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Square Enix Files Trademark For The World Ends With You In Japan

By Spencer . December 20, 2011 . 1:03pm

While digging through Japanese trademark database, we stumbled upon a trademark for the The World Ends With You recently filed by Square Enix in Japan.

The Shibuya-based Nintendo DS game is known as Subarashiki Kono Sekai (or It’s a Wonderful World, translated into English) in Japan. A quick search shows Square Enix registered two trademarks for that title (one with an English equivalent) back in 2006.

Since Square Enix already reserved the rights for The World Ends With You in the West back in 2007 and Subarashiki Kono Sekai in 2006, we’re curious why Square Enix Japan filed this trademark two months ago. We tried asking Neku Sakuraba, but he shrugged his shoulders and said, “I don’t get people. Never have, never will.”

James Beatty
Square already said that they were working on a new TWEWY game, or at least strongly hinted towards it in an interview talking about Neku’s appearance in KH 3D. I would love a sequel, it’s one of my top game of all time and i would love to see where they take the series. I’m thinking cell shaded visuals using the KH 3D engine would suite it nicely. :)
http://tristsantithesis.tumblr.com/ Tsunayoshi Sawada
Hopefully its a multiplatform title. I would be curious to see how they would devise it to work on both Vita and 3DS, imagine the possibilities.
Oh and the music, bring back all the musical talent please, I need more Calling and Twister.

James Beatty
It seems more likely that it’s going to stay on the 3DS because the whole point of the game was the dual screen gameplay.

http://tristsantithesis.tumblr.com/ Tsunayoshi Sawada
Third party companies making exclusive titles for platforms :( my creys.
Vita can have dual gameplay it has front and back touch panels.

Shadow_Raskolnik
What Beatty is trying to bring across to you is that the game thrived using dual screens which is something the PSVita doesn’t have. So unless SE does some drastic changes to the game it is unlikely that a future TWEWY sequel will be multiplatform.

http://tristsantithesis.tumblr.com/ Tsunayoshi Sawada
I dont see why one would rule it out, surely a company could think of how to get it to work on both platforms. I also do not think it is written in stone that the game would have be obligated to using the exact same system as the first entry, gameplay elements change between sequels…
James Beatty
But to change the way the game is meant to be played just for the sake of putting it on another platform doesn’t seem right. It just sounds like you guys don’t want it to be on the 3DS. If it where to be on both platforms it wouldn’t make it any better. If you actually want the game, just get it and the platform it’s released for. I did the same with KH BBS and the PSP.
http://tristsantithesis.tumblr.com/ Tsunayoshi Sawada
@google-813eeb877e3afcbf4a9402dd1a2d8c4f:disqus How exactly? There have been ports of DS to PSP games before that through ingenuity still worked as they did on DS (Knights in the Nightmare, for one). Why should a third party company limit their title to just one platform?
James Beatty
In a way i understand what you are getting at, but the way the game was origianly made, it took full advantage of all the DS’s capabilities. It used the dual screens, the bottom touch screen, the buttons, the mic, etc. So, to make the game work on both the 3DS and the vita they would need to take a lot of things away from it. The finished product would basically be KH without disney characters since the touchscreens aren’t the same and they can’t be used in the same way and that would be a damn shame to make one of the best games i have played into something less special just so it can be on multiple platforms.
Testsubject909
I wouldn’t say the game thrived on using dual screen.
For the most part people, as far as I’ve seen, tend to just mash one side or the other as the top part of the battle becomes an after thought. It really is just a gimmick.
What really drove the game forward was the touch based control for your MC. THAT was what made the game truly fun.
Tell me, if they ditched the top screen and focused instead on making the touch battle all the more intense, rewarding, interesting, dynamic and entertaining.Would you REALLY miss that upper screen? They could introduce dual attack, combo attacks, tagging in and out and many other things by compressing it in one screen.
Joanna
I don’t know about others, but I found trying to manage both screens in the heat of a really tough boss battle fun (especially trying to get enough stars for the ultimate link attacks/ Fusion attacks). :P So yeah, the dual screen battles were a big part of the charm for me. I would be really disappointed if SE dropped that in the sequel. Pin evolution was the other and of course the characters.

