Hubbry Logo
EightingEightingMain
Open search
Eighting
Community hub
Eighting
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Eighting
Eighting
Eighting
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Eighting Co., Ltd.,[a] stylized as 8ing, is a Japanese video game developer and publisher. It formerly existed as two separate companies: Eighting and Raizing.[b] It is known for its shoot 'em ups and its licensed fighting games.

Key Information

Eighting's name comes from nanakorobi yaoki, a Japanese proverb that says "fall down seven times and get up eight times."[3] Raizing was derived from raijingu (rising) and Raijin, the Japanese god of lightning.[4]

History

[edit]

In March 1993, former Compile staff established Raizing and Eighting to create arcade games.[5] Raizing handled game development while Eighting did sales and distribution. Raizing included a handful of employees who worked on Musha Aleste, including Yuichi Toyama, Kazuyuki Nakashima, and Kenichi Yokoo.[4][6]

Their first game, Mahou Daisakusen/Sorcer Striker, was released in May 1993. The developers were advised by Toaplan.[6] When Toaplan closed, some staff joined Raizing. Others went on to join Cave, Gazelle, and Takumi Corporation, each of which continued Toaplan's reputation for difficult shooting games.[7] Raizing also continued to use arcade hardware based on Toaplan's units.[4] Composer Manabu Namiki joined the company in 1995, working on Battle Garegga, Armed Police Batrider, Terra Diver, Ghoul Panic, Dimahoo, and others before leaving in 2000. He continued to work with Eighting on fighting games, such as the Bleach: Heat the Soul series.[8][9]

In October 2000, the Raizing division was incorporated into Eighting.[5] In November 2005, Eighting filed for a public listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Mothers market.[10]

With the merger of Eighting and Raizing, the combined company began to focus on distributing mobile content for NTT Docomo’s i-mode system, Vodafone live!, and KDDI's EZweb service.[5] It also developed a reputation for fighting games based on anime franchises, including Naruto, One Piece, Bleach, Fullmetal Alchemist, Zatch Bell, and InuYasha.[11][12]

In 2008, Eighting opened a new subsidiary in Okinawa. It also opened a studio in Sapporo in 2010. By 2011, the company had a department dedicated to social network games for mobile devices.[5]

In 2016, Eighting was acquired by COLOPL.[13] Eighting has also partnered with Nintendo on Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo, Kirby Star Allies, and Pikmin 3 Deluxe, and Pikmin 4.[14][15]

