Hello! Today, we’re going to dive deeper into DELiGHTWORKS, a company that has been garnering attention in Japan’s gaming industry. If you’re a gaming enthusiast, you may have heard of it before, but its unique journey and appeal might not be as well-known. Be sure to read this blog and enjoy exploring the depth of this fascinating company!

DELiGHTWORKS was founded in 2014 by Akihito Shoji. Some of you might find the name familiar. Shoji-san is a veteran who worked at Square Enix (then Square) for many years. He has over 15 years of experience on the frontlines of the industry, having served as a leader in quality assurance and helped launch the arcade gaming division.

Interestingly, DELiGHTWORKS started with just Shoji-san himself. However, his passion and initiative quickly attracted others, growing to 30 members by the end of 2014 and an impressive 380 members by 2018! It’s truly amazing how one person’s vision could expand into something so big.

When you hear the name DELiGHTWORKS, the first thing that comes to mind is undoubtedly the mobile game Fate/Grand Order (FGO). Released in 2015, this game was conceptualized and developed by DELiGHTWORKS. Published by Aniplex, the game has captivated fans worldwide with its deep storytelling, stunning character designs, and, most of all, its immersive world.

Following this success, in 2016, they released the music game “Band Yarouze!” Though the service was unfortunately discontinued, their willingness to tackle new genres demonstrates the innovative spirit that defines DELiGHTWORKS.

Another notable initiative by DELiGHTWORKS is their support for indie game development. In 2019, they launched the label “DELiGHTWORKS Indies,” supporting small-scale developers and bringing their projects to the market. The first release under this label was “Tiny Metal: Full Metal Rumble,” a Nintendo Switch title that gained attention for its highly strategic gameplay.

In this way, their efforts to create new value alongside small-scale creators, in addition to major projects, highlight that DELiGHTWORKS is not just a game developer but a “company that expands possibilities.”

Let’s not forget their foray into analog games. In 2018, they released “Fate/Grand Order Duel,” a board game based on FGO’s characters and story.

It offered the unique appeal of analog gaming, with its emphasis on communication and the tactile experience of moving pieces—something digital games can’t replicate.

In just a few years since its establishment, DELiGHTWORKS has achieved numerous milestones and continues to pursue new challenges. Their efforts to expand the scope of entertainment, not only through game development but also by venturing into new genres and supporting indie games, will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of the gaming industry.

Never content with past successes, DELiGHTWORKS is always striving for the next challenge. Fans can only grow more excited about what works they’ll create in the future.

With their mission to “Make the World More Enjoyable Through Games,” following their journey might broaden your perspective on the potential of gaming!