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{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
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{{for|the Japanese era|Kōei}}
{{Short description|Japanese video game publisher, developer, and distributor founded in 1978}}
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{{For|the Japanese era|Kōei}}
{{Distinguish|Koai}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
|name = Koei Co., Ltd.
| name = Koei Co., Ltd.
|native_name = 株式会社コーエー
| native_name = 株式会社コーエー
|native_name_lang = ja
| native_name_lang = ja
|romanized_name = Kabushikigaisha Kōē
| romanized_name = Kabushikigaisha Kōē
|logo = Koei.png
| logo = Koei logo.svg
|type = [[Kabushiki gaisha]]<br>[[Division (business)|Division]]
| type = [[Kabushiki gaisha]]<br />[[Subsidiary]]
|fate = [[Mergers and acquisitions|Merged]] with [[Tecmo]]
| fate = [[Mergers and acquisitions|Merged]] with [[Tecmo]]
|successor = [[Koei Tecmo|Koei Tecmo Games]]
| successor = [[Koei Tecmo|Koei Tecmo Games]]
|foundation = {{start date and age|1978|07|25|df=yes}}
| foundation = {{start date and age|1978|07|25|}}
|defunct = April 1, 2010
| defunct = April 1, 2010; 13 years ago
|founder = [[Yōichi Erikawa]]<br/>[[Keiko Erikawa]]
| founder = [[Yōichi Erikawa]]<br />[[Keiko Erikawa]]
|location = [[Yokohama]], [[Japan]]
| location = [[Yokohama]], [[Japan]]
|area_served =
| area_served =
|key_people =
| key_people =
|industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]]
| industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]]
|products = [[List of Koei Tecmo games]]
| products = [[List of Koei Tecmo games]]
|services =
| services =
|revenue =
| revenue =
|operating_income =
| operating_income =
|net_income =
| net_income =
|assets =
| assets =
|equity =
| equity =
|num_employees =
| num_employees =
|parent = [[Koei Tecmo]]
| parent = [[Koei Tecmo]]
|divisions =
| divisions =
|subsid =
| subsid =
|caption =
| caption =
|homepage = {{url|http://www.koei.co.jp/koei_home.html}}
| homepage = {{url|http://www.koei.co.jp/koei_home.html}}
}}
}}


'''Koei Co., Ltd.''' was a Japanese [[video game publisher]], [[video game developer|developer]], and distributor founded in [[1978 in video gaming|1978]]. The company is known for its ''Dynasty Warriors'' games based on the novel ''[[Romance of the Three Kingdoms]]'', as well as simulation games based on pseudo-historical events.
'''Koei Co., Ltd.''' was a Japanese [[video game publisher]], [[video game developer|developer]], and distributor founded in [[1978 in video gaming|1978]]. The company is known for its historical simulation games based on the novel ''[[Romance of the Three Kingdoms]]'', as well as simulation games based on pseudo-historical events.


The company has also found mainstream success in a series of loosely historical action games, the flagship titles of which are the ''[[Dynasty Warriors]]'' and ''[[Samurai Warriors]]'' series, also known as the ''Musō'' series. Koei also owns a division known as Ruby Party, which focuses on [[otome game]]s.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.koeitecmo.co.jp/e/business/entertainment/#ruby_party |title = Entertainment &#124; Introduction to our Business}}</ref>
The company found mainstream success in a series of loosely historical action games, the flagship titles of which are the ''[[Dynasty Warriors]]'' and ''[[Samurai Warriors]]'' series, also known as the ''Musō'' series. Koei also owned a division known as [[Ruby Party]], which focuses on [[otome game]]s.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.koeitecmo.co.jp/e/business/entertainment/#ruby_party |title = Entertainment &#124; Introduction to our Business}}</ref>


On April 1, 2009, Koei merged with [[Tecmo]] to form the [[Koei Tecmo|Tecmo Koei Holdings]] holding company.<ref name="Dissolution of Tecmo and Koei"/> Koei changed its name to '''Tecmo Koei Games''' on April 1, 2010 by absorbing Tecmo, and again on July 1, 2014, to '''Koei Tecmo Games'''.<ref name="Dissolution of Tecmo and Koei"/><ref>https://www.koeitecmo.co.jp/php/pdf/news_20140526_01.pdf</ref>
On April 1, 2009, Koei merged with [[Tecmo]] to create the [[Koei Tecmo|Tecmo Koei Holdings]] holding company. After operating as subsidiaries of Tecmo Koei Holdings for exactly a year, Koei merged with Tecmo on April 1, 2010 and combined both companies as one under the name Tecmo Koei Games (with Koei as the actual surviving corporation).