List of games developed

[edit]
List of games developed as Raizing
Year Title Publisher Notes Ref.
1993 Sorcer Striker Able Corporation [6]
1994 Bomberman: Panic Bomber Hudson Soft Produced with Hudson Soft [16]
Kingdom Grand Prix Eighting [17]
1996 Battle Garegga [7]
Terra Diver Eighting
Electronic Arts Victor
Data East 		[6]
1997 Bloody Roar Hudson Soft/SCEA/Virgin Interactive Produced with Hudson Soft [5]
1998 Armed Police Batrider Eighting [18]
1999 Battle Bakraid Able Corporation [19]
Bloody Roar 2 Hudson Soft
SCEA
Virgin Interactive 		[20]
Ghoul Panic Namco [21]
Golgo 13 [22]
2000 Dimahoo Capcom [6]
1944: The Loop Master [23]
Brave Blade Namco [24]
Golgo 13 - Kiseki no Dandou [25]
2001 Golgo 13 - Juusei no Requiem [26]
List of games developed as Eighting
Year Title Publisher Notes Ref.
2001 Bloody Roar 3 Hudson Soft
Activision
Virgin Interactive 		Produced with Hudson Soft [27]
Kuru Kuru Kururin Nintendo [10]
Tekken Advance Namco [28]
2002 Kururin Paradise Nintendo [29]
Bloody Roar: Primal Fury Hudson Soft
Activision 		Produced with Hudson Soft [27]
2003 Bloody Roar 4 Konami Produced with Hudson Soft [30]
Naruto: Clash of Ninja Tomy [5]
Naruto: Clash of Ninja 2 [31]
2004 Fullmetal Alchemist: Dream Carnival Bandai [32]
Kururin Squash Nintendo [6]
Zoids Struggle Tomy [33]
Naruto: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! 3 [34]
2005 Bleach: Heat the Soul SCEI [35]
Inuyasha: Feudal Combat Bandai [12]
Konjiki no Gash Bell!! Go! Go! Mamono Fight!! [36]
Zatch Bell! Mamodo Battles [37]
Naruto: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! 4 Tomy [38]
Bleach: Heat the Soul 2 SCEI [39]
2006 Battle Stadium D.O.N Bandai Namco Produced with Q Interactive [11]
Master of Illusion Nintendo Produced with Tenyo [40]
Bleach: Heat the Soul 3 SCEI [41]
2007 Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors Square Enix Produced with Genius Sonority [42]
Bleach: Heat the Soul 4 SCEI [43]
Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution Takara Tomy [44]
Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX [45]
Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 2 [46]
2008 Fate/unlimited codes Capcom Produced with Type-Moon and Cavia [47]
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes [48]
Castlevania Judgment Konami [49]
Bleach: Heat the Soul 5 SCEI [50]
Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 Takara Tomy [51]
Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 3 [52]
2009 Kamen Rider: Climax Heroes Bandai Namco [53]
Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight D3 Publisher Nintendo DS version produced by Natsume Co., Ltd. [54]
Naruto Shippuden: Dragon Blade Chronicles Takara Tomy [55]
Naruto Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3
Bleach: Heat the Soul 6 SCEI [56]
Kamen Rider: Climax Heroes W Bandai Namco [57]
2010 Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars Capcom Updated version of Cross Generation of Heroes [47]
Kamen Rider: Climax Heroes OOO Bandai Namco [58]
Bleach: Heat the Soul 7 SCEI [59]
Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! Special Takara Tomy [60]
2011 Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds Capcom [61]
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Updated version of Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds [47]
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Produced with Capcom [47]
Kamen Rider: Climax Heroes Fourze Bandai Namco [62]
2012 Kamen Rider: Super Climax Heroes [47]
2013 Kamen Rider: Battride War Produced with Bandai Namco [63]
2014 Kamen Rider: Battride War II [64]
2016 Kamen Rider: Battride War Genesis [65]
Zoids: Field of Rebellion Takara Tomy [66]
2017 Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate Capcom Produced with Capcom [67]
Kamen Rider: Climax Fighters Bandai Namco [68]
2020 Zoids Wild: Blast Unleashed Takara Tomy [69]
Zoids Wild: Infinity Blast [70]
Pikmin 3 Deluxe Nintendo Ported and developed new content for the title [71]
2022 DNF Duel Nexon Developed with Arc System Works and Neople [72]
2023 Pikmin 4 Nintendo Co-developed with Nintendo EPD [73]
2024 Nintendo Switch Sports (Free content update) Nintendo Co-developed free basketball content update with Nintendo.[74] [75]
2025 Hunter × Hunter: Nen × Impact Bushiroad Games

Arc System Works

[73]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Eighting

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Eighting Co., Ltd., commonly stylized as 8ing, is a Japanese and publisher specializing in action, fighting, and games across arcade, console, and mobile platforms. Founded on March 15, 1993, in Ota-ku, , by former employees of Compile, the company initially focused on arcade titles and has since expanded into licensed adaptations, original IP, and services for major franchises. With a headquarters now in Shinagawa-ku, , Eighting employs 276 staff (as of September 2024, including part-time) and operates studios in Okinawa and , emphasizing one-stop development from planning to release. The company's early success came from shoot 'em ups, debuting with the arcade game Sorcer Striker in May 1993, which showcased innovative mechanics blending magic and fantasy elements. In 1997, Eighting entered the arena with Bloody Roar, a 3D title featuring beast transformations that became a arcade and PlayStation hit, spawning multiple sequels. The acquisition of Raizing Co., Ltd. in October 2000 integrated additional expertise in arcade shooters, leading to merged operations under the Eighting name and a relocation to bolster mobile and network content development. Since becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of COLOPL, Inc. in August 2016, Eighting has diversified into smartphone apps, VR experiences, and high-profile collaborations, including ports of Pikmin 3 Deluxe (2020) and Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny (2025 remaster), as well as contributions to Pikmin 4 (2023) and Nintendo Switch Sports (2024 update). Notable licensed works include the Naruto: Clash of Ninja series starting in 2003 and DNF Duel in 2022, highlighting Eighting's proficiency in adapting popular IPs with polished gameplay and cross-platform support. Today, the studio continues to innovate in global entertainment, leveraging cutting-edge techniques for platforms like Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

