Arc System Works

Japanese video game developer

Arc System Works Co., Ltd.

Native name

| アークシステムワークス株式会社

Romanized name

| Āku Shisutemu Wākusu kabushiki gaisha
Company type| Kabushiki gaisha
Industry| Video games
Founded| May 12, 1988[1]
Founder| Minoru Kidooka
Headquarters|

Yokohama

Japan

Key people

* Minoru Kidooka[2]
* (President and CEO)
* Daisuke Ishiwatari[2]
* (Chief Creative Officer)
* Toshimichi Mori[2][3]
* (Chief Development Officer [2003 - 2022])

Products|

* BlazBlue series
* Double Dragon series
* Guilty Gear series
* Jake Hunter series
* Kunio-kun series
* Licensed:
* Dragon Ball FighterZ
* Persona 4 Arena (Ultimax)
* Granblue Fantasy Versus (Rising)

Revenue|  ¥680 million

Number of employees

| 233 (2024)[4]
Website| arcsystemworks.com

Arc System Works Co., Ltd. (アークシステムワークス株式会社, Āku Shisutemu Wākusu kabushiki gaisha), commonly referred to as ArcSys, is a Japanese video game developer and publisher located in Yokohama. Founded by Minoru Kidooka in 1988, the company is known for arcade 2D fighting game franchises, including Guilty Gear and BlazBlue, as well as other license-based fighting games for Dragon Ball FighterZ, Persona 4 Arena (Ultimax), Granblue Fantasy Versus (Rising), and others.

## History

[edit]

The company was founded in January 1988 and incorporated as Arc Co., Ltd. in May.[1] The company spent early years as a contract developer for Sega, Sammy, and Banpresto. It consisted at the time of around eight developers; most of whom had previously worked at Sega including founder Minoru Kidooka.[5] It was renamed Arc System Works in 1991.[6] In 1992 they developed a game for the Famicom called Pizza Pop!.[7] The company produced a series of Sailor Moon video games for publisher Angel including Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon S: Jōgai Rantō!? Shuyaku Sōdatsusen which was the first fighting game they produced.[8]

They published their first title in 1995 which was Exector for the PlayStation.[6]

On June 11, 2015, the company acquired all intellectual properties of Technōs Japan, such as Double Dragon and Kunio-kun, from Million Co., Ltd.[9] Even prior to its acquisition of Million's library, the company had been the publisher of Technōs' video games for Virtual Console in Japan.[10][11][12][13] Following the transaction, the company took the publishing duties from Aksys Games for Virtual Console releases in North America,[14][15] though some Technōs games were already published by Arc System Works.[16]

On February 6, 2017, the company acquired the rights to the Jake Hunter, Theresia, Nazo no Jikenbo, and Koneko no Ie series from publisher WorkJam.[17] On November 2, 2017, the company announced the establishment of a North American branch in Torrance, California, known as Arc System Works America, Inc.[18]

In July 2024, Arc System Works has opened its European branch at Paris, France.[19]

## Games developed

[edit]