http://myanimelist.net/profile/Kuronoa Kuronoa
Hmm… I like the idea, but let’s think for a moment.
The first alternated between buttons and touch, this proposed Vita version with two touch control methods… what direction do you want them to take? Horizontal splitscreen or the two characters share a screen?
It can work, but then what about the 3DS side? It may feel like two different games.

http://tristsantithesis.tumblr.com/ Tsunayoshi Sawada
Even better, then Square Enix can get people to buy it twice while delivering a different experience on both systems, pleasing fans on either platform.
I think it would be interesting to see how they do and the ingenuity in devising a game like that.
James Beatty
I don’t think it would work that way. They would be making basically two different games and they won’t sell as well as two different games because they have the same name. Also, i’m pretty sure that the majority of the fans of the series will have a 3DS since the DS was the console it originated on so “pleasing the fans on either platform” really doesn’t matter in this occasion.
Solomon_Kano
Like @google-813eeb877e3afcbf4a9402dd1a2d8c4f:disqus said, that really wouldn’t be pleasing “fans on either platform.” With the series starting on DS, it’s unlikely that a large segment of that fanbase will have opted for a Vita.
Supposing they somehow did, it’d likely be counteractive to try to appeal to them by getting rid of the original’s gameplay hook.
http://tristsantithesis.tumblr.com/ Tsunayoshi Sawada
@google-813eeb877e3afcbf4a9402dd1a2d8c4f:disqus @Solomon_Kano:disqus I dont think Square Enix works that way, if they did then how did a Kingdom Hearts title end up on the PSP….I highly doubt they would stick with 3DS just for the sake of “most of the people had a DS and thus have bought a 3DS,” rather they just develop for the platform they want the game for and thats it.
Really I dont see why people want it to stick to 3DS so much, surely it wouldnt lose its charm by being on two systems, did DS give the game charm, or did the game itself spawn charm. Thus the game itself can be charming regardless of platform.
Solomon_Kano
Poor example Sawada, KH didn’t have to change its gameplay when it changed platforms. TWEWY’s gameplay is entirely dependent upon 2 screens. Name a Square Enix game where they’ve completely changed how it played just to put it on another platform.
It’s not about losing its “charm”, it’s about it not making sense. The characters, world, music, yea, of course all of that would be equally charming on another platform. We’re talking about the game’s gameplay not working on another platform.
And I’m able to say this as someone who doesn’t even own a 3DS. I have no particular attachment to the series or platform, but I can recognize that that change wouldn’t make sense.
http://tristsantithesis.tumblr.com/ Tsunayoshi Sawada
@Solomon_Kano:disqus But Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories is different gameplay style than the PS2 ones and the PSP ones and the 358/2 Days and Re:Doded?

James Beatty
I understand a game like KH being multiplat, but this game seems to belong more on the DS series because that was what made it stand out.

http://myanimelist.net/profile/Kuronoa Kuronoa
I dunno if this is the right series for multiplatform.
The problem is that the gameplay was a perfect fit for DS, which Vita won’t be able to accomplish with same results without changing the battle system (or turning your Vita sideways to play).
3DS also has a problem with the 3D effects, as it looks weird to give the 3D effects to the partner and not the main character side…
People here won’t like it but I also have an idea for Wii U version to have one character on the TV and the other on the controller. PS3/Vita connection can pull it off too (but more expensive since you need both platforms).

Testsubject909
considering that controller is basically an HD screen on itself and the equivalent of an ipad.
What makes you think the Wii U won’t be equally as expensive? Isn’t it why they made the Wii U’s screen controller optional?

