#Japan #Tokyo #indie games #PARCO GAMES #game publishing

PARCO GAMES Launches New Game Publishing Initiative

In a bold move to expand its cultural footprint, PARCO, a prominent Japanese retail and entertainment company headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, has announced the formation of a dedicated gaming division. Officially named PARCO GAMES, this initiative will encompass various aspects of gaming, including events, e-commerce, media collaborations, and strategic partnerships. The new label aims to enhance the company's position in the ever-evolving game development landscape, with a focus on indie games.

What is PARCO GAMES?

On August 19, 2023, PARCO revealed its much-awaited gaming label, PARCO GAMES, designed to consolidate all gaming-related ventures under one strategic umbrella. The objective is clear: to create a coherent brand that promotes game publishing alongside ongoing event management and collaboration with its renowned physical stores across Japan.

With a launch set for September 2024, PARCO GAMES will introduce three selected indie titles from both domestic and international developers, marking the company’s serious entry into the game publishing arena. Each title is aimed for release in the winter of 2025, ensuring that gamers have something exciting to look forward to.

Game Publishing: A Vital Contribution

Game publishing involves the processes of distribution, marketing, and development support for various game projects. With PARCO GAMES, the company intends to nurture the unique visions of creators, aligning their aspirations with the core essence of the games they produce. This initiative is intended not only to bolster PARCO’s already established businesses but to forge innovative pathways in game culture, leveraging its extensive expertise across fashion, entertainment, and art.

According to Youichi Nishizawa, Head of the Game Development Division, this move is a significant step toward solidifying PARCO's game operations and improving sustainability in this creative field. Nishizawa expressed excitement over this new venture, which emphasizes collaboration and value co-creation within the indie game landscape. The new publishing venture aims to position itself distinctively in the gaming industry, focusing primarily on relationships with independent developers creating original works.

The Vision Behind the Brand

The concept driving PARCO GAMES hinges on the belief that gaming is a pivotal part of modern culture—much like fashion, music, or literature. PARCO has continually sought to foster environments where diverse cultures converge, aiming to ask fundamental questions like, “What can PARCO do for gaming?” The label envisions expanding the intersections between real-world spaces and gaming, providing immersive experiences that resonate emotionally with players.

Engaging with Creators and Communities

In addition to its publishing efforts, PARCO GAMES plans to leverage its nationwide retail presence as a platform for engaging with gaming communities. With 15 commercial facilities under the PARCO brand, physical events will play a key role in promoting games and cultures associated with them. Previous successful collaborations include indie game-themed cafes and immersive shows, setting a foundation for future events enhancing the connection between fans and creators.

PARCO GAMES is not just about the digital realm; it also champions in-person experiences that bring gaming to life within communities. By bridging online and offline interactions, PARCO aims to foster a collaborative atmosphere where independent developers can thrive.

Upcoming Titles

PARCO GAMES will showcase three indie titles at launch:
1. South Pole Project - An adventurous survival game set in a dystopian 900 years later Antarctica, developed in collaboration with Japanese studio RexLabo.
2. CONSTANCE - A captivating 2D action-adventure game from German studio btf Games, where players help an artist navigate through her mental landscape.
3. the Berlin Apartment - A 3D explorative adventure game that examines the life of a Berlin apartment's past inhabitants, also by btf Games.

Each title promises a unique narrative and gameplay experience, aligning perfectly with PARCO’s philosophy of promoting stories that move hearts and minds.

Looking Ahead

As PARCO embarks on this thrilling journey with PARCO GAMES, the company aims to expand its brand recognition while enhancing the diverse gaming culture both locally and globally. Beyond publishing, PARCO is exploring the potential for developing original IPs, thus reinforcing its commitment to the evolving world of games. Creating emotional connections through engaging narratives and diverse gameplay will be vital in capturing the hearts of gamers worldwide.

As it stands, PARCO GAMES is poised to redefine how gaming interacts with culture and community interaction. With its unparalleled approach, it is certain to leave a lasting impact on the gaming landscape in Japan and beyond. The future looks bright for PARCO GAMES as it continues to explore uncharted territories in game publishing and indie development.