【ASMIK ACE】Known in Japan as a Film Company! But Did You Know They Also Released Games? Here’s ASMIK ACE’s Game Lineup!

Let me ask you—have you ever heard the name “ASMIK ACE”? If you're a film buff, you might think, “Oh, that distribution company.” But actually, this company is more than just a film distributor. It’s a highly versatile entertainment company that was once deeply involved in the game industry too.

In this article, we’ll take a look at ASMIK ACE’s surprisingly interesting history and what makes them so compelling!

The roots of ASMIK ACE go back to 1981 with the founding of “Herald Ace.” Then in 1985, ASK, Sumitomo Corporation, and Kodansha teamed up to launch “ASMIK.” Pretty clever name, don’t you think? “As-mi-k,” haha.

In 1998, ASMIK (a subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation) merged with Kadokawa Shoten’s Ace Pictures. This gave birth to the newly formed “ASMIK ACE Entertainment.” At this point, they cemented their multi-talented role as a company that could handle both films and games.

Many people may be surprised to learn that ASMIK ACE was once a game company. In fact, they were the original creators of the “Dokapon” series, the infamous friendship-destroying chaos game! You know, the one that’s famous for ruining friendships during matches (lol).

In 2004, they transferred the rights to Dokapon to Sting, stepping back from game development, but their former energy in the industry was undeniable.

Also in 2004, they teamed up with Kadokawa Entertainment to acquire the Japanese distribution rights for DreamWorks, a major U.S. film studio. ASMIK ACE took charge of promotion and distribution, evolving into a company operating on the frontlines of the film industry.

Especially in acquiring foreign films, managing rights, and DVD sales, their behind-the-scenes strength is remarkable. They’re what you’d call an “unsung hero”—not always in the spotlight, but absolutely essential.

In the 2000s, there were frequent changes in shareholders, with capital shifts involving major players like Kadokawa Shoten, Sumitomo Corporation, and Kadokawa Pictures. Then in 2012, the company came under the umbrella of J:COM and merged with Jupiter Entertainment. This marked a fresh start under its current name, “ASMIK ACE, Inc.”

Despite the changes in ownership, what’s impressive is how their core mission of “delivering quality content” has never wavered.

More recently, they participated in the 2025 launch of the animation studio “ame pippin, Inc.” led by director Masaaki Yuasa. This clearly signals their intent to make a new move in the anime industry. Honestly, I’m super excited to see what kind of impact ASMIK ACE will have in the world of animation moving forward.

From games to films and now anime, ASMIK ACE continues to adapt flexibly to the tides of the times. At the heart of it all is their sincere commitment to delivering entertaining and high-quality creations.

They may not often take center stage, but ASMIK ACE has been a steady pillar supporting Japanese entertainment. As a fan, I can’t wait to see what kind of stories they’ll bring us next.