Koei Tecmo to focus on in-house development and self-publishing, eyeing consistent yearly releases of “major titles” 

On October 28, Koei Tecmo released a presentation outlining their financial results for the first half of the fiscal year (ending on March 31, 2025), as well as detailing their ambitious long-term milestones and global strategy going forward. 

Back in 2023, Koei Tecmo achieved their highest game sales since 2009. Although overall game sales have fallen from that high in the current financial year, their back catalogue has performed better than expected, with the recent presentation highlighting repeat sales of the PS5 exclusive Rise of the Ronin (which was released at the end of the previous fiscal year). Operating income has also increased, leading the company to revise its consolidated earnings projections for the financial year upwards. 

In light of these successes, Koei Tecmo are focusing on improving profitability, consistently developing and publishing new games in-house, and expanding their regional game markets. According to the presentation, one of the milestones they aim to achieve is to be among the top 10 most profitable gaming companies in the world. As Koei Tecmo ranked 14^th as of 2023 and 17^th in 2022 (according to their own research), it seems that they have gradually been rising up the ranks towards this target. 

To maintain the profitability of their games, Koei Tecmo is looking to consistently release large-scale titles every year, and create titles in diverse genres – tapping into the individual strengths of each of their studios, including their new AAA Studio. Not only that but, Koei Tecmo aim to self-publish all their games regardless of the scale of the title. Before the current fiscal year ends on March 31 2025, Koei Tecmo will release FAIRY TALE 2, Dynasty Warriors Origins and Atelier Yumia. It’s worth noting that all three of these titles are being developed in-house. Dynasty Warriors Origins in particular is highlighted in the presentation as a “Major Title,” and it seems that Koei Tecmo has high hopes for this accessible return to the series’ roots.  

The presentation also gave insight into Koei Tecmo’s regional strategy. Regarding console and PC games, the company plans to strengthen existing structures in place in North America, Europe and China/Asia regions. For online and mobile games, Koei Tecmo will continue focusing on Japan and neighboring regions in the short term, with eventual plans to expand this part of their business globally. In the long term, the company also plans to grow its market in areas centering around the Koei Tecmo Singapore development base, including Southeast Asia and India. Among other projects, Koei Tecmo Singapore is working on the international version of Dead or Alive Xtreme Venus Vacation, and was behind the design of recent new character Reika.