Year  | Title  | Platform(s)  | Publisher

|
|
|

1988  | Final Lap | Family Computer | Namco
Double Dragon | Master System | Sega
1989  | Scramble Spirits | Master System  | Sega
Rolling Thunder | Family Computer  | Namco
Battle Out Run | Master System  | Sega
Vigilante | Master System  | Sega
1990  | Ghouls 'n Ghosts | Master System  | Sega
Michael Jackson's Moonwalker | Master System  | Sega
Code Name: Viper | Nintendo Entertainment System | Capcom
Chiyonofuji no Ōichō | Family Computer  | Face
Operation Wolf | PC Engine | NEC Avenue
Pengo | Game Gear | Sega
Super Monaco GP | Master System  | Sega
Hissatsu Shigotonin | Family Computer  | Banpresto
1991  | Battle Commander: Hachibushu Shura no Heihou | Super Famicom | Banpresto
1992  | Pizza Pop! | Family Computer  | Jaleco
Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger | Family Computer  | Bandai
Great Battle Cyber | Family Computer  | Banpresto
Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon | Game Boy | Angel
Cyber Spin | Super NES | Takara
Ayrton Senna's Super Monaco GP II | Master System  | Sega
1993  | Battletoads | Game Gear, Genesis | Sega
Suzuka 8 Hours | Super NES  | Namco
1994  | Gaia Saver | Super Famicom  | Banpresto
Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon | Mega Drive  | Bandai
Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon S: Jōgai Rantō!? Shuyaku Sōdatsusen | Super Famicom  | Angel
1995  | Exector | PlayStation |
Wizard's Harmony | PlayStation, Saturn  |
1997  | Wizard's Harmony 2 | PlayStation, Saturn  |
1998  | Guilty Gear | PlayStation, PSP, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch | Sammy Studios
Wizard's Harmony R | PlayStation  |
1999  | Prismaticallization | Dreamcast, PlayStation  |
Tanaka Torahiko no Uru Toraryuu Shogi | Dreamcast, PlayStation  |
2000  | Guilty Gear X | NAOMI, Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance, Windows  | Sammy Studios
Grappler Baki: Baki Saikyo Retsuden | PlayStation 2  | Tomy
2001  | Guilty Gear X Plus | PlayStation 2  | Sammy Studios
Digital Holmes | PlayStation 2  |
2002  | X: Unmei no Sentaku | PlayStation  | Namco
2003  | Guilty Gear X Ver.1.5 | Atomiswave | Sammy Studios
Guilty Gear X2 | NAOMI, PlayStation 2  | Sammy Studios
Guilty Gear X2#Reload | NAOMI, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Windows, PSP  | Sammy Studios
2004  | Guilty Gear Isuka | Atomiswave, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Windows  | Sammy Studios
Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors | Game Boy Advance  | Atari/Banpresto/Bandai
2005  | Fist of the North Star | Atomiswave, PlayStation 2  | Sega
Dragon Ball Z: Supersonic Warriors 2 | Nintendo DS | Atari/Banpresto/Bandai
Guilty Gear XX Slash | NAOMI, PlayStation 2, PSP  | Sammy Studios/SEGA
2006  | Guilty Gear XX Accent Core | NAOMI, PlayStation 2, Wii | Sammy Studios/Aksys Games (US)
2007  | Guilty Gear 2: Overture | Xbox 360, Windows  | Arc System Works/Aksys Games/505 Games
Battle Fantasia | Taito Type X2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows  | Arc System Works/Aksys Games/505 Games
Hoshigami Remix | Nintendo DS  | ASNetworks/Aksys Games/505 Games
2008  | Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus | PlayStation 2, PSP, Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3  | Sammy Studios/Arc System Works(Wii)
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger | Taito Type X2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows, PSP  | Arc System Works/Aksys Games/PQube/Zen United
Sengoku Basara X | System 246 / System 256, PlayStation 2  | Capcom
Super Dodgeball Brawlers | Nintendo DS  | Arc System Works/Aksys Games
Tantei Jinguji Saburo DS | Nintendo DS  | Arc System Works/WorkJam
Petit Copter | Wii[20] | Aqua System
Family Table Tennis | Wii  | Aksys Games
2009  | Diva Girls: Princess on Ice | Wii, DS  | 505 Games
Family Glide Hockey | Wii  | Aksys Games
Family Pirate Party | Wii  | Aksys Games
Family Mini Golf | Wii  | Aksys Games
Family Slot Car Racing | Wii  | Aksys Games
Family Card Games | Wii  | Aksys Games
Family Grand Tennis | Wii  | Aksys Games
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift | Taito Type X2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360  | Arc System Works/Aksys Games/Arc System Works UK
Animal Puzzle Adventure | DSiWare  |
Jazzy Billiards | Nintendo DSi  |
Othello | Windows, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo Switch, PSP, PlayStation Vita, Wii, Wii U[21] |