==History==
==History==
⚫
Koei was established in July 1978 by {{Ill|Yōichi Erikawa|ja|襟川陽一|WD=}} (also known as {{Ill|Kou Shibusawa|ja|シブサワ・コウ}}) and {{Ill|Keiko Erikawa|ja|襟川恵子}}. Yoichi was a student at [[Keio University]], and when his family's rural [[dye]]stuffs business failed, he decided to pursue his interest in programming. The company has remained located in the [[Hiyoshi]] area of [[Yokohama]].


⚫
The company initially focused on [[personal computer]] sales and made-to-order business [[Computer software|software]]. In [[1982 in video games|1982]], the company released the erotic title ([[eroge]]) {{nihongo|''Seduction of the Condominium Wife''|団地妻の誘惑|Danchi Tsuma no Yūwaku}}, which was an early [[Role-playing video game|role-playing]] [[adventure game]] with color graphics,<ref>{{cite web|title=Danchizuma no Yuuwaku|publisher=Legendra|url=http://www.legendra.com/rpg/fiche-rpg_id-3276-rpg-danchizuma_no_yuuwaku.html#fichesr_33_3276|access-date=2011-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713195411/http://www.legendra.com/rpg/fiche-rpg_id-3276-rpg-danchizuma_no_yuuwaku.html#fichesr_33_3276|archive-date=2011-07-13|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Danchi-zuma no Yuuwaku|publisher=[[GameSpot]] |url=http://www.gamespot.com/fm7/rpg/danchizumanoyuuwaku/index.html|access-date=2011-03-16}}</ref> owing to the eight-color palette of the [[PC-8000 series|PC-8001]] computer. It became a hit, helping Koei become a major software company.<ref name=Pesimo>{{cite book |author=Pesimo, Rudyard Contretas |chapter='Asianizing' Animation in Asia: Digital Content Identity Construction Within the Animation Landscapes of Japan and Thailand |title=Reflections on the Human Condition: Change, Conflict and Modernity—The Work of the 2004/2005 API Fellows |year=2007 |publisher=The Nippon Foundation |pages=124–160 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904050744/http://www.apimal.org/blogcms/media/13/File/Pesimo.pdf |archive-date=2011-09-04 |chapter-url=http://www.apimal.org/blogcms/media/13/File/Pesimo.pdf}}</ref> In March the same year Koei released ''Underground Exploration'', the earliest known [[History of Eastern role-playing video games#Japanese role-playing games|Japanese RPG]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/FelipePepe/20161010/282896/19821987__The_Birth_of_Japanese_RPGs_retold_in_15_Games.php|title=1982-1987 – The Birth of Japanese RPGs, re-told in 15 Games|website=gamasutra.com|date=10 October 2016}}</ref> In [[1983 in video games|1983]] it released {{nihongo|''[[Nobunaga's Ambition]]''|信長の野望|Nobunaga no Yabō}}, a historical [[strategy game]] set during the [[Sengoku period]] of [[History of Japan|Japanese history]]. The game went on to receive numerous awards, and Koei produced several more such games set against the backdrop of world history, including ''[[Romance of the Three Kingdoms (video game series)|Romance of the Three Kingdoms]]'', set during the [[Three Kingdoms]] period of [[History of China|Chinese history]], and {{nihongo|''[[Uncharted Waters]]''|大航海時代|Dai Kōkai Jidai|lit. ''Great Navigation Era''}}, set in [[Portugal]] during the [[Age of Discovery|Age of Exploration]].
