Joint Venture Is Based in Costa Mesa

A Japanese software publisher and a Bay Area game company announced Monday they will launch a joint development venture based in Costa Mesa.

Square Company Ltd., the creators of the popular Final Fantasy computer game series, plans to release several new lines in the United States through its Orange County-based subsidiary, Square Soft Inc. Distribution of these and other titles will be handled by Electronic Arts, one of the world’s largest computer game companies.

The two game powerhouses will form Square Electronic Arts, LLC, to handle all future developments. The new venture, to be housed in the Square Soft offices, will allow both companies to expand into new markets, staff members said Monday.