Nexon joins LVP in EU seed fund
Tokyo-based publisher Nexon has joined London Venture Partners in a new seed fund focused on game companies in Europe.
“We believe that the European market represents significant untapped potential where we can apply our domain-specific strategic and operational expertise to help lead young game...
FF Explorers slated for JP in 2014
Square Enix has revealed that the Japanese publisher’s upcoming multiplayer RPG Final Fantasy Explorers will be released in Japan for Nintendo 3DS in the fourth quarter of this year.
Square Enix first revealed the new Final Fantasy game in June. Final Fantasy Explorers will utilise...
Line files for Tokyo IPO
Naver, Line's Korean parent company, has confirmed that the Japanese messaging platform has made a regulatory filing for an initial public offering in Tokyo.
The IPO would reportedly value Line at more than 1 trillion JPY (US$10 billion) and the service could eventually list on...
Tekken 7 dev details revealed
Bandai Namco has revealed that the next-generation sequel in the Japanese publisher's popular Tekken fighter series is in development using Epic Games' recently released Unreal Engine 4.
"The power and flexibility means that we can focus our efforts on making Tekken 7 the best possible...
NetEase to publish Diablo III in CN
Chinese Internet operator and online game publisher Netease is to release another popular Blizzard title in China, Diablo III.
“We’re very excited that with our effort, all five of Blizzard’s game series will be delivered to Chinese players,” said NetEase CEO William Ding. “We’ll continue...
Youkai Watch 2 tops 1.2M in JP
The recently launched Youkai Watch sequel has sold over 1.2 million units in Japan according to game media outlet Famitsu.
Youkai Watch 2: Founder and Youkai Watch 2: Head from Japanese developer Level-5 were released for Nintendo 3DS in Japan on 10 July.
In April Level-5...
PW to release God of Destiny in CN
Taiwan’s Wayi Entertainment has partnered with Chinese publisher Perfect World to distribute the company's popular MOBA God of Destiny in China.
God of Destiny's open beta release in China began on 19 June.
Wayi Entertainment is also planning an English version of the game...
JP release for Kirby mini-games
Nintendo has announced that two Kirby: Triple Deluxe mini-games for Nintendo 3DS will be released as standalone titles in Japan.
The multiplayer fighter Kirby Fighters Z and rhythm platformer DeDeDe’s Drum Dash will be available for download via Nintendo eShop in Japan on 23 July.
Kirby:...
EU 3DS gets Pokémon TCG
Nintendo has released the classic Nintendo Game Boy Color title Pokémon Trading Card Game for Nintendo 3DS via Nintendo eShop in Europe.
Pokémon Trading Card Game for Nintendo Game Boy Color was first released in Japan in 1998, and overseas in 2000. A Japan-exclusive sequel,...
NIS reveals 3 PS titles for overseas
NIS America announced plans to distribute several Japan-exclusive Sony PlayStation titles in North America and Europe next year.
Sony PlayStation Vita puzzle game The Firefly Diary will launch overseas later this year, and Criminal Girls: Invite Only for PS Vita will be released in North...
Nintendo dates SSB for 3DS in JP
Nintendo has announced that Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS will launch in Japan on 13 September.
Nintendo previously confirmed that Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS will be released Europe and North America on 3 October. The Wii U edition is slated for release...
Asia, mobile led 2013’s game M&As
Game analyst firm Digi-Capital reports that over US$12.5 billion in game company acquisitions were announced in 2013.
Mobile game company mergers led with US$4.6 billion in acquisitions, followed by MMO firms at US$4 billion, game technology companies with US$2.5 billion and US$1 billion in console...
KR FTC cracks down on app refunds
The Korea Fair Trade Commission has ordered Apple and Google to streamline iOS and Android "no refund" in-app purchase policies in the country.
The new rules will end automatic payments after app trial periods end and require user notification when in-app purchase terms and conditions...
Natural Doctrine EU/NA dated
NIS America has announced that the strategy RPG Natural Doctrine from the Tokyo-based studio of Kadokawa Shoten will be released in North America for Sony PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita on 16 September, with a European launch slated for 19 September.
The title...
Line shifting focus to NA market
Japanese mobile messaging platform Line has revealed plans to shift focus to casual games in North American market. This follows last year's push to expand the service in Latin America.
“We’re reprioritising our focus on the US market,” said Line's senior business development manager in...
Samsung VR system reportedly in dev
Korean electronics maker Samsung is reportedly finalising development of a virtual reality headset, Samsung Gear VR, in partnership with Oculus VR.
Samsung Gear VR is also reported to be officially revealed by the company at the IFA 2014 trade show in September.
The Samsung-Oculus VR...
Sega and Gumi in overseas partnership
Sega Networks and Japanese mobile game publisher Gumi have announced a partnership to distribute Sega's domestic smartphone titles overseas.
“Sega Networks provides some of the most enjoyable and well-known entertainment experiences to people throughout the world,” said Gumi CEO Hironao Kunimitsu. “We are privileged and...
Disney debuts GOTG beta in MY
Disney has confirmed that the mobile game spin-off for the company's upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy film has been given a limited beta release in Malaysia.
Guardians of the Galaxy: The Universal Weapon for iOS and Android devices is slated for worldwide F2P release later...
Guild Wars 2 hits 3.8M in CN
NCSoft has confirmed that the Korean online game publisher's popular MMORPG Guild Wars 2 has sold 3.8 million units in China since the title's debut in the country on 15 May.
As in Europe and North America, the Chinese version is purchase-to-play with no additional...
Bandai Namco to distribute Project CARS
Bandai Namco Games Europe has partnered with UK-based Slightly Mad Studios to distribute the developer's upcoming crowdfunded racing title Project CARS worldwide.
“With a portfolio of prestigious, popular, and iconic titles under their wing," said Slightly Mad Studios head Ian Bell in a statement, "Bandai...
