The innovative studio that brought the synthespians of FINAL FANTASY to life, is planning to close up shop. Pressure from parent company Square Co., Ltd. of Tokyo is forcing Honolulu-based Square USA into closure, if they cannot find investors between now and March 31, 2002. Square Co. ceased funding of the studio in September, and although Square USA attempted to find partners in major U.S. studios, they have not been able to procure outside funding. Although the studio hopes an investor will appear in the 11th hour, a March 31st shut down seems inevitable. The studio employs approximately 125 people, many of whom will likely have to relocate for work, as Square is the only major studio of its kind in Hawaii. Square USA will complete its current project, a 10-minute segment of computer animation for the MATRIX sequel, prior to closing.
