
The Japanese page also describes the support as scalable to the project and studio, with access to Square Enix's network of global partners and major-market reach. Collective presents the relationship as a long-term publishing pathway rather than a one-off service package, while leaving the developer in control of the game's creative direction.
Before applying, a team needs both a pitch deck and a playable build. Square Enix says builds can be at any stage of development, with Steam keys recommended. The site divides the process into three steps: prepare those materials, complete the online form, and wait for the internal team to decide whether the project fits. That initial review can take two weeks or more depending on submission volume.