History

Founding and early operations

Eighting Co., Ltd. was established on March 15, 1993, in Ota-ku, , , by a group of former employees from the video game developer Compile, including key programmer Yuichi Toyama, with an initial capital investment of 3 million yen. The company was formed to engage in the development, design, production, and sales of game software, drawing on the expertise of its founders who had contributed to Compile's notable titles such as the puzzle game and the shoot 'em up series Zanac. This founding occurred during a transitional phase in the Japanese arcade sector, where established studios like were facing financial pressures, prompting talent to branch out into new ventures. From its inception, Eighting adopted a that separated operational roles, concentrating on , , and distribution while collaborating closely with Raizing—a sister studio also founded in 1993 by overlapping staff—for game development. Raizing handled the creative and technical aspects of arcade title production, allowing Eighting to leverage its distribution networks to bring products to market efficiently. This partnership structure was designed to capitalize on the arcade ecosystem's demands for high-quality, hardware-specific content, with Eighting transitioning to a () by November 1993 to support expanded operations. Eighting's entry into the industry was marked by its involvement in the arcade Sorcer Striker (known as Mahou Daisakusen in ), released in May 1993 as the company's inaugural product. Developed by Raizing under Eighting's publishing oversight and distributed in collaboration with Able Corporation, the game introduced a fantasy-themed vertical scroller that showcased the team's proficiency in the genre, building directly on Compile-era experiences with action-oriented titles. This project established Eighting's early focus on arcade , setting the foundation for subsequent collaborations and genre specialization.

Raizing collaboration and arcade focus

In 1993, Eighting established a key partnership with Raizing, a studio formed by former employees of Compile and , to focus on production. Raizing took responsibility for all development work, while Eighting handled sales and distribution for their joint titles. This division of labor allowed the companies to leverage Raizing's expertise in shoot 'em ups, building on influences from Toaplan's hardware designs and Compile's power-up systems, to create innovative arcade experiences. The collaboration produced several landmark shoot 'em ups between 1996 and 2000, emphasizing dynamic gameplay mechanics that enhanced replayability. Titles such as Battle Garegga (1996), Soukyū Gurentai (also known as Terra Diver, 1996), Armed Police Batrider (1998), Battle Bakraid (1999), and 1944: The Loop Master (2000) introduced sophisticated scoring systems like the N.A.L.S. method in Soukyū Gurentai, which rewarded efficient enemy destruction, alongside adjustable rank systems that scaled difficulty based on player performance. These games also incorporated bullet-hell elements—dense patterns of projectiles—while maintaining accessibility through features like bomb usage to mitigate overwhelming attacks, setting them apart in the genre. Amid the late 1990s arcade market challenges in , where fighting games dominated popularity and shoot 'em ups faced declining demand, the partnership prioritized high-quality, replayable titles to sustain interest. This era marked Eighting and Raizing's reputation for crafting challenging yet fair arcade shoot 'em ups that appealed to dedicated players. Notably, in , Eighting ventured into 3D fighting games with , co-developed with , marking an early diversification while maintaining their arcade roots.

