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Yuke's Targets PSN, XBLA, WiiWare

Kris Graft's picture

By Kris Graft

January 21, 2009

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Chicago-based Yuke's Company of America is adjusting for a digital world.

The company announced Wednesday the official launch of Akinai Games, a digital distribution-focused division that will create games for Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and WiiWare.

Yuke's is also considering creating games for PC and mobile platforms through Akinai.

The first Akinai Games-branded title will be the sharp-looking Evasive Space, a February 2009 release developed by High Voltage Software for WiiWare.

“We’re seeing a dramatic shift in the marketplace as online platforms emerge as a source for high-quality game content, instantly available to the consumers via direct download,” said Yuke's Company of America CEO Shane Takahashi.

"Yuke's is establishing Akinai Games to recognize the importance of online distribution platforms, and to focus on their growing significance to gamers."

Yuke's headquarters are in Osaka, Japan.

Jesse_Dylan_Watson's picture
On January 22nd Jesse_Dylan_Watson said:

We really need more Japanese influence in the West. Why has Japan been so absent this generation? I know the great, goofy B- and C-titles are out in Japan, and I know some of them are totally worth playing, but this is a generation obsessed with overbudget triple-A games, many of which are just not worth bothering with.

I miss you, Japan. I bought and loved Folklore and Valkyria Chronicles, even if no one else did.

I'd love it if Akinai/Yuke's could bring the Japanese charm back to gaming. Digital distribution seems like a great method to do so if they're willing to step out of the boundaries of dual-stick shooters, which I think (hope) we're all getting rather sick of.