James Beatty
The wii u with wii u controller will cost approx 250(minumum)-400(maximum) the vita/ps3 combo will cost you approx 550(minumum)

Solomon_Kano
Actually, the minimum would be 500 (the PS3 did get a $50 cut not too long ago). Still, your point stands. I don’t see Nintendo putting the Wii U over $400 after already deciding to take a hit with the 3DS’ price cut, so it’ll definitely be cheaper.
James Beatty
Well, technically both the ps3 and vita are $250 each, but the vita needs a memory card to function and the cheapest one is $30 so ~$550 because of tax and difference in pricing in different places.
Solomon_Kano
True, but if we’re including tax then we can’t even say a minimum since different areas have different taxes.
Joanna
Actually even if the Wii U was more expensive, it’s just a bad move all around to expect your audience to buy two gaming systems, so I don’t see anyone ever going that route, but well, perhaps maybe Sony since they would stand the gain from it. (Or really any gaming console maker- technically Nintendo did do something like that with Four Swords/Four Swords Adventure).

http://twitter.com/FaithlessMr Bruno Silva
I would love a sequel, but I wouldn’t mind an updated 3DS port, given how rare the original was in Europe, I never got a chance to get it the first time around.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Utku-Savaş/571425196 Utku Savaş
Can it be done? Can the dreams come true? Can The World Ends With You 2 happening?
Herok
this could mean 2 things: legal stuff for KH or were getting a sequel. hopefully its the second one
http://www.ukanime.com abigsmurf
Kingdom Hearts 3D Final Mix with English language could be a reason for needing the trademark.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Utku-Savaş/571425196 Utku Savaş
Final Mix?
Gatchaman1
NOT HAPPENING

ishashobar
For the US at least. LOL 3DS region lock.

Joanna
Why did you come in here with your logic. You ruined my DREAMS! :(
Augh, now my expectations are super low. :(

evilkaz
thw world ends with you two!!!(or “too” which ever they decide). TWEWY Is hands down one of my top 3 rpg’s of all time. It had a great sense of style, great and memerable characters, and sounded amazing. I cant wait for it’s sequel! I just hope that the two reapers koki kariya and uzuki yashiro make an appearance again.
*head explodes from too much excitment*
Solomon_Kano
I’d say it’s most likely for KH3D. I can’t see another reason for why they’d re-trademark the original’s title.
http://www.youtube.com/B4ULoveShine Tim_at_where
Sounds like IP protection/trademark safety-netting to me, so that SE won’t have to deal with forced name changes.

Michael Vincent
This is also what I think. This might just be for IP protection. BUT…. who knows, it might be a sequel xD

PrinceHeir
probably a “Overclocked” version like Devil Survivor??

http://www.siliconera.com Jenni
I would be all over something like that in a heartbeat.
kylehyde
I hope not.
Don’t get me wrong, but even that I love this game so much, to the point that is easily for me the best DS game, I will prefer to play a sequel.

Gatchaman1
They probably saw the Tales of Innocence and Abyss remake/port and figured why not us too. In addition to recreating a stir of interest by putting the main character in the 3DS KH game.
So safe bet is saying this will happen as S-E is on dat milk wagon

Revorse
My guess, and probably a terrible one, is that a sequel or something might be coming. In Japan it’ll be called “The World Ends With You” while in America it’ll be called “It’s a Wonderful World” Just a goofy little guess of mine.

RablaAndrews
No, if they could of used ‘Its a Wonderful World’ in the English Versions they would have.
The reason its called ‘The World Ends With You’ is because that name and nearly every variation of it was already trademarked in America. So they had to make a new name.

Göran Isacson
Would I like it to be a sequel? Oh yes- but at the same time I wonder if the higher ups at Square is going to greenlight something like that until they see the reception of the TWEWY crew over at KH:3D. Renewing it since the TWEWY crew shows up in KH:3D sounds like the boring, but also safe and somewhat more likely option.
kylehyde
I not even sure if this means that a sequel or news about this game are on the way, but something is sure: “enjoy the moment folks”
http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/members/55321.html FinalArcadia
Maybe they are planning a sequel, and it’ll use the English title even in Japan? Kind of like how some of the Castlevania games (I believe Dawn of Sorrow) used “Castlevania” as the title in Japan.
It probably won’t, but I hope this amounts to something big. I hope everything points to a sequel SO MUCH.
MagDX
Please be a sequel…:)
http://nisemonokami.deviantart.com/ NiseKami
TWEWY is one of my few favorites. A sequel would make my life complete. Not for KH3DS plx. D:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Kamek20xxExtra?feature=mhee Michael Stevens
(Question!) Uh……I’m sorry, but I really don’t understand this. Can someone please explain what’s going on here? Like, what this all means? Dumb question, I know. -.-

http://www.facebook.com/people/Ivanir-Ignacchitti/100002728780712 Ivanir Ignacchitti
Nothing at the moment actually. xD
It just means what was said, that they filed that trademark recently.
It could be a hint for a new game, but it could be just them keeping the trademark “safe”, like Namdai does sometimes with “random” Tales names. xD

http://www.youtube.com/user/Kamek20xxExtra?feature=mhee Michael Stevens
…..oh. Okay then.

