【Bullet-Proof Software】 A Game Developer Once Known as BPS! What Kind of Company Was Bullet-Proof Software, Whose Expertise Has Been Passed on to The Tetris Company?

Have you ever heard of the name “Bullet-Proof Software, Inc.” (BPS)? Perhaps not many people are familiar with it.However, this company is actually the legendary game developer known for handling “Tetris”.Today, let's explore its fascinating history and appeal together.

BPS was established in 1983 in Yokohama City.Its founder was Henk B. Rogers, and the name “Bullet-Proof Software” carries the meaning of “bulletproof,” symbolizing software that can withstand anything.Additionally, the name also implied the concept of “perfect software.”True to its name, BPS began with the goal of providing a perfect gaming experience.

BPS's most iconic work is undoubtedly “Tetris”.A major achievement of Henk Rogers and BPS was delivering this Russian puzzle game to gamers around the world.Rogers acquired the rights to Tetris and partnered with Nintendo to release the Game Boy version of “Tetris”.This became a massive hit, and Tetris remains a beloved classic to this day.

There are a few interesting anecdotes about the founding of BPS.Rogers initially planned to release Japan's first hit RPG, “The Black Onyx”, through Koei (now Koei Tecmo Holdings), but on the recommendation of Koei’s president, he teamed up with his college friend Conrad Ryuya Ozawa to found BPS.Although Ozawa was not a development partner but rather a supporter, this collaboration between friends was a key factor in BPS's establishment.

BPS worked on other unique titles in addition to “Tetris”, such as “Hatris” and the early entries of the “Shutokou Battle” series.“Hatris” was a puzzle game themed around hats, captivating some fans with its quirky concept.The “Shutokou Battle” series was a realistic racing game set on Japan's metropolitan expressways, which was later developed into a popular series by a company called Genki.

In 2001, BPS announced its dissolution, ceasing operations on February 28th of that year and officially dissolving on March 31st.Afterwards, the intellectual property rights to BPS's software were transferred to several companies.The Tetris series (those published by BPS) was transferred to “The Tetris Company,” founded by Rogers, the Shutokou Battle series to its developer Genki, and other titles were transferred to “Blue Planet Software.”

The appeal of BPS lies in its originality and spirit of challenge.While delivering the global hit “Tetris”, it constantly sought new gaming experiences and continued to create innovative titles.This attitude was, in essence, truly “bulletproof”.Its history of persisting through challenges and passionately focusing on game development still remains in the hearts of many gamers today.

Although the BPS story has ended, its spirit continues to serve as a source of inspiration for all game developers aiming for the “perfect gaming experience.”