Konami reveals new animation studio at Yu-Gi-Oh! anniversary event 

On February 3, Konami revealed its new animation studio- Konami Animation. This announcement was made during “Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters: The Legend of Duelist QUARTER CENTURY,” an event held at Tokyo Dome to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Yu-Gi-Oh! card game (source: Famitsu). 

Konami Animation’s debut work, a video commemorating the history of Yu-Gi-Oh!, was shown at the event. The video below has sparked widespread excitement and discussion among Yu-Gi-Oh! Fans, who are speculating whether Konami’s fledgling studio will make a new Yu-Gi-Oh! series or film. 

The Yu-Gi-Oh! commemorative animation has been trending on X. The video features many cards transformed into animated sequences, including Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon, The Legendary Six Samurai, and The Fallen of Albaz. Yu-Gi-Oh! Fans appear to have been on the edge of their seats wondering which card the animation will segue into next. In particular, the transition between the cute Melffys of the Joyous Forest and Divine Arsenal AA-ZEUS has been getting a lot of attention.  

Post translation: I thought the ice barrier had revived Infernity Trishula with an impressive animation, but then Melffy appears followed by the exciting transition to AA-ZEUS, which is too funny lol. 
Post translation: Melffy’s fruit is sweet and delicious. 
AA-ZEUS’s fruit turns into a thunderbolt, scorching enemies and the heavens. 

The dramatic animation introducing AA-ZEUS reminded others of Gundam – leading to this reference. 

Post translation: Divine Arsenal AA-ZEUS SEED FREEDOM 

According to their website, Konami Animation aims to “dynamically evolve the Japanese anime scene to a new level” by taking their cutting-edge technology and experience acquired from game development and applying it to animation. In addition to the Yu-Gi-Oh! video, Konami Animation has also produced the opening movie for Reign of the Seven Spell Blades. At the time of writing, these are the only projects by the new studio. 

Given the various beloved game IPs that Konami owns, there is also speculation as to whether Konami Animation will make series or films based on well-known game franchises. Though according to their press release, Konami Animation plans to produce a wide range of works beyond its own IPs as well. 

Verity Townsend
Verity Townsend

Automation West Editor and translator. She has a soft spot for old-school Sierra adventure games and Final Fantasy VIII (yes, 8!). Can often be found hunting down weird forgotten games and finding out everything about them. Frequently muses about characters and lines from Metal Gear Solid and Disco Elysium. Aims to keep Automaton fresh and interesting with a wide variety of articles.

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