Merger and shift to consoles

In October 2000, Eighting acquired Raizing Co., Ltd., fully integrating its arcade-focused development team and unifying all operations under the Eighting name, while also acquiring Logic and Magic Co., Ltd. to strengthen its production capabilities. This merger marked the end of Raizing as a separate entity and positioned Eighting to adapt to evolving market dynamics, with the company relocating its headquarters to , later that year. Following the merger, Eighting pivoted toward home console development, capitalizing on the growing popularity of platforms like , , and . Early console titles included Bloody Roar 3 (2000 arcade, ported to PlayStation 2 in 2001 by ), a 3D that built on the series' beast-transformation mechanics; (2001, for ), a puzzle game featuring a spinning stick navigating mazes; and : Clash of Ninja (2003, for ), the first in a series of anime-inspired fighters. These projects demonstrated Eighting's versatility in transitioning from shoot 'em ups to action and fighting genres on dedicated home hardware. In December 2005, the company listed on the Mothers Index, supporting further growth. The mid-2000s saw Eighting's licensed fighting game portfolio expand significantly, leveraging popular anime and tokusatsu properties for long-running series. Key developments included Bleach: Heat the Soul (2005–2010, SCEI for PlayStation Portable), a 2D fighter series that captured the manga's high-speed sword battles across seven entries; the Naruto: Gekitō Ninja Taisen series (2003–2010, Tomy for GameCube and Wii), evolving the Clash of Ninja line with team-based ninja combat; and Kamen Rider: Climax Heroes (2009–2012, Bandai Namco for Wii and PlayStation Portable), a crossover fighter uniting multiple iterations of the iconic transforming hero franchise. These collaborations established Eighting as a reliable partner for licensed adaptations, emphasizing accessible controls and faithful character representations. Eighting's major partnerships with Capcom further solidified its console expertise, including co-development on Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes (2008 for Wii), a 2.5D crossover fighter blending anime and gaming icons with tag-team mechanics, and Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (2011 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360), which revived the versus series with fast-paced 3v3 battles featuring over 30 characters from both universes. Concurrently, Eighting expanded into mobile and social gaming starting in the early 2000s, entering the mobile content business in June 2000 with Baron House no Natsuyasumi for NTT DoCoMo's i-mode platform, followed by network RPG Keitai Ninja Jo! (2001) and Sorcer Striker: Gain (2005 for KDDI's EZweb), before establishing a dedicated social network games department in 2011.

Acquisition by COLOPL and modern expansion

In August 2016, Eighting became a wholly owned subsidiary of COLOPL, Inc., a prominent Japanese mobile game publisher, which led to its delisting from the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers Index and provided expanded financial and operational resources for broader development initiatives. This acquisition enabled Eighting to leverage COLOPL's expertise in mobile and VR technologies, facilitating a strategic shift toward diversified projects that integrate console and hybrid development approaches beyond its traditional focus on fighting games. Early post-acquisition efforts included the development of the VR game STEEL COMBAT in 2016. Prior to the acquisition, the company established EIGHTING Okinawa Co., Ltd. in August 2008 (with 15 million yen capital) and the Sapporo Studio in November 2010 to support expanded operations. By the end of September 2025, Eighting's workforce had grown to 293 employees, including part-time staff. Post-acquisition, Eighting expanded its portfolio through key partnerships, notably with Nintendo, where it ported Pikmin 3 Deluxe to the Nintendo Switch in 2020, handling additional content planning and development. This collaboration extended to co-developing Pikmin 4 in 2023 and contributing to the 2024 free update for Nintendo Switch Sports, specifically the basketball mode's planning and implementation. Eighting also co-developed DNF Duel, a 2.5D fighting game published by Nexon, released in 2022 across multiple platforms, demonstrating its ongoing proficiency in licensed action titles. The acquisition's influence is evident in Eighting's diversification, incorporating mobile-informed efficiencies into console projects while pursuing new IPs. In 2025, Eighting developed , a published by Games in Japan and internationally, released on July 17 for , , and PC, which highlights its continued expertise in adapting properties to competitive gameplay. The company also remastered for release in May 2025 in collaboration with . These efforts underscore a modern trajectory of hybrid development and cross-platform expansion, bolstered by COLOPL's resources.

