【YUKE'S】Expanding into Wrestling-Related Businesses! Here is the Lineup and History of YUKE'S, Continually Releasing New Games!

Have you ever heard the name YUKE'S in the gaming industry?This company, headquartered in Sakai City, Osaka, Japan, has actually produced many great titles.This time, we'll introduce the unique features and appeal of YUKE'S in a conversational format.

When it comes to YUKE'S, the first thing that comes to mind is its position as a pioneer in wrestling games.Starting with the “Toukon Retsuden” series, it has captured the hearts of wrestling game fans.Notably, with realistic character expression using polygons, it brilliantly recreates the excitement of ring action.This provided a new experience for enjoying wrestling matches at home.

Not limited to wrestling games, YUKE'S has also been involved in the development and collaboration of works like “Earth Defense Force: World Brothers” and “Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles.”Its development capabilities that transcend genres and its approach to meeting the diverse needs of action games reflect YUKE'S creative perspective and flexibility.

Their passion for wrestling doesn’t stop at game development alone.YUKE'S has also put effort into releasing wrestling DVDs and even served as the parent company of New Japan Pro-Wrestling at one point.Because they are active in both the wrestling and gaming worlds, they can bring the excitement of the ring directly into their games.

YUKE'S founder Yukinori Taniguchi, who was involved in developing “Puyo Puyo,” founded the company in 1993 out of a passionate desire to “express humans using polygons.”Later, Norifumi Hara, who was also involved in the development of Tetris, joined, and the fusion of their passions led to the creation of the first polygon wrestling game, “New Japan Pro-Wrestling: Toukon Retsuden.”Their foresight, aimed at the future of gaming, laid the foundation for YUKE'S.

A major factor contributing to YUKE'S growth was its partnership with THQ.When localizing “Exciting Pro Wrestling,” they secured a favorable contract that allowed all sales in Japan to go to YUKE'S.This enabled them to bring popular international wrestling games to the Japanese market while establishing a domestic foothold.

Surprisingly, YUKE'S is also passionate about motorsports.They competed in the D1 Grand Prix as “Team YUKE'S” and released an official game for PlayStation 2.Additionally, President Taniguchi himself has the driving skills to compete in races like Suzuka and Super Taikyu.Such activities deepen the meaning behind YUKE'S slogan, “FUTURE MEDIA CREATORS.”

After making the financially troubled New Japan Pro-Wrestling a subsidiary, YUKE'S held the “Wrestle Kingdom” event at the Tokyo Dome in 2007.This event name was derived from a game title created by YUKE'S.Only YUKE'S, standing at the intersection of the gaming and wrestling worlds, could achieve such a collaboration.

Throughout its history, YUKE'S has achieved numerous innovations through wrestling games and actively challenged other genres.Their creative spirit and enthusiasm will continue to bring new entertainment in the future.Game and wrestling fans alike can't help but look forward to the new challenges YUKE'S will take on!

How was it? Did you get a sense of YUKE'S charm, even a little?Let's keep an eye on them in the future.