2010  | BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II | Taito Type X2, PSP, Nintendo 3DS | Arc System Works/Aksys Games/Arc System Works UK
BlayzBloo: Super Melee Brawlers Battle Royale | DSiWare |
2011  | Hard Corps: Uprising | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360  | Konami
Nurarihyon no Mago: Hyakki Ryouran Taisen | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360  | Konami
2012  | BlazBlue: Chronophantasma | Taito Type X2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita  | Arc System Works/Aksys Games
Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R | Arcade, PlayStation Vita, Windows, Nintendo Switch | Sammy Studios/Arc System Works (Steam)
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend | PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PSP, Windows  | Arc System Works/Aksys Games/Arc System Works UK
Persona 4 Arena | Taito Type X2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360  | Atlus
Kyūkōsha no Shōjo | Nintendo 3DS  |
Phi Brain: Kizuna no Puzzle | PlayStation Portable  |
2013  | Persona 4 Arena Ultimax | Taito Type X2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows  | Atlus/Sega
Xblaze Code: Embryo | PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Windows  | Arc System Works/Aksys Games/Funbox Media
Magical Beat | PlayStation Vita  |
Damascus Gear: Operation Tokyo | PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Windows, Nintendo Switch  | Arc System Works
2014  | Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- | Sega RingEdge 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows  | Arc System Works/Aksys Games
BlazBlue: Chronophantasma Extend | Taito Type X2 (as 2.0), PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation Vita, Windows  | Arc System Works/Aksys Games
Conveni Dream | Nintendo 3DS  |
Fantasy Hero: Unsigned Legacy | PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch  |
Slice It! | Nintendo 3DS  | Arc System Works/Aksys Games
2015  | Downtown Nekketsu Koushinkyoku: Soreyuke Daiundoukai All-Star Special | PlayStation 3  |
Family Tennis SP | Wii U | Aksys Games
BlazBlue: Central Fiction | Taito Type X2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Nintendo Switch  | Arc System Works/Aksys Games/PQube
XBlaze Lost: Memories | PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Windows  | Arc System Works/Aksys Games
Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butōden | Nintendo 3DS  | Bandai Namco Entertainment
2016  | Guilty Gear Xrd -REVELATOR- | Sega RingEdge 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows  | Arc System Works/Aksys Games/Sony Interactive Entertainment (Sign)
Chase: Cold Case Investigations - Distant Memories | Nintendo 3DS[22] | Arc System Works/Aksys Games
Inferno Climber | PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Windows  |
One Piece: Great Pirate Colosseum | Nintendo 3DS  | Bandai Namco Entertainment
River City Melee: Battle Royale SP | PlayStation 4, Windows  | Arc System Works, H2 Interactive
2017  | Double Dragon IV | PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch  |
Simple Mahjong Online | Nintendo Switch  |
Birthdays the Beginning | PlayStation 4, Windows  | NIS America
Jake Hunter Detective Story: Ghost of the Dusk | Nintendo 3DS  | Arc System Works/Orange
Shephy | Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Windows  |
2018  | Dragon Ball FighterZ | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S | Bandai Namco Entertainment
Happy Birthdays | Nintendo Switch  | NIS America
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle | PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Arcade, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S  |
2019  | Wizard's Symphony | PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch  |
River City Melee Mach!! | PlayStation 4, Windows, Nintendo Switch  |
Stay Cool, Kobayashi-San!: A River City Ransom Story | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Nintendo Switch  |
2020  | Code Shifter | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Nintendo Switch  |
Granblue Fantasy Versus | PlayStation 4, Windows  | Cygames/XSEED Games
2021  | Guilty Gear Strive | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Arcade, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S  | Arc System Works/Bandai Namco Entertainment
2022  | DNF Duel[23] | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Windows  | Nexon
2023  | Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows  | Cygames/XSEED Games
2024  | Another Code: Recollection | Nintendo Switch  | Nintendo