⚫
Koei was established in July 1978 by Yōichi Erikawa (also known as Kou Shibusawa) and Keiko Erikawa. Yoichi was a student at [[Keio University]], and when his family's rural [[dye]]stuffs business failed, he decided to pursue his interest in programming. The company has remained located in the [[Hiyoshi]] area of [[Yokohama]].

⚫
The company initially focused on [[personal computer]] sales and made-to-order business [[Computer software|software]]. In [[1982 in video games|1982]], the company released the erotic title ([[eroge]]) {{nihongo|''Seduction of the Condominium Wife''|団地妻の誘惑|Danchi Tsuma no Yūwaku}}, which was an early [[Role-playing video game|role-playing]] [[adventure game]] with color graphics,<ref>{{cite web|title=Danchizuma no Yuuwaku|publisher=Legendra|url=http://www.legendra.com/rpg/fiche-rpg_id-3276-rpg-danchizuma_no_yuuwaku.html#fichesr_33_3276|access-date=2011-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713195411/http://www.legendra.com/rpg/fiche-rpg_id-3276-rpg-danchizuma_no_yuuwaku.html#fichesr_33_3276|archive-date=2011-07-13|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Danchi-zuma no Yuuwaku|publisher=[[GameSpot]] |url=http://www.gamespot.com/fm7/rpg/danchizumanoyuuwaku/index.html|access-date=2011-03-16}}</ref> owing to the eight-color palette of the [[PC-8000 series|PC-8001]] computer. It became a hit, helping Koei become a major software company.<ref name=Pesimo>{{cite book |author=Pesimo, Rudyard Contretas |chapter='Asianizing' Animation in Asia: Digital Content Identity Construction Within the Animation Landscapes of Japan and Thailand |title=Reflections on the Human Condition: Change, Conflict and Modernity—The Work of the 2004/2005 API Fellows |year=2007 |publisher=The Nippon Foundation |pages=124–160 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904050744/http://www.apimal.org/blogcms/media/13/File/Pesimo.pdf |archive-date=2011-09-04 |chapter-url=http://www.apimal.org/blogcms/media/13/File/Pesimo.pdf}}</ref> In [[1983 in video games|1983]] it released {{nihongo|''[[Nobunaga's Ambition]]''|信長の野望|Nobunaga no Yabō}}, a historical [[strategy game]] set during the [[Sengoku period]] of [[History of Japan|Japanese history]]. The game went on to receive numerous awards, and Koei produced several more such games set against the backdrop of world history, including ''[[Romance of the Three Kingdoms (video game series)|Romance of the Three Kingdoms]]'', set during the [[Three Kingdoms]] period of [[History of China|Chinese history]], and {{nihongo|''[[Uncharted Waters]]''|大航海時代|Dai Kōkai Jidai|lit. ''Great Navigation Era''}}, set in [[Portugal]] during the [[Age of Discovery|Age of Exploration]].


In 1988, Koei established a [[North America]]n [[subsidiary]], '''Koei America Corporation''', in [[California]]. This subsidiary localized Koei games for export to all territories outside Japan, as well as producing original games and concepts with the leadership of designer [[Stieg Hedlund]], like ''[[Liberty or Death (video game)|Liberty or Death]]'', ''[[Celtic Tales: Balor of the Evil Eye]]'', ''[[Gemfire]]'' and ''[[Saiyuki: Journey West]]''. After Hedlund's departure, this subsidiary ceased game development in 1995, focusing instead on localization, sales and marketing.
