Gree releases mobile RPG Dragon Realms worldwide
Japanese mobile publisher Gree has announced the global release of the company's newest RPG Dragon Realms for iOS and Android devices.
“So often we see mobile RPG titles that don’t require much strategic thinking," said Ken Chiu, Gree SVP for social games, "but in Dragon...
SQEX to release FF VI and DQ I-VIII for iOS/Android in 2013
Square Enix has confirmed that the mobile version of Final Fantasy VI will be joining previously released early FF titles on iOS and Android later this year.
"It is basically like a remake of the original VI," said Square Enix producer Takashi Tokita, commenting...
Ubitus announces cloud streaming PES 2014 for TVs in Korea
Taiwanese cloud streaming technology firm Ubitus has announced a partnership with Korean telecom LG Uplus and Japanese game publisher Konami to bring the popular Pro Evolution Soccer (Winning Eleven) franchise to set-top boxes and smart TVs in Korea.
The cloud gaming version of PES 2014,...
Square Enix to launch indie crowdfunding platform
Square Enix has announced Square Enix Collective, a partnership with crowdfunding site Indiegogo to support independent game developers.
New game concepts will be hosted on the platform to allow game designers and players to exchange feedback and suggestions, with Square Enix deciding whether to fund...
Gamevil acquires rival Com2uS and dev Nine Wheels
Korean mobile publisher Gamevil has followed up on their recent acquisition of domestic rival Com2uS with the purchase of mobile studio Nine Wheels and equity investments in developers Everple and DBROS.
Gamevil invested circa US$65 million for a majority (21 per cent) stake in competitor...
Harvest Moon sequel coming to 3DS in Japan
Marvelous AQL has announced the upcoming release of a new Harvest Moon game, Bokujo Monogatari: Tsunagari Shin Tenchi (Ranch Story: Connecting New Worlds), for Nintendo's 3DS in Japan next February.
Harvest Moon Producer Yoshifumi Hashimoto explained the significance of the sequel's title: "One meaning of...
Mobile game acquisitions and investments up in Asia
According to a new report from investment firm Digi-Capital, game acquisitions and investments are rising in Asia. Global game acquisitions totalled US$3.3 billion through the third quarter of 2013, with the largest deals by Chinese, Japanese or Korean investors. Game investment worldwide also rose...
SNK ends NeoGeo X production and sales licences worldwide
According to a notice posted online by SNK Playmore in Japan, the company has terminated global manufacture and distribution licenses for the NeoGeo X Gold Limited Edition games console and SNK NeoGeo X Arcade Stick, as well as Mega Pack Volume 1 and Classics...
Korea’s SK Telecom T1 wins LoL World Championship in LA
In culmination of months of competition around the globe, Korean favourites SK Telecom T1 defeated China's Royal Club in Los Angeles to take the League of Legends World Championship title and US$1 million prize pool.
League of Legends is developed and published by US studio...
Treasure aims for re-launch of Ikaruga via Steam
Japanese developer Treasure is working for a new release of the studio's Ikaruga title, an arcade-style shooter first launched in 2001.
According to a post on the company's website in Japan, the Treasure is looking to release a new version of the game on Steam...
Three Phase Interactive gets AU funding for Defect SDK
As part of a previously announced funding scheme to support Australian game developers, the government will help fund mobile game developer Three Phase Interactive's newest work-in-progress, Defect SDK.
The spacecraft creation and space exploration sim will be developed for Android and iOS devices, as well...
Industry vet Merceron joins Konami as global tech director
Japan's Konami Digital Entertainment has announced that Julien Merceron will join the company as worldwide technology director, and will be based at the company's European HQ in the UK.
"Julien is lauded in the industry for his leadership in game design and development," said...
China’s Forgame raises over US$200M in HK IPO
Following strong gains in Hong Kong listed technology stocks this year, leading Chinese web game developer Forgame's IPO in the territory has raised circa US$206 million, with the company's shares continuing to rise in early trading.
Forgame's HK listing attracted many small investors, with shares...
Gree initiates redundancy plan, shutters Osaka office
In continuing efforts to cut costs, Japanese mobile publisher and developer Gree has closed offices in Osaka and will shed circa 200 employees in a company-wide redundancy plan.
Following the layoffs, targeting 11 per cent of the company's global workforce, around 30 employees from Osaka...
Bethesda parent to establish AU publishing subsidiary
ZeniMax, the parent of US developer Bethesda, has announced the establishment of a publishing office in Sydney.
"The establishment of ZeniMax Australia underscores the importance of the growing Australian market as well as the company's continuing commitment to the Asia Pacific region," said the company...
Nintendo Wii manufacture to end in Japan
Confirming a message on Nintendo's Japanese website, a Nintendo spokesperson has reaffirmed that the company plans to discontinue production of Wii consoles for Japan.
"This specific message was referring to the Japanese market," a Nintendo representative is quoted as saying, "No specific time frame has...
Japanese dev Idea Factory expands overseas
Independent Japanese RPG game developer Idea Factory has established marketing operations in the US.
“Idea Factory International, Inc. intends to focus on providing general and overall information regarding Idea Factory properties to North American and European fans, as well as strengthen the Idea Factory brand...
Sega confirms US layoffs
Sega's US subsidiary has confirmed a small number of redundancies in North America.
“As the gaming industry continues to evolve, companies must adapt and adjust in order to compete and succeed in an ever-changing environment," said a Sega spokesperson. "As a result of this, Sega...
Ban to be lifted on game consoles in China
According to reports in the Chinese media in conjunction with the inauguration of the Shanghai Trial Free Trade Zone, the government will soon abolish a thirteen year old ban on the sales of game consoles in China.
Reports say that the government's State Council will...
MS and BesTV to develop game console for China
In anticipation of the lifting of a ban on gaming devices in China, Microsoft and China's BesTV New Media have announced plans to jointly develop a game console and streaming platform for the Chinese market.
"This is the first step of many to come for...
