Level 5 Moving Stateside, Developing New Console Titles

Independent developer and publisher Level 5 is looking to inflate their publishing arm through a North American expansion, according to reports from Siliconera and Japanese gaming news site Andriasing. Currently stationed in Fukuoka, Japan, Level 5 is the developer behind well-regarded games such as the Dark Cloud series, Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King, Rogue Galaxy, and more recently Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box and White Knight Chronicles.

The news broke following a recruitment seminar in Tokyo – home to a recently announced ancillary Level 5 studio – aimed at recent college graduates. During one particular presentation, Level 5 CEO Akihiro Hino looked to the future, making clear his interest in opening a Level 5 branch in North America. Whether this means that cogs are already moving or that the statement is a simple forward-looking goal is unknown.

This subsidiary would eliminate the need for Level 5 to reach out to other companies for publishing in North America. While Level 5 has made a habit of publishing its own handheld products in its native Japan, the majority of their flagship titles have been published through partnerships. Nintendo took the reins as Level 5’s Professor Layton publisher in North America, and frequent partner Sony Computer Entertainment stepped up for White Knight Chronicles. The move would also potentially provide Level 5 the opportunity to test the water in other countries with titles previously exclusive to Japan.

In addition to the news about moving stateside, Andriasang reports that Hino intends to return Level 5 to their roots and develop more console titles, despite their recent affinity for games on the Nintendo DS.

“We're currently producing titles for PS3, Wii and so-forth," explained Hino, "[The format, etc.] are unannounced, however [laughs]. However, we develop for the DS because we determined that it was the most suitable machine to put out a new title. We've been researching and developing for consoles, but when making a product under our own brand, we must make sure that it is a product with a chance of success. I believe we'll soon be able to announce a new console title.”

In closing, Hino also noted that he would like to see Level 5 expand into other facets of the entertainment sphere, including anime, movies and so on. “A major goal for Level-5 is to expand into the entertainment industry,” said Hino. “"The staff is working hard to make it so that we become not just a single game company, but a major entertainment brand. I don't know if it will be five or ten years later, but the staff has started to believe that we can really do this.”

We’re excited by news of Level 5’s expansion and optimistic outlook on the future. Level 5 has continually released stellar products, from their debut title Dark Cloud to the quirky Layton series, and has a number of other intriguing products on the horizon. We’re personally stoked to see what comes of their partnership with famous animation house Studio Ghibli. How does this news find you?

Thanks to Kevin Creedy for the tip!