【Warashi】Released Many Mahjong Games! Here's the Software Lineup of the Defunct Game Maker Warashi!

In a corner of Honmachi, Shibuya, Tokyo, there once stood a creative game company, Warashi Inc. Established on August 1, 1995, this company was founded by passionate former Athena staff to turn their dreams into reality. Its journey is a passionate story of growth from a small startup to a name etched in the industry.

At the time of its founding, Warashi was a relatively unknown entity in the industry. However, titles like Usagi: Yasei no Tōhai and Triggerheart Exelica gradually brought it into the spotlight. These two works, in the distinct genres of mahjong and shooting, captivated players and became the driving force behind Warashi's brand identity.

The production of mahjong games, heavily influenced by their Athena days, was one of Warashi's defining traits. Mahjong games like Akagi showcased meticulous game design and deep understanding of the genre by skilled staff. These works transcended mere entertainment, incorporating competitiveness and storytelling, becoming essential for mahjong fans.

Triggerheart Exelica was a shooting game highly praised for its innovation. The game featured an engaging difficulty level, stunning visuals, and unique game mechanics. Warashi's development expertise, primarily focused on Sega Saturn and PlayStation titles, was embodied in this game.

However, as the saying goes, “the brighter the light, the darker the shadow.” In recent years, staff departures and financial instability became apparent. In October 2011, the official website suddenly shut down, marking the gradual dissolution of the company as a corporate entity.

Interestingly, former Warashi staff went on to create the new masterpiece Janline at Rekome. This episode illustrates how Warashi's influence has been carried forward to later generations. The passion and creativity of its former staff flourished in new ventures.

The charm of Warashi Inc. lay not just in being a game development company, but in being a group of creators with deep love and ambition for games. In genres like mahjong and shooting, they exhibited pioneering quality and creativity. Even as their form changed over time, Warashi's passion for games and the legacy of its influenced staff remain firmly remembered within and beyond the industry.

The story of Warashi teaches us the truth that “games are created by people, and their spirit lives on.” One can't help but hope that their passionate spirit continues to thrive in some new form.