Arc System Works header image

Arc System Works header image

Arc System Works has established a North American branch to handle their operations in the west. The new subsidiary, named Arc System Works America, is based in Torrance, California, and will take over publishing and promotion duties for the company’s games in North America. While previous games by the developer have been published by third parties on consoles in the west, such as Aksys with the BlazBlue and Guilty Gear series, future games will likely be self-published.

Arc System Works president Minoru Kidooka made a statement on the new branch:

“Since its inception almost 30 years ago, Arc System Works has been at the pinnacle of 2D Fighting game development — merging traditional Japanimation-like expression and technology to bring fans around the world entertainment the likes of which they have never seen.

“While we have been able to bring our games to North America with help from local business partners in the past, with our new branch ‘Arc System Works America, Inc.’ we will better be able to open the channels of communication between fan and developer, ensuring your voices are heard and most importantly applied.

“As we expand in these exciting times, I will personally ensure we never lose sight of the Arc System Works company slogan: ‘Action’ ‘Revolution’ ‘Challenge’. I look forward to our latest challenge of establishing a new branch and continuing to develop exciting and innovative experiences for all the fans who made this next stage in our company’s history possible.”

Full details on the new branch can be found in the official announcement from the developer. What exactly this means for their games in the west remains to be seen, but time will tell.

Chris Melchin
Chris is a computer science student who has been gaming ever since he knew what to do with a Super Nintendo controller. He's a fighting game player, with a focus on BlazBlue and Under Night In-Birth games. His favourite games include Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Persona 5, and Little Busters. He started watching anime in high school, and his favourite series is Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. He also writes Vocaloid music for his personal YouTube channel, and has a (slight) obsession with Megurine Luka.