【KADOKAWA GAMES】A Defunct Game Developer! What Was KADOKAWA GAMES, a Subsidiary Focused on Gaming?

KADOKAWA GAMES was a company that left its mark on the gaming industry, and its uniqueness and bold approach are still remembered today. This article delves into the history and characteristics of KADOKAWA GAMES, highlighting its appeal.

KADOKAWA GAMES was established in 2009 to strengthen the overall gaming business of the KADOKAWA Group. Until then, KADOKAWA Group companies like KADOKAWA Shoten and Enterbrain had developed games independently, but they sought to unify these efforts to create a stronger system.

This strategic move streamlined coordination both within and outside the group, enhancing game production capabilities and fostering the creation of new markets. In particular, leveraging the KADOKAWA Group's strong content for game adaptations was a major attraction.

In 2016, KADOKAWA GAMES formed capital alliances with companies in China and Taiwan, actively pursuing overseas expansion. This move anticipated an era where cross-border collaboration was essential for game development and sales. At the core of this initiative was Yoshimi Yasuda, who was then the company president and head of development. Under his leadership, KADOKAWA GAMES aimed to enter overseas markets and pursued the global appeal of its games.

In 2022, a new chapter was added to the history of KADOKAWA GAMES. Yoshimi Yasuda, who had led the company for many years, along with director Satoshi Fuyuno, established a new company, “Dragami Games,” inheriting some of KADOKAWA GAMES' intellectual property. This move marked both a significant downsizing of KADOKAWA GAMES and a step toward opening a new future.

Popular titles like the “Metal Max” series were transferred to this new company, raising expectations for future developments in the gaming industry.

The “Metal Max” series, a flagship title of KADOKAWA GAMES, has continued to be loved by many fans. Later, the rights to this series were transferred to Cygames, where it has been carried forward in a new form. This has breathed new life into classic masterpieces, passing them on to the next generation.

KADOKAWA GAMES was liquidated and dissolved in March 2023. However, its history and pioneering spirit continue to influence the gaming industry even today. The gaming culture it established and its contributions to the market will be passed down as a legacy across generations.

KADOKAWA GAMES was not just another game company. Its innovative business model that leveraged the group's strengths, its bold challenges in overseas markets, and its commitment to offering unique gaming experiences like “Metal Max.” These elements defined its appeal and left a significant legacy in the gaming industry.

Even though its name has vanished, its spirit will live on in the creators of the future.