Games

Shoot 'em ups

Eighting's involvement in the shoot 'em up genre primarily stems from its predecessor studio, Raizing, which developed a series of influential arcade titles between 1993 and 2000 before merging into Eighting. Raizing, founded by former employees of Compile and Toaplan, specialized in vertically scrolling shooters that built upon Toaplan's legacy of dense bullet patterns, or danmaku, while introducing greater mechanical complexity to heighten player engagement. These games emphasized arcade precision, with innovations in dynamic difficulty and scoring that fostered a competitive "scoring wars" culture among enthusiasts, where players dissected hidden mechanics to achieve maximal scores without succumbing to escalating challenges. Raizing's debut, Sorcer Striker (1993), established the studio's fantastical aesthetic with a magical theme, featuring a unique weapon system that allowed players to select witches with distinct shot patterns and bomb abilities for varied strategic approaches. This was followed by Battle Garegga (1996), a landmark title renowned for its industrial dieselpunk setting and pioneering rank system—a dynamic difficulty mechanic that adjusts enemy bullet density and speed based on player actions like firing rate, power-up collection, and even death, which temporarily lowers rank to aid recovery. Terra Diver (also known as Soukyugurentai, 1996) shifted to a high-tech aerial combat narrative, offering three selectable pilots and ships with specialized abilities, incorporating pre-rendered 3D graphics for immersive vertical scrolling stages from space to Earth. Later entries like Armed Police Batrider (1998) introduced team-based mechanics, allowing players to assemble trios of ships from police, psychic, or criminal factions—each serving as a life with interchangeable roles for cooperative or solo play—and customizable loadouts for enhanced replayability. Battle Bakraid (1999), a horizontal shooter, refined these elements with medal-chaining for scoring bonuses and side-shot power-ups, while 1944: The Loop Master (2000), developed under Capcom's 194x series license, delivered WWII aviation dogfights with looping stage designs that revisited locales for intensified encounters. The rank system's evolution across Raizing's catalog, particularly in Battle Garegga and its spiritual successors, promoted intricate rank management—such as deliberately avoiding certain items or timing deaths to cap difficulty—alongside obscured scoring techniques like option formations and graze bonuses, which demanded mastery for high scores and cultivated community tournaments focused on score maximization. This depth, combined with Toaplan-inspired danmaku patterns that filled screens with bullets yet preserved fair navigation paths, elevated replayability and turned Raizing titles into benchmarks for genre challenge. Ports and re-releases have preserved this legacy, notably Rev.2016 (2016), a M2-developed enhanced edition for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One that added training modes, customizable bullet visibility, and rank-locking options to make the game's rigor more accessible without diluting its intensity; other titles like 1944: The Loop Master appeared in Capcom's Arcade Stadium compilations starting in 2021. Through these works, Raizing solidified Eighting's early reputation as premier specialists in , influencing subsequent developers by prioritizing psychological depth in difficulty design over mere pattern memorization, and establishing a template for scoring-driven longevity that persists in modern titles.

Fighting games

Eighting's involvement in the genre began in 1997 with the development of Bloody Roar, a 3D arena fighter co-developed with and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. The series, which continued through Bloody Roar 2 (1998), Bloody Roar 3 (2000), Bloody Roar Extreme (2002), and Bloody Roar 4 (2003), introduced innovative beast transformation mechanics allowing characters to shift into anthropomorphic animal forms mid-battle for enhanced attacks and mobility. These titles emphasized fast-paced, combo-heavy combat in enclosed arenas, distinguishing the franchise from traditional 2D fighters of the era. Building on this foundation, Eighting specialized in licensed 2D and 3D fighting games based on popular properties. The Bleach: Heat the Soul series comprised seven main installments from 2005 to 2010, developed for the and published by Computer Entertainment Japan, featuring cel-shaded visuals and tag-team battles with Soul Reaper characters executing signature techniques like Bankai releases. Similarly, the Naruto: Clash of Ninja (known as Gekitō Ninja Taisen in ) series spanned over ten titles from 2003 to 2010, co-developed with and for platforms, utilizing a unique substitution jutsu system for evasion and counterattacks in 3D environments. Eighting also handled Inuyasha: Feudal Combat (2005) for the , published by , which incorporated wind-based movement and spiritual attacks drawn from the series' lore. In the tokusatsu domain, Eighting developed the : Climax Heroes sub-series from 2009 to 2012 for platforms including , , and PSP, published by Bandai Namco, focusing on Rider form changes and rider kick finishers in 3D battles. This extended to the : Battride War series (2013–2017), which shifted toward more narrative-driven action with motorcycle transformations and co-op elements. Eighting further contributed to the Zoids franchise with Struggle (2004) for , a 3D mech fighter emphasizing customization and arena clashes published by , and : Blast Unleashed (2020) for , featuring simplified controls for explosive beam attacks and team-based modes published by . Collaborations with Capcom marked a high point in Eighting's crossover expertise. Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes (2008 arcade, 2010 Wii port) introduced a 2.5D tag-team system with variable battle assists and accessible aerial raves, blending characters from both studios. This formula evolved in Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (2011) and its expansion Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (2011), co-developed with Capcom for multi-platform release, prioritizing simplified inputs for X-Factor bursts and hyper combo chains to broaden appeal beyond hardcore players. More recently, Eighting co-developed DNF Duel (2022) with Arc System Works and Neople for multi-platform release by Nexon, a 2D fighter adapting Dungeon & Fighter characters with MP-based special meters and quick-time event finishers for dynamic pacing. Hunter × Hunter: Nen × Impact (2025), solely developed by Eighting and published internationally by Arc System Works, employs a 3v3 tag-team format with Nen energy mechanics for ability enhancements and strategic swaps.

