Japanese publishing giant Square Enix saw a 27.6 per cent increase in net sales for the 12 months ending March 31st, 2021.

The firm reportedly brought in ¥332 billion ($3 billion) in net sales in total, with the company's digital entertainment – aka regular video games – division clocking in ¥263 billion ($2.4 billion) for the 2020/21 financial year.

That's a 40 per cent increase year-on-year, apparently due to the performance of Final Fantasy VII Remake and Marvel's Avengers, as well as digital sales of back catalog titles. Operating income for digital entertainment saw a 43 per cent increase, landing at ¥50 billion ($456 million) for the year.

Over on the MMO side of things, Square Enix saw a decline in net sales for the likes of Final Fantasy XIV and Dragon Quest X, but has reported "solid" recurring revenue.

Seeing Marvel's Avengers cited as a reason for strong net sales for the financial year is somewhat surprising given that the game did not meet the company's expectations. In November, Square Enix reported a $62.7 million loss in operating income due to the title, with the publisher saying that the game's huge marketing campaign for its launch in September 2020 was partly to blame for this.

Developer Crystal Dynamics has continued to release new content for the game, which might have inspired confidence in the title from consumers.

In April, Square Enix shot down rumours that it was being eyed up as a target for acquisition.