Earlier this year in May, Embracer Group announced several new acquisitions from developer Square Enix. They purchased Crystal Dynamics, Eidos Montreal, and Square Enix Montreal. Today, Square Enix Montreal has revealed that it is rebranding itself under the name Onoma. According to the company, they went through 165 different names. One of the goals they wanted to accomplish was for the name to be easy to pronounce in both French and English. Talking about the name, the company said “The right brand story and identity have the power to strengthen relationships, both internally and externally. We selected Onoma as the brand that would support a wide range of uses, experiences, and narratives.”
Going into the story of Onoma, the company said “Onoma is Greek for name and names offer endless possibilities. Names breathe life into objects, persons, or concepts; bring them to the world – real or imagined. It is the start of a new experience, an invitation to go on a new journey. As game makers, we are CREATORS of new experiences, of new paths. Names shape identities. When we play we can be anyone, achieve anything, and go anywhere. As game makers, we are INVENTORS of new worlds, of new possibilities. Names are the beginning of stories – of our story as individuals and as a community. Stories are invitations to other worlds where the unknown, the impossible, and the magical become reality. As game makers, we are STORYTELLERS who always uncover a new story to tell and play. At Onoma, we are CREATORS, INVENTORS, AND STORYTELLERS, and the experiences and ideas that we bring to life connect us to each other and to players.”
Our strength has always been our ability to evolve and adapt to trends and market changes. Our rebrand as Studio Onoma is one more transformation that we are excited to take on,” the company said. “Our new brand identity will serve as an umbrella to multiple products, programs, and initiatives, each with distinct personalities. We have built the Onoma brand to be flexible to see us into the future, connect with multiple audiences, and not hinder us from expanding with the market.”