In 1988, Koei established a [[North America]]n [[subsidiary]], '''Koei America Corporation''', in [[California]]. This subsidiary localized Koei games for export to all territories outside Japan, as well as producing original games and concepts with the leadership of designer [[Stieg Hedlund]], like ''[[Liberty or Death (video game)|Liberty or Death]]'', ''[[Celtic Tales: Balor of the Evil Eye]]'', ''[[Gemfire]]'' and ''[[Saiyuki: Journey West]]''. After Hedlund's departure, this subsidiary ceased game development in 1995, focusing instead on localization, sales and marketing.
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A [[Canada|Canadian]] subsidiary, '''Koei Canada, Inc.''' was established in early 2001, and a [[Europe]]an subsidiary, '''Koei Limited''' was established in early 2003 in [[Hertfordshire]], [[United Kingdom]]. Koei also maintains subsidiaries in [[mainland China]], [[Korea]], [[Taiwan]] and [[Lithuania]]. Recently, Koei created a Singapore branch for game development such as ''[[Sangokushi Online]]''.
A [[Canada|Canadian]] subsidiary, '''Koei Canada, Inc.''' was established in early 2001, and a [[Europe]]an subsidiary, '''Koei Limited''' was established in early 2003 in [[Hertfordshire]], [[United Kingdom]]. Koei also maintains subsidiaries in [[mainland China]], [[Korea]], [[Taiwan]] and [[Lithuania]]. Recently, Koei created a Singapore branch for game development such as ''[[Sangokushi Online]]''.


⚫
Koei's Ruby Party division specializes on games labeled as Neoromance: [[Otome game|GxB]] dating sims, usually with extra side-quests. Out of the three Neoromance series, the best known is [[Angelique (video game)|Angelique]], which has been in production since 1994. [[Harukanaru Toki no Naka de]] is a newer Neoromance hit, with many sequels and an [[anime]] television series based on it. The newest game in the series, [[Kin'iro no Corda]], is gaining popularity partially because the [[manga]] series it was based on, has been recently licensed by ''[[Viz (comic)|Viz]]'' for [[English language]] publishing. It gaining more popularity though, and an anime television series based on it began airing in October 2006. A sequel was also released on the [[PlayStation 2]] in March 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/ps2/corda2/|title=金色のコルダ２|publisher=Koei |date=February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202185536/http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/ps2/corda2/ |archive-date=February 2, 2007 }}</ref>
All Koei operations in English in turn ceased in 2012, with the previously unannounced closing of Koei's North American support forums and website. They resumed in 2016, with the English language PC release of Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII.

⚫
Koei's Ruby Party division specializes on games labeled as Neoromance: [[Otome game|GxB]] dating sims, usually with extra side-quests. Out of the three Neoromance series, the best known is [[Angelique (video game)|Angelique]], which has been in production since 1994. [[Harukanaru Toki no Naka de]] is a newer Neoromance hit, with many sequels and an [[anime]] television series based on it. The newest game in the series, [[Kin'iro no Corda]], is gaining popularity partially because the [[manga]] series it was based on, has been recently licensed by ''[[Viz (comic)|Viz]]'' for [[English language]] publishing. It gaining more popularity though, and an anime television series based on it began airing in October 2006. A sequel was also released on the [[PlayStation 2]] in March 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamecity.ne.jp/ps2/corda2/|title=金色のコルダ２}}</ref>