Other titles

Eighting has ventured into puzzle games, most notably with the series, which features helix-shaped spacecraft navigating labyrinthine levels in a unique action-puzzle format. The original , released in 2001 for the Game Boy Advance and published by , challenges players to rotate and maneuver a spinning stick-like helicopter through tight corridors while avoiding obstacles and collecting items. Sequels expanded this concept: Kururin Paradise in 2002 added multiplayer modes and varied level themes for the same platform, also published by , while Kururin Squash in 2004 for the introduced squash-themed puzzles with cooperative elements, maintaining the core rotation mechanic but enhancing visual and structural complexity. These titles, developed exclusively for hardware, highlight Eighting's early expertise in innovative puzzle mechanics during its console transition period. In the action and adventure genres, Eighting contributed to licensed properties, including in 2005 for the , published by , where players control mechanical beasts in 3D battles emphasizing combo attacks and arena combat. The studio revisited the franchise with in 2020 for the , published by , featuring updated 3D models, team-based arena fights, and customization options for Zoids creatures. Another example is from 2009 for the , developed under publisher , which blends hack-and-slash action with swordplay mechanics, allowing players to wield chakra-infused blades in story-driven missions based on the anime series. Eighting also developed the remaster of Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny (2025) for modern platforms, updating the 2002 with enhanced graphics, modern controls, and quality-of-life improvements, published by . These projects demonstrate Eighting's ability to adapt fast-paced action to console controls while integrating narrative elements from established IPs. Recent collaborations with extend to sports and strategy titles outside Eighting's core arcade roots. For , Eighting partnered on the 2024 basketball update, introducing 3v3 and 1v1 modes with motion-controlled dribbling, shooting, and dunking mechanics to the existing multiplayer framework. In the series, Eighting handled porting and enhancements for Deluxe in 2020 on the , adding new side stories, co-op features, and quality-of-life improvements like improved Pikmin AI and challenge modes to the original release. The studio co-developed in 2023, contributing to level design, mechanics such as the upgraded cursor system for Pikmin management, and night expeditions, enhancing the elements alongside EPD. Among miscellaneous titles, Eighting's early work includes in 1994 for the PC Engine CD and arcade, published by , a falling-block puzzle variant incorporating Bomberman characters and explosive chain reactions for competitive play. , released in 2006 for and by Bandai Namco Games, merges sports simulation with crossover characters from , , and in hybrid arena battles focusing on team-based power struggles. Additionally, Master of Illusion for the in 2006, co-developed with Tenyo and published by , uses the system's and touch screen for illusion-based puzzles, including card tricks and mental math challenges presented as a magician's toolkit. These varied projects underscore Eighting's adaptability across genres, often leveraging hardware-specific features for engaging gameplay.

Company profile

Corporate structure and ownership

Eighting Co., Ltd. operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of COLOPL, Inc., a Tokyo-based company specializing in mobile entertainment and game development, following its full acquisition in August 2016. Prior to this, Eighting functioned as an independent entity from its founding in 1993 until 2016, when COLOPL first acquired a majority stake and later completed the buyout of the remaining shares to integrate Eighting's expertise in console and arcade game development with its own mobile-focused operations. The acquisition aimed to create synergies in cross-platform game content creation and expansion. The company's headquarters are located in the Omori Prime Building in Shinagawa-ku, , a relocation from its original base in Ota-ku where it was established. As of the end of September 2025, Eighting employs 293 people, including part-time workers, supporting its operations in game planning, development, and management. It maintains a flexible centered on project-specific development teams that handle design, programming, and production, allowing adaptation to varying project scales from arcade titles to console collaborations. Financially, Eighting began with an initial capital investment of 3 million yen upon its incorporation in March 1993. Subsequent growth has been driven by strategic partnerships rather than independent publishing ventures, with its performance now consolidated within COLOPL's public financial reports as a key contributing to the parent's diversified portfolio. For the fiscal year ended September 2024, Eighting reported a 192% increase in net profit. Eighting emphasizes external collaborations with major publishers such as , , and Bandai , integrating specialized development and design teams into these joint projects without dedicated publishing divisions.