AnimeRemix
And the waiting continues with part 2 going into motion. SE getting the trademark for TWEWY again. Oh come on SE! You can do it! Just give us a sequel!
Saraneth
Now that I think about it, it would make sense if Square Enix put the TWEWY characters in KH: DDD to make TWEWY 2 sell better later.
AzureNova
I’d take another TWEWY. The first one was very very good. I hope they make a PS3 game for the series as well.

Solomon_Kano
A PS3 entry wouldn’t really work since having 2 screens is essential to its gameplay. A Wii U entry could be something special though.

AzureNova
While that is true, I meant as a Kingdom Hearts type game with gameplay such as that.

Solomon_Kano
Oh. I have to wonder if fans of the original would really go for that though. Having not played it myself this is pure conjecture, but I don’t see so many old fans being as interested in it after losing its gameplay hook.
I could be totally wrong (Squenix does tend to get good sales off of spin-offs regardless), but I’m just skeptical of how well that’d turn out. I’d certainly buy it, but that’s because I have no attachment to the original (beyond it’s music, which I’ve heard and love).
James Beatty
TWEWY with kh gameplay would just be KH without disney characters.

AzureNova
Lol, that’s not a BAD thing though.

ReevesSingleton
A sequel? I sure hope so. If my hopes are dashed, my tears will fall in the shape of Neku’s head.
evilmoogle
a remake for the 3ds.
it will be in threeeeeDeeeee!!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/snelkin Sarah Louise Nelkin
For Kingdom Hearts? For merchandise (you know, on those Kingdom Hearts figures they put the English titles a lot)? I doubt a sequel, sorry to say.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=512740433 Zubi Khan
remake for vita

James Beatty
Uh…why? Did you play the game originally? Don’t see how they could port the game or remake it for the vita.

Raiyu
Why not? Tales of Innocence got a remake on Vita. Doesn’t mean TWEWY can’t.

Suppa Man
Uh… once again, did you play the game? The battle system focuses on dual screens?

Raiyu
…and? That doesn’t change anything at all. That’s why we have a rear touch pad? And why the screen is big enough to have the partner on the same screen?
James Beatty
Yes it does. It’s the series’ “thing” or its “hook”. The back touchpad really doesn’t apply to this, and it really doesnt’ apply to almost anything.
RablaAndrews
Er, no. TWEWY needs two screens for its gameplay to work.
TWEWY was specifically built for the DS and it would not work on any other platform.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=512740433 Zubi Khan
i was joking, but if they did do it the rear touch might make up for it
i did play it

http://twitter.com/sakurairomemori Alphabet Soup
Sequel?! Please and thank you?
http://www.facebook.com/shawn.dickenson1 Shawn SomethingOtaku Dickenson
TWEWY 2 would be awesome on the 3DS or even a 3D remake
Go2hell66
Probably some legal stuff to do with kh3d. Don’t think we’ll see a new twewy for a while
Masengan
Doesn’t surprise me specially how much the characters show up on the latest KH trailer.
theworldofnoboundries
The World Ends With U….. Zweiiii bro.

James Beatty
The world ends wii u ;) (sounds close enough)

RablaAndrews
Wiith U

RablaAndrews
You know guys, instead of going “maybe maybe maybe maybe” you should just read this:
http://www.siliconera.com/2011/09/21/square-enix-are-doing-something-with-the-world-ends-with-you/

James Beatty
I’m pretty sure they are making a new one. They kind of set the last one up for a sequel. They said that the same type of contest was happening all around the world, so it should be easy to make new games in different locations to keep things fresh.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1451797538 Eric Heba
3DS remake OR sequel for DS/3DS will make me insanely happy.

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