On September 4, 2008, Koei announced that it was in talks to purchase ailing competitor [[Tecmo]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Thorsen| first=Tor|title=Tecmo, Koei in merger talks|website=GameSpot|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6197229.html|access-date=2008-09-21| date=2008-09-04 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ashcraft|first=Brian|title=Report: Tecmo And Koei In Talks To Merge|publisher=Kotaku| url=http://kotaku.com/5045256/tecmo-and-koei-in-talks-to-merge|access-date=2008-09-21|date=2008-09-04 }}</ref> They agreed in November 2008 to merge on April 1, 2009 to form [[Tecmo Koei|Tecmo Koei Holdings]].<ref>[http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/55975/ Tecmo and Koei to Merge in April 2009]</ref> On January 26, 2009 the two companies approved the merger, the [[holding company]] formed on April 1, 2009 as planned.<ref>[http://kotaku.com/5193268/koei-tecmo-reveals-its-new-company-logo-looks-familiar Koei Tecmo Reveals Its New Company Logo (Looks Familiar)]</ref>
On September 4, 2008, Koei announced that it was in talks to purchase ailing competitor [[Tecmo]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Thorsen| first=Tor|title=Tecmo, Koei in merger talks|website=GameSpot|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6197229.html|access-date=2008-09-21| date=2008-09-04 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ashcraft|first=Brian|title=Report: Tecmo And Koei In Talks To Merge|publisher=Kotaku| url=http://kotaku.com/5045256/tecmo-and-koei-in-talks-to-merge|access-date=2008-09-21|date=2008-09-04 }}</ref> They agreed in November 2008 to merge on April 1, 2009 to form [[Tecmo Koei|Tecmo Koei Holdings]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/55975/tecmo-and-koei-to-merge|title=Tecmo and Koei to Merge in April 2009|date=November 18, 2008|website=Shacknews}}</ref> On January 26, 2009 the two companies approved the merger, the [[holding company]] formed on April 1, 2009 as planned.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/koei-tecmo-reveals-its-new-company-logo-looks-familiar-5193268|title=Koei Tecmo Reveals Its New Company Logo (Looks Familiar)|date=April 1, 2009|website=Kotaku}}</ref>


On April 1, 2010, Koei absorbed Tecmo and renamed itself '''Tecmo Koei Games'''.<ref name="Dissolution of Tecmo and Koei">{{cite web|title=Official report of Tecmo Koei Holdings for the dissolution of Tecmo and Koei development studios|publisher=[[Tecmo Koei Holdings]]|url=http://www.koeitecmo.co.jp/php/pdf/news_20110207_01.pdf|access-date=2012-12-05|date=2011-02-07}}</ref> Koei's subsidiaries in the United States, Europe and Korea already had their names changed months before the Japanese parent.<ref name="Tecmo Koei History">{{cite web|title=Tecmo Koei Company History|publisher=[[Tecmo Koei Holdings]]|url=http://www.koeitecmo.co.jp/company/history/kthd.html|access-date=2012-12-05}}</ref> On March 15, 2010, the developing operations of Koei and Tecmo were spun off as new companies under the names of '''Koei Co, Ltd''' and '''Tecmo Co, Ltd''' respectively, but they were integrated into Tecmo Koei Games the following year, on April 1, 2011.<ref name="Dissolution of Tecmo and Keoi">{{cite web|title=Official report of Tecmo Keoi Holdings for the dissolution of Tecmo and Keoi development studios|publisher=[[Tecmo Koei Holdings]]|url=http://www.koeitecmo.co.jp/php/pdf/news_20110207_01.pdf|access-date=2012-12-05|date=2011-02-07}}</ref><ref name="Reuters">{{cite news|title=TECMO KOEI HOLDINGS CO.,LTD. Announces Merger between Subsidiary and Sub-subsidiaries; Announces Business Transition between Subsidiaries|work=[[Reuters]]|url=https://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/3635.T/key-developments/article/2080860|access-date=2012-12-05|date=2011-02-07}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
Koei changed its name to '''Tecmo Koei Games''' on April 1, 2010 by absorbing Tecmo, and again on July 1, 2014, to '''Koei Tecmo Games'''.<ref name="Dissolution of Tecmo and Koei">{{cite web|title=Official report of Tecmo Koei Holdings for the dissolution of Tecmo and Koei development studios|publisher=[[Tecmo Koei Holdings]]|url=https://www.koeitecmo.co.jp/php/pdf/news_20110207_01.pdf|access-date=2012-12-05|date=2011-02-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430132646/https://www.koeitecmo.co.jp/php/pdf/news_20110207_01.pdf |archive-date=April 30, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.koeitecmo.co.jp/php/pdf/news_20140526_01.