【Hacker International】The Underground Game Developer from the Dawn of the Gaming Era. A Must-See for Hardcore Gamers...! Here’s the Lineup of Hacker International Games!

Have you ever heard of the name Hacker International? This company had a unique presence in the gaming industry. As a game software developer that once existed, it defied conventional norms and continued to take on new challenges, which is why it’s still talked about today. Let's delve into the allure of Hacker International.

In those days, game developers needed a license to create games. However, Hacker International broke that rule and developed software for the Famicom without Nintendo's permission. The result was the creation of adult-oriented games like “Body Conquest” and “High Leg Fantasy.” These games were sold as “unlicensed software” without an official license, making them stand out with their unique presence.

Hacker International's game software stood out not only for its content but also for its shape. Unlike the usual rectangular ROM cartridges, their cartridges were trapezoidal. This distinctive design became a symbol of underground software, making it clearly different from other games on the market and enhancing its unique presence.

Hacker International didn't just create games; they also developed backup tools for the Famicom Disk System and modified Famicom consoles with rapid-fire capabilities. One of the most notable items was the modified console known as “Hacker Junior,” which even led to legal battles with Nintendo. Their challenges were always about breaking through existing rules.

After the Famicom era ended, Hacker International moved on to the PC Engine, releasing even more unlicensed software. Later, they transferred their gaming operations to Map Japan and officially entered the PlayStation market. At this point, they finally began developing games under official contracts, while continuing to release adult-oriented games for Windows.

In 2001, Hacker International released its final game and then vanished from the gaming industry. The company eventually dissolved. The founder, Akira Hagiwara, stated, “I want to finish up neatly while I no longer play games and move on to new things,” and as promised, he moved on to a new stage in his life.

Besides game production, Hacker International also published a microcomputer magazine called “Monthly Hacker.” This magazine was published by Nihon Bungeisha and was treated as a special issue of the “Weekly Manga Goraku.” Their wide-ranging activities beyond the gaming industry were another unique aspect of Hacker International’s charm.

Hacker International was an unconventional game company that consistently challenged norms. By creating games without Nintendo's license and sticking to their unique path, their approach remains etched in the hearts of many gaming fans even today. Looking back at their journey, it’s clear that their actions were always driven by a strong will to challenge the status quo.