Key personnel

Eighting was founded in 1993 by former employees of Compile, including Yuichi Toyama, a former Compile developer known for his work on shoot 'em ups like Musha Aleste, who brought expertise in arcade-style gameplay design to the company's early projects under the Raizing banner. Toyama's influence extended to shaping Eighting's transition from shoot 'em ups to broader console development, serving as a programmer and producer on titles that bridged arcade and home systems. Another pivotal early figure was Shinobu Yagawa, a and renowned for his innovative scoring systems in shoot 'em ups such as (1996) and (1998), where he introduced dynamic rank mechanics and "overflow" features that rewarded skilled play while punishing casual approaches, embodying a "scoring wars" philosophy to elevate genre competition. Yagawa's contributions helped define Eighting's reputation for challenging, depth-oriented arcade shooters before he departed for Cave in 2000. In the domain, Eighting's team leads demonstrated expertise in blending 2D sprite work with 3D elements, notably on Tatsunoko vs. : Cross Generation of Heroes (2008) and its expansion, directed by internal staff like Hidetoshi Ishizawa, who coordinated crossover character integration and tag-team mechanics for . More recently, Eighting's collaboration on 's series, including co-development of (2023), involved key personnel such as game design leads Kenichi Yokoh and Toyoshige Kadohara, who contributed to elements and level design drawing from the studio's action-game heritage. Following COLOPL's 2016 acquisition, Eighting's staff grew from approximately 234 employees in 2022 to 293 by September 2025, attracting talent from mobile and console sectors to support expanded outsourced development and original titles. Current leadership includes President and CEO Yasuhiko Sameshima, alongside directors Tomonori Matsunaga, Tomonori Sato, Yasutaka Kamei, and Tomohisa Goi, who oversee the studio's diversification into action and hybrid genres.

Current operations and future projects

Eighting maintains a workforce of 293 employees dedicated to multi-platform game development, primarily targeting Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC systems. As a subsidiary of COLOPL, Inc. since August 2016, the company integrates its console expertise with COLOPL's mobile gaming ecosystem, handling internal mobile titles while collaborating externally on high-fidelity projects that emphasize accessible fighting mechanics and family-oriented content. Recent releases highlight Eighting's focus on licensed fighters and Nintendo co-development. The studio contributed to , a game released in July 2023 for , where it supported EPD in expanding the series' mechanics for broader accessibility. In 2022, Eighting developed , a based on the IP, featuring fast-paced aerial combos and accessible controls for newcomers. Additionally, the company worked on the July 2024 basketball update for , introducing new motion-based gameplay modes like 3v3 matches and dunk contests to enhance family multiplayer experiences. Earlier efforts include : Infinity Blast, an arena battler released in November 2020 for , allowing customizable combat with strategic modifications. A key 2025 milestone was the release of : Nen × Impact on July 17 for , , and PC, developed in collaboration with Games and published by . This 3D arena fighter incorporates the ’s Nen energy system through dynamic ability trees and combo strings, prioritizing intuitive controls for series fans and fighting game enthusiasts alike. For the fiscal year ended September 2024, Eighting reported a 192% increase in net profit.

