【Ecole Software】Catapulted to Fame by Death Crimson! A Veteran Game Maker Since the 1990s! What Kind of Company is Ecole Software, Known for Action Games?

When you hear “game company,” you might think they've always been in entertainment, but Ecole Software's journey is a bit different. What they first worked on was actually CAD-related software. In other words, they were developing practical programs used in architecture and design. From that steady field, they suddenly jumped into the game industry in 1995. They took their first step with their debut game title, “Papparapao-n.” This was, so to speak, a quiet launch that caused ripples. And with their next title, those ripples turned into a big wave.

The game that made Ecole’s name widely known was the unexpected gun shooting game “Death Crimson.” For gamers in the late 1990s, few would be unfamiliar with this title. From its release, it became a talking point “in its own way,” gaining cult popularity with its uniquely unbalanced gameplay, voice acting, and production, delivering both laughter and surprise. It became legendary among game fans and beloved as a “meme game,” while also firmly establishing the name of Ecole as a company.

Ecole continued to release original and creative titles. “Musapey's Choco Marker,” known as a hidden gem among puzzle fans, features clever and intellectual mechanics behind its cute appearance. On the other hand, Ecole also stands out for its flexible approach to genres, including romance simulation games and LGBT-focused titles, appealing to a broad range of players. What supports this is their branding strategy. In addition to their main “Ecole” brand, they clearly separate genres with “Reindeer” for gal games and “Gizmo” for gay games—an interesting approach.

“MELTY BLOOD,” which began as a doujin (indie) game, gained attention for its completeness and deep worldbuilding. The arcade port of this title, “MELTY BLOOD Act Cadenza,” was handled by none other than Ecole. This port became a smash hit, marking Ecole’s first major success in the arcade market. With this, Ecole began shifting its focus toward full-fledged fighting games. Ecole’s evolution quietly transitioned from “outsider” to “mainstream.”

Since 2013, they have also been running a music school called “Vocal Classroom FUN.” Remarkably, this initiative was started not for profit, but from pure passion. Their dedication to education and music reveals another side of the company. Their ability to offer creative experiences in both digital and analog realms shows the depth of Ecole’s capabilities.

In Conclusion: Ever-changing—that’s Ecole From a lineup of unique titles and forward-thinking ideas to education initiatives unconcerned with profit. Ecole Software is always doing something unexpected—a quirky innovator, yet a company with solid core values. Ecole is not confined to games alone—it is a multi-faceted presence that moves people’s hearts in many ways.