Hello! Today, we’ll be diving into “DOG” (Disk Original Group), a brand that stood out in Japan’s gaming industry during the 1980s. Some of you might recognize this name. DOG made its mark during the era of the Famicom Disk System by creating numerous innovative projects that left a lasting impact on gaming history. Let’s explore its background and appeal in detail!

DOG began in 1986 when seven companies, primarily focused on PC game development at the time, came together under the initiative of Square to establish the brand. The purpose of this collaboration was to develop software for the Family Computer Disk System. Interestingly, most of the companies participating in DOG had not yet entered the Famicom market, making this a fresh challenge that leveraged their experience in the PC game market.

In this project, the seven companies divided responsibilities for development and intellectual property management, while Square handled sales and distribution. Notably, Square’s name was credited only on titles it directly developed. For other titles, the names of the respective development companies were listed, which was another unique feature of DOG.

Most titles under the DOG brand were newly developed original works. Among them, the biggest success was the “Deep Dungeon” series by HummingBird Soft. This dungeon-crawling RPG incorporated elements of roguelike games and became so popular that it spawned a series. It was later ported back to PC and garnered enduring support among gaming fans.

Additionally, DOG released titles adapted from PC games, such as “Apple Town Story” (Square) and “Moonball Magic” (System Sacom). These works were reborn for the Famicom Disk System with improved graphics and modifications, giving them new appeal.

The DOG project attracted considerable attention for a time, but by around 1988, the Disk System itself was losing prominence in the market. This was due to advancements in technology, such as larger ROM cartridge capacities and the adoption of battery backup functions. These developments gradually diminished the convenience of the Disk System, leading to the natural dissolution of the DOG project.

Many of the games produced by DOG are now difficult to obtain, but their pioneering spirit and the innovation of bringing PC gaming expertise to home consoles remain accomplishments worth remembering.

Although DOG’s activities lasted only a few short years, their impact on the gaming industry was significant. For example, the new possibilities for RPGs demonstrated by “Deep Dungeon” and the attempt to localize PC games for home consoles influenced subsequent game development.

Furthermore, this project spearheaded by Square also served as a foundation for Square’s later success in the Famicom market. While the name DOG has disappeared, its spirit and challenges live on in various forms in modern gaming.

DOG was a brand that symbolized challenge and innovation in the gaming industry. Their approach of creating new experiences while keeping an eye on the technology and market trends of the time continues to inspire modern creators.

If you’re interested in retro games or the Disk System era, be sure to look into the works created by DOG. They are filled with timeless charm even today!