Square Enix announced today that it has formed a “strategic partnership” with developer Gas Powered Games to aid in development and publishing efforts for Supreme Commander 2, the follow-up to 2007’s hit real-time strategy title. The first installment was published by THQ.

The decision to publish Supreme Command falls in line with the company’s renewed strategy to ramp up Western-based development efforts in order to gain a stronger hold on the global market. It also marks a significant departure from Square Enix’s stable of titles, which consist mainly of the RPG genre.

“We see great opportunities in European and North American markets, both of which are expected to be maintaining sustainable growth over these coming years,” said Yoichi Wada, president and representative director of Square Enix Co., Ltd. “Therefore, it is crucial we create alliances with proven developers such as Gas Powered Games in order to serve these significant markets better by providing products and services in tune with customer tastes.”

Further details on Supreme Commander 2, such as platform specifics and a gameplay features, are expected to be announced at a later date.

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