References

  1. https://www.8ing.co.jp/en/company/history/
  2. https://gamecompanies.com/companies/eighting
  3. https://recruit.8ing.co.jp/company/profile/
  4. https://www.8ing.co.jp/en/
  5. https://shmuplations.com/raizing/
  6. https://www.denofgeek.com/games/toaplan-the-rise-and-fall-of-japans-greatest-shooting-game-company/
  7. https://vgmdb.net/product/1875
  8. https://shmups.wiki/library/Mahou_Daisakusen
  9. https://shmups.wiki/library/Raizing
  10. https://www.8ing.co.jp/en/titles/bloody-roar3-ps2/
  11. https://colopl.co.jp/en/service/consumer/
  12. https://www.8ing.co.jp/en/company/
  13. https://www.8ing.co.jp/en/works/
  14. https://www.8ing.co.jp/en/titles/dnf-duel/
  15. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2025/2/16/hunter-x-hunter-nen-x-impact-release-date
  16. https://www.8ing.co.jp/en/feature/business02/
  17. https://socksmakepeoplesexy.net/index.php?a=battle_garegga
  18. https://shmups.wiki/library/Battle_Garegga
  19. https://www.arcade-museum.com/Videogame/terra-diver
  20. https://eightingraizing.fandom.com/wiki/Battle_Garegga
  21. https://shmups.wiki/library/Battle_Garegga/Advanced_Rank
  22. https://m2stg.com/en/battle-garegga/ps4/feature.php
  23. https://www.hardcoregaming101.net/1944-the-loop-master/
  24. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps/196788-bloody-roar/data
  25. https://sea.ign.com/bloody-roar/183255/news/the-next-fighting-game-franchise-that-needs-a-revival-is-bloody-roar
  26. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/psp/995176-bleach-heat-the-soul-7/data
  27. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/wii/959313-naruto-shippuden-clash-of-ninja-revolution-iii/data
  28. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps2/925987-inuyasha-feudal-combat/data
  29. https://vgmdb.net/product/15324
  30. https://www.ign.com/games/tatsunoko-vs-capcom-ultimate-all-stars
  31. https://www.mobygames.com/game/59320/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3/
  32. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1216060/DNF_Duel/
  33. https://www.gematsu.com/2024/01/eighting-developed-fighting-game-hunter-x-hunter-nen-x-impact-announced
  34. https://www.nintendo.com/en-za/Games/Game-Boy-Advance/Kuru-Kuru-Kururin-946956.html
  35. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/gba/582341-kururin-paradise
  36. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/gamecube/922054-kururin-squash/data
  37. https://www.ign.com/games/kururin-paradise
  38. https://vgmdb.net/product/15311
  39. https://www.ign.com/games/naruto-shippuden-dragon-blade-chronicles
  40. https://www.capcom-games.com/onimusha/2/en-us/
  41. https://gonintendo.com/contents/37686-nintendo-switch-sports-basketball-update-now-live-update
  42. https://nintendolife.com/news/2020/11/eighting_helped_nintendo_bring_pikmin_3_to_the_switch
  43. https://nintendoeverything.com/eighting-led-the-way-on-pikmin-3-deluxes-development/
  44. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/arcade/575705-bomberman-panic-bomber/data
  45. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps2/933347-battle-stadium-don/data
  46. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ds/935528-master-of-illusion/data
  47. https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/COLOPL-INC-12144874/news/Colopl-Inc-completed-the-acquisition-of-remaining-7-53-stake-in-Eighting-Co-Ltd--35376408/
  48. https://colopl.co.jp/en/company/company_history/
  49. https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/156451-24
  50. https://www.8ing.co.jp/en/company/8ing/
  51. https://colopl.co.jp/en/company/summary/
  52. https://automaton-media.com/en/news/hunter-x-hunter-nen-x-impact-developer-eighting-sees-massive-192-growth-in-profit-compared-to-last-year/
  53. https://capcom.fandom.com/wiki/Eighting
  54. https://segaretro.org/Yuichi_Toyama
  55. https://www.mobygames.com/person/455691/yuichi-toyama/
  56. https://www.mobygames.com/person/253427/shinobu-yagawa/
  57. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Creator/EightingRaizing
  58. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1330056/
  59. https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Pikmin_4/credits
  60. http://kyoto-report.wikidot.com/pikmin-3-deluxe
  61. https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Eighting
  62. https://www.installbaseforum.com/forums/threads/colopl-fy9-24-operating-loss-1-2-billion-yen-blockchain-bs-cinematic-colopl-universe-enters-phase-2-of-hawking-nft-jewellery.3200/
  63. https://www.8ing.co.jp/en/feature/business03/
  64. https://www.giantbomb.com/eighting-co-ltd/3010-2616/developed/
  65. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/07/nintendo-switch-sports-basketball-update-worked-on-by-eighting
  66. https://kotaku.com/games/zoids-wild-infinity-blast
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.