Japan’s DLsite launches experimental service for playing SFW and adult doujin PC games on mobile devices 

EISYS, the company that runs Japanese digital content platform DLsite, has launched a limited-time campaign that lets users play doujin PC games on mobile devices. With a title that translates roughly to “DLsite’s Big Experiment: PC games on your phone?! Experience the future!,” the service will be available until November 30 at noon (Japan time). 

DLsite’s Big Experiment allows you to play any PC game purchased on DLsite on a smartphone, for free. Games are run through DLsite GamePlay, a web application that uses cloud streaming, thus requiring no installation process. 

According to the announcement, DLsite’s Big Experiment serves as a proof-of-concept imitative aimed at removing the barrier of having to own a PC at a time when smartphone ownership greatly exceeds PC ownership. It serves as a means of expanding the possibilities of Japan’s doujin game culture. 

The tool used for streaming games, DLsite GamePlay, is a revamped version of DLsite’s existing iOS/Android app “DL Play Box.” It offers the same functions as its predecessor while allowing more casual play.  

More than 20,000 titles, representing over half of all PC doujin games sold on DLsite, are included in the campaign, with both SFW and adult games included, as noted by Game*Spark. You can play eligible titles (after purchasing them on DLsite) by visiting the DLsite GamePlay website and logging in with your viviON ID (formerly known as a DLsite account). Any eligible purchased games will automatically appear in your library, and hitting the play button will launch the game. 

Save data, however, does not sync between PC and smartphone; each platform will create its own independent save file. DLsite also warns that the included titles have not undergone strict compatibility testing, so you may run into bugs or malfunctions in some games. Players are encouraged to submit feedback using the reporting function within the DLsite GamePlay app 

Below are the recommended environments for using DLSite GamePlay: 

• iOS 
  iPhone 11 or later; iPhone XS / XS Max / XR; iPhone SE (2nd gen or later) 
  RAM: 4GB or more 

• Android 
  RAM: 6GB or more 

• Wi-Fi environment 
  Network latency (Ping): 50 ms or less 
  Internet speed (upload/download): 20 Mbps or higher 

• Recommended browsers 
  iOS: Safari 
  Android: Google Chrome 

DLsite has previously offered mobile support for certain titles and also released the aforementioned DL Play Box. However, due to compatibility issues and the need for thorough playtesting, the platform has been cautious in expanding the available lineup. To address this challenge, in August DLsite acquired the OOParts Engine, a proprietary cloud gaming backend system and related patents developed by BLACK Inc. They have since integrated it with DLsite’s existing systems to build their own unified platform. Through this new initiative, the company says it aims to gather valuable feedback from creators and plauyers and continue development toward full official support of PC games on mobile devices. 

The DLsite’s Big Experiment campaign is live now and scheduled to run until November 30, 11:59 PM Japan time. An FAQ for DLsite GamePlay is also available in English. 

Related: Japanese game and comic platform DLsite launches its own payment alternative following Visa and Mastercard suspensions 

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