## Games published

[edit]

Year  | Title  | Platform(s)  | Developers

|
|
|

2006  | Castle of Shikigami III | Arcade, Wii, Xbox 360, Windows | Alfa System, Barnhouse Effect
2007  | Hooked! Real Motion Fishing | Wii[24] | SIMS
2009  | Strikers 1945 Plus Portable | PSP | Psikyo
2011  | Arcana Heart 3 | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360  | Examu, Team Arcana
2012  | Chaos Code | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows  | FK Digital
Go! Go! Kokopolo - Harmonious Forest Revenge[25] | Nintendo DS | Tanukii Studios Limited
2014  | Arcana Heart 3: Love Max!!!!! | Taito X2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Windows  | Examu, Team Arcana
Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters | PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita  | Toybox Inc.
Under Night In-Birth: Exe Late | PlayStation 3, Windows  | Ecole Software, French Bread
2015  | Skullgirls: 2nd Encore (Japan only)  | PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita  | Reverge Labs/Lab Zero
2016  | Tokyo Twilight Ghost Hunters: Daybreak Special Gigs | PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Windows  | Toybox Inc.
2017  | Arcana Heart 3: Love Max Six Stars!!!!! | Taito Type X2, Windows  | Examu, Team Arcana
Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code | Windows  | Type-Moon, French-Bread, Ecole Software
Under Night In-Birth: Exe Late[st] | Sega RingEdge 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Windows  | Ecole Software, French Bread
Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap (Asia only)  | PlayStation 4 | Lizardcube
DJMax Respect (Japan only)  | PlayStation 4  | Rocky Studio, Neowiz MUCA
2018  | Resonance of Fate (Japan only)  | PlayStation 4  | tri-Ace
World End Syndrome | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4  | Toybox Games
The Missing: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows  | White Owls Inc.
2019  | Kill la Kill the Game: IF | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows  | A+ Games
River City Girls | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, PlayStation 5 | WayForward
2020  | Under Night In-Birth: Exe Late[cl-r] | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Sega ALLS HX | Ecole Software, French Bread
2021  | Kowloon High-School Chronicle | Nintendo Switch  | Toybox Inc.
Arcana Heart 3: Love Max Six Stars Xtend!!!!! | Windows, ex-Arcadia  | Team Arcana
River City Saga: Three Kingdoms | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows  | A+ Games
2022  | Ground Divers![26] | Nintendo Switch  | Studio Tsuruhashi
RWBY: Arrowfell[27] | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | WayForward
River City Girls 2 | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S  | WayForward
2023  | Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes] | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows  | French Bread
2024  | Library of Ruina | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4  | Project Moon
River City Saga: Three Kingdoms Next[28] | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows  | A+ Games, R-Force Entertainment
Hunter × Hunter: Nen × Impact | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows  | Eighting
2025  | Double Dragon Revive[29] | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows  | Yuke's

## See also

[edit]

