【Vic Tokai】Specializing in Famicom and Mega Drive! The Game Maker That Became Today's TOKAI Communications!

Have you ever heard of Vic Tokai? If you're not deeply familiar with the game industry, it may not ring a bell. However, it’s a fascinating and unique game maker you should definitely know about. Vic Tokai’s history began in 1977 as “Yaizu Cable Vision Co., Ltd.,” and the company changed its name the following year. From there, Vic Tokai’s journey has been filled with surprises.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Vic Tokai primarily focused on developing arcade games for Sega and creating games for home consoles. However, in 1998, they abruptly exited the gaming industry and shifted their focus to cable television services, primarily in Shizuoka Prefecture. Later on, they expanded into various telecommunications sectors, including the internet service provider “@TCOM” and the MVNO business “LIBMO.” This flexible business transition was like a sudden fireworks display—completely unexpected!

One thing that can't be overlooked when talking about Vic Tokai is their “quirkiness.” For better or worse, they released a number of games and peripherals that became the stuff of legend. To some hardcore gamers, these titles have a cult-like allure. With unique ideas and experimental game designs that often made people wonder, “Why was this even released?”, Vic Tokai’s creations remain the subject of conversation even today.

Though Vic Tokai once exited the gaming business, they returned to game development in 2010. This time, they focused on mobile games, particularly social games for platforms like Mobage. This move marked a bold and characteristic return to the gaming world, albeit in a different form from their previous console games.

Vic Tokai also once collaborated with “Sanseibu,” a company that ran arcades and karaoke centers. Unfortunately, Sanseibu went bankrupt in 2022, but part of their development efforts was carried on by “Keys Factory.” Furthermore, in 2011, Vic Tokai merged with the LP gas company “TOKAI,” creating the joint holding company “TOKAI Communications” through a stock transfer, focusing on further expanding their telecommunications business.

Looking back at Vic Tokai’s history, it becomes clear that their charm lies in “surprise” and “bold challenges.” From transitioning out of game development to telecommunications, and then returning to the gaming world, their path may seem disjointed at first glance. However, their spirit of continual innovation and new challenges has always been alive and well. That's why Vic Tokai is still a company you can’t take your eyes off of!

Why not take a journey through Vic Tokai’s unique history and discover its charm for yourself?