Shochiku, a historic Japanese entertainment company founded in 1895, is making waves in the video game industry by investing in innovative startups. At the recent Tokyo Game Show, Shochiku hosted a Demo Day where emerging game developers pitched their projects to a crowd of investors and industry professionals. Their new focus includes a $100,000 game accelerator program for middleware and technology, showcasing two chosen startups: Blacknut Cloud Gaming, which targets casual gamers through a subscription model, and Ememe Co., a developer of generative AI animation tools. This move signifies a growing trend in Japan where traditional entertainment companies are stepping in to support indie development, helping to bolster the local gaming scene despite global economic challenges.

Why is Shochiku entering the gaming industry?

Shochiku is entering the gaming industry to leverage its long-standing expertise in entertainment and explore technological developments that can enhance game experiences. By funding startups and connecting them with larger investors, Shochiku aims to strengthen the Japanese gaming ecosystem and support unique indie projects.

Shochiku is better known for its contributions to kabuki theater and film production, including notable film technologies and anime distribution. Recently, they have embraced the gaming sector as part of their evolution, demonstrating a commitment to adapt and innovate amidst changing cultural landscapes. With a rich history and fresh initiatives in game development, Shochiku is positioning itself as an influential player in the industry’s future.