See also: Category:Arc System Works games

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "社長所感～アークシステムワークス創業30周年を迎えて～ | Arc System Works Official Web Site". Archived from the original on 1 December 2018. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
2. ^ a b c "Company". Arc System Works Official Web Site. Arc System Works. 3 February 2018. Archived from the original on 17 December 2018. Retrieved 17 December 2018.
3. ^ "BlazBlue series creator Toshimichi Mori leaves Arc System Works". Gematsu. 25 September 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
4. ^ "企業データ | ARC SYSTEM WORKS OFFICIAL WEB SITE". Arcsystemworks.jp. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
5. ^ "Forums de discussion jeux vidéo Gamekult - Gamekult". Forums de discussion jeux vidéo Gamekult - Gamekult. Archived from the original on 11 March 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
6. ^ a b "ARC SYSTEM WORKS OFFICIAL WEBSITE". 10 May 2012. Archived from the original on 10 May 2012. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
7. ^ Wong, Alistair (23 June 2019). "Jaleco Famicom Game Pizza Pop! Has Been Fan Translated". Siliconera. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
8. ^ Quesada, Daniel (4 July 2020). "Así era Sailor Moon S, el primer juego de lucha de Arc System Works". HobbyConsolas (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 28 September 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
9. ^ Sarkar, Samit (12 June 2015). "Double Dragon and Other Technos Brands Acquired by Arc System Works (update)". Polygon. Vox Media. Archived from the original on 18 August 2015. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
10. ^ "「ファミコン探偵倶楽部」、「半熟英雄」から「超兄貴」までそしてNEOGEOも――10月の「バーチャルコンソール」ラインアップ" ["Famicom Detective Club", "Henshu Hideo" to "Super Big Brother" and also NEOGEO-"Virtual Console" Lineup in October] (in Japanese). ITmedia. 28 September 2007. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
11. ^ "あの『くにおくん』がニンテンドーDSで復活！『超熱血高校くにおくん ドッジボール部』 - ファミ通.com". Famitsu.com. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
12. ^ "『ぶれいぶるー くろーんふぁんたずま』体験版と『びっくり熱血新記録！はるかなる金メダル』がニンテンドーeショップで配信". Famitsu.com. 23 January 2013. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
13. ^ "Wiiウェア『おきらくスゴロクWii』追加コンテンツ＆VC『ダブルドラゴン』2009年2月24日より配信開始". Inside-games.jp. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
14. ^ "Nintendo.com – River City Ransom – Game Info". 14 November 2013. Archived from the original on 14 November 2013. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
15. ^ "River City Ransom". Nintendo.com. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
16. ^ "Nintendo.com – Crash 'n the Boys Street Challenge – Game Info". 22 December 2013. Archived from the original on 22 December 2013. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
17. ^ Jenni (6 February 2017). "Arc System Works Picks Up the Jake Hunter and Theresia Series". Siliconera. Curse, Inc. Archived from the original on 7 February 2017. Retrieved 6 February 2017.
18. ^ "Arc System Works Establishes North American Branch" (Press release). Torrance, California: Arc System Works. 3 November 2017. Archived from the original on 5 November 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
19. ^ "Arc System Works Establishes European Branch" (Press release). Paris, France: Arc System Works. 1 July 2024.
20. ^ "Petit missions in Petit Copter". Nintendowiifanboy.com. Archived from the original on 12 August 2007. Retrieved 13 August 2007.
21. ^ "ARC SYSTEM WORKS Othello シリーズサイト". www.arcsystemworks.jp. Archived from the original on 11 May 2019. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
22. ^ "3DS adventure game Chase: Unsolved Cases Investigation Division by Another Code staff announced". Gematsu. 11 March 2016. Archived from the original on 12 March 2016. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
23. ^ "Arc System Works-developed Dungeon Fighter fighting game DNF Duel announced [Update]". Gematsu. 26 December 2020.
24. ^ "Bass Fishing Wii～ロクマル伝説～". Aarcsystemworks.jp. Archived from the original on 20 June 2007. Retrieved 15 June 2007.
25. ^ "Arc System Works - Kokopolo".
26. ^ "Arc System Works announces mining action game Ground Divers! for Switch". Gematsu. 10 June 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
27. ^ "WayForward, Arc System Works, and Rooster Teeth announce RWBY video game, coming 2021". Nintendo Wire. 16 September 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2020.
28. ^ Romano, Sal (18 July 2024). "River City Saga: Three Kingdoms Next announced for PS4, Switch, and PC". Gematsu. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
29. ^ Romano, Sal (11 July 2024). "Double Dragon Revive teaser trailer, first details and screenshots". Gematsu. Retrieved 11 July 2024.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website

* v
* t
* e

Games developed by Arc System Works

Series|

* BlazBlue
* Xblaze
* Double Dragon
* Guilty Gear
* Jake Hunter
* Kunio-kun
* Renegade
* Super Dodge Ball
* River City Ransom

Games|

* Another Code: Recollection
* Battle Fantasia
* Birthdays the Beginning
* Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon S
* Brave Tank Hero
* Chase: Cold Case Investigations - Distant Memories
* DNF Duel
* Dragon Ball FighterZ
* Granblue Fantasy Versus
* Rising
* Hard Corps: Uprising
* Persona 4 Arena
* Ultimax

WiiWare|

* Family
* Family Table Tennis
* Family Glide Hockey
* Family Pirate Party
* Family Mini Golf
* Family Slot Car Racing
* Family Go-Kart Racing
* Family Card Games

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF

National|

* United States

Other|

* MusicBrainz label

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