Final Fantasy 14 still keeping Square Enix afloat amid declining financial results

[Lauront]

According to the article, the figures are comparing net sales now to the year prior (two years in the graph) for the same time period (hence, year on year.) Is it surprising that the figures for the quarter in question would be elevated after one of their competitors shot themselves in the foot and subsequent to that, an expansion releasing, in the YoY it relates to? Especially with the pausing of sales, meaning you have further new starters with active subs as they work to max level and beyond.

Note:

Square Enix states that "paying subscribers for Final Fantasy 14 rose YoY"

= they rose within that period measured relative to the prior year.

What it does not mean: subscriptions continue to grow. It may well be the case but the two statements aren't equivalent.

AFAIK, the better sourced claims on decline relate to more recent metrics (i.e. the July LB survey and post 6.1 steam figures), and so you'd expect those to show in later quarters - said claims also tend to relate to its ability to retain customers longer term rather than its ability to attract new customers, a topic about which you can consult the breakdown of the July (and prior April) LB surveys.

Two posts means blowing up now? Wow, used to take at least five or six before the hyperbole storm hit.

She probably means reddit - there was a big thread on it.