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705232617/https://www.koeitecmo.co.jp/php/pdf/news_20140526_01.pdf|archive-date=2015-07-05|url-status=dead|title=商号の変更及び定款の一部変更に関するお知らせ|date=2014-05-26|publisher=Koei Tecmo|language=ja}}</ref> Koei's subsidiaries in the United States, Europe and Korea already had their names changed months before the Japanese parent.<ref name="Tecmo Koei History">{{cite web|title=Tecmo Koei Company History|publisher=[[Tecmo Koei Holdings]]|url=https://www.koeitecmo.co.jp/company/history/kthd.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216031237/https://www.koeitecmo.co.jp/company/history/kthd.html |access-date=2012-12-05|archive-date=February 16, 2010 }}</ref> The developing operations of the original Koei and Tecmo companies were spun off on March 15, 2010 as new separate subsidiaries under the names of '''Koei Co., Ltd''' and '''Tecmo Co., Ltd''' respectively, but they were absorbed the following year by Tecmo Koei Games, on April 1, 2011.<ref name="Dissolution of Tecmo and Koei"/><ref name="Reuters">{{cite news|title=Tecmo Koei Games Co., Ltd. Announces Merger between Subsidiary and Sub-subsidiaries; Announces Business Transition between Subsidiaries|work=[[Reuters]]|url=https://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/3635.T/key-developments/article/2080860|access-date=2012-12-05|date=2011-02-07}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>


== Games by Koei ==
== Games by Koei ==
Koei has built a large base of franchises, and has developed on various consoles and computers. Below is a list of game series developed by Koei.
Koei has built a large base of franchises, and has developed on various consoles and computers. Below is a list of game series developed by Koei.


===Action games===
===Action===
*''[[Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War]]'', an action/strategy game based on the Hundred Years' War between England and France. Released for [[PlayStation 3]], [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Xbox 360]].
*''[[Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War]]'', an action/strategy game based on the Hundred Years' War between England and France. Released for [[PlayStation 3]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Xbox 360]] and [[Xbox One]].
*''[[BoBoiBoy Galactic Heroes]]'' – In association with Koei, and based on the Malaysian TV series, [[BoBoiBoy Galaxy]], to be released on Google Play.
*''[[BoBoiBoy Galactic Heroes]]'' – In association with Koei, and based on the Malaysian TV series, [[BoBoiBoy Galaxy]], to be released on Google Play.
*''[[Croc: Legend of the Gobbos]]''. The Japanese version of the ''Croc'' games distributed by Koei were released for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]].
*''[[Croc: Legend of the Gobbos]]''. The Japanese version of the ''Croc'' games distributed by Koei were released for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]].
*''[[Crimson Sea]]'' was released for [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] in 2002, whereas its sequel was released for [[PlayStation 2]] in 2004.
*''[[Crimson Sea]]'' was released for [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] in 2002, whereas its sequel was released for [[PlayStation 2]] in 2004.
*''[[Destrega]]'', a 1 vs 1 fighter game for the PlayStation.
*''[[Destrega]]'', a 1 vs 1 fighter game for the PlayStation.
*''[[Dynasty Warriors]]'' 1–9 (as well as expansions ''Xtreme Legends'' for 3–8, ''Empires'' for 4–8, plus a [[Game Boy Advance]], a [[Nintendo DS]] and three [[PlayStation Portable]] games) '' (真・三國無双 ''Shin-Sangoku Musō''; [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] of ''[[Romance of the Three Kingdoms (video game series)|Romance of the Three Kingdoms]]'').
*''[[Dynasty Warriors]]'' 1–7 (as well as expansions ''Xtreme Legends'' for 3–7, ''Empires'' for 4–7, plus a [[Game Boy Advance]], a [[Nintendo DS]] and three [[PlayStation Portable]] games) '' (真・三國無双 ''Shin-Sangoku Musō''; [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] of ''[[Romance of the Three Kingdoms (video game series)|Romance of the Three Kingdoms]]'').
*''[[Dynasty Warriors: Gundam]]'', for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]], it is based on the mechanics of ''Dynasty Warriors'' and ''Samurai Warriors'', only using the ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam]]'' franchise as its base. (''ガンダム無双'' Gundam Musō).
*''[[Dynasty Warriors: Gundam]]'', for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]], it is based on the mechanics of ''Dynasty Warriors'' and ''Samurai Warriors'', only using the ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam]]'' franchise as its base. (''ガンダム無双'' Gundam Musō).
*''[[Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage]]'' for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]].
*''[[Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage]]'' for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]].
*''[[Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2]]'' for the [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], and [[Wii U]]
*''[[Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2]]'' for the [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], and [[Wii U]]
*''[[Hyrule Warriors]]'' for [[Wii U]], a Dynasty Warriors style game for ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' franchise.
*''[[Mystic Heroes]]'' for the [[GameCube]] and [[PlayStation 2]].
*''[[Mystic Heroes]]'' for the [[Nintendo GameCube]] and [[PlayStation 2]].
*''[[Nioh]]'' for [[PlayStation 4]].
*''[[One Piece: Pirate Warriors]]'' for the [[PlayStation 3]].
*''[[One Piece: Pirate Warriors]]'' for the [[PlayStation 3]].
*''[[Prey the Stars]]'', released for the [[Nintendo DS]].
*''[[Prey the Stars]]'', released for the [[Nintendo DS]].
*''[[Samurai Warriors]]'', ''[[Samurai Warriors 2]]'', ''[[Samurai Warriors 3]]'', and [[Samurai Warriors 4]] (as well as an'' Xtreme Legends ''expansion to both, and'' Empires ''expansion to'' 2, ''a PSP game,'' [[Samurai Warriors#Legacy|Samurai Warriors: State of War]]'', and ''[[Samurai Warriors: Katana]]'' for the [[Wii]].)'' (''戦国無双'' Sengoku Musō''). Many spinoffs of this have been created including Derby Musou and Samurai Warriors Chronicles series.
*''[[Samurai Warriors]]'', ''[[Samurai Warriors 2]]'', ''[[Samurai Warriors 3]]'', and ''[[Samurai Warriors 4]]'' (as well as an'' Xtreme Legends ''expansion to both, and'' Empires ''expansion to'' 2, ''a PSP game,'' [[Samurai Warriors#Legacy|Samurai Warriors: State of War]]'', and ''[[Samurai Warriors: Katana]]'' for the [[Wii]].)'' (''戦国無双'' Sengoku Musō''). Many spinoffs of this have been created including Derby Musou and Samurai Warriors Chronicles series.
*''[[Stop That Roach!]]'', an action/puzzle game released in 1994 for [[Game Boy]].
*''[[Stop That Roach!]]'', an action/puzzle game released in 1994 for [[Game Boy]].
*''[[Tamashii no Mon Dante no Shinkyoku yori ]]'' (''魂の門 ダンテ「神曲」より'' Gate of Souls ~ From Dante's ''Divine Comedy''), an action game inspired by Dante's ''[[Divine Comedy]]'' released on [[NEC PC-9801]] and [[FM Towns]].<ref name="urlTamashii no Mon: Dante no Shinkyoku yori - IGDB">{{cite web |url=https://www.igdb.com/games/tamashii-no-mon-dante-no-shinkyoku-yori |title=Tamashii no Mon: Dante no Shinkyoku yori - IGDB |access-date=2009-07-06}}</ref>
*''[[Toukiden: The Age of Demons]]'', a monster-hunting action role-playing game.
*''[[Trinity: Zill O'll Zero]]'', for the [[PlayStation 3]].
*''[[Trinity: Zill O'll Zero]]'', for the [[PlayStation 3]].
*''[[Warriors: Legends of Troy]]'' is a Koei Canada game which was announced at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2009|E3]] 2009.
*''[[Warriors: Legends of Troy]]'' is a Koei Canada game which was announced at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2009|E3]] 2009.
*''[[Warriors Orochi]]'' for the [[PlayStation 2]], [[PlayStation Portable|PSP]], [[Personal computer|PC]] and [[Xbox 360]], it is the first Koei [[Fictional crossover|crossover]] title, featuring characters from the ''Dynasty Warriors'' and ''Samurai Warriors'' games. (''無双OROCHI'').
*''[[Warriors Orochi]]'' for the [[PlayStation 2]], [[PlayStation Portable|PSP]], [[Personal computer|PC]] and [[Xbox 360]], it is the first Koei [[Fictional crossover|crossover]] title, featuring characters from the ''Dynasty Warriors'' and ''Samurai Warriors'' games. (''無双OROCHI'').
*''[[WinBack]]'', a [[third-person shooter game]] for [[Nintendo 64]] and [[PlayStation 2]].
*''[[WinBack]]'', a [[third-person shooter game]] for [[Nintendo 64]] and [[PlayStation 2]].
*''[[WinBack 2: Project Poseidon]]'', a [[third-person shooter game]] for [[PlayStation 2]] and [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]].
*''[[Warriors All-Stars]]'' for [[PlayStation 4]] and [[PlayStation Vita]], a ''Dynasty Warriors'' style game mixing characters from Koei's various franchises, similar to ''Warriors Orochi''.
*''[[Warriors All-Stars]]'' for [[PlayStation 4]] and [[PlayStation Vita]], a ''Dynasty Warriors'' style game mixing characters from Koei's various franchises, similar to ''Warriors Orochi''.
*''[[Warriors Orochi 3 Hyper]]'', for the [[Wii U]]
*''[[Warriors Orochi 3 Hyper]]'', for the [[Wii U]]


=== History Simulation ===
=== History simulation ===
*''[[Bandit Kings of Ancient China]]'' – Released on the Nintendo Entertainment System, MS-DOS, Amiga & Macintosh.<ref name="urlBandit Kings of Ancient China - MobyGames">{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/bandit-kings-of-ancient-china |title=Bandit Kings of Ancient China – MobyGames |access-date=2009-02-01}}</ref>
*''[[Bandit Kings of Ancient China]]'' – Released on the Nintendo Entertainment System, MS-DOS, Amiga & Macintosh.<ref name="urlBandit Kings of Ancient China - MobyGames">{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/bandit-kings-of-ancient-china |title=Bandit Kings of Ancient China – MobyGames |access-date=2009-02-01}}</ref>
*''[[Genghis Khan (video game)|Genghis Khan]] series.<ref name="urlGenghis Khan - MobyGames">{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/genghis-khan |title=Genghis Khan – MobyGames |access-date=2009-02-01}}</ref><ref name="urlGenghis Khan II: Clan of the Grey Wolf - MobyGames">{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/genghis-khan-ii-clan-of-the-grey-wolf |title=Genghis Khan II: Clan of the Grey Wolf – MobyGames |access-date=2009-02-01}}</ref>
*''[[Genghis Khan (video game)|Genghis Khan]] series''.<ref name="urlGenghis Khan - MobyGames">{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/genghis-khan |title=Genghis Khan – MobyGames |access-date=2009-02-01}}</ref><ref name="urlGenghis Khan II: Clan of the Grey Wolf - MobyGames">{{cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/genghis-khan-ii-clan-of-the-grey-wolf |title=Genghis Khan II: Clan of the Grey Wolf – MobyGames |access-date=2009-02-01 |archive-date=February 27, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227161131/http://www.mobygames.com/game/genghis-khan-ii-clan-of-the-grey-wolf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*''[[Liberty or Death (video game)|Liberty or Death]]'' – Based on the American Revolutionary war.
*''[[Liberty or Death (video game)|Liberty or Death]]'' – Based on the American Revolutionary war.
*''[[Nobunaga's Ambition|Nobunaga's Ambition series]]'' – published on various platforms.
*''[[Nobunaga's Ambition|Nobunaga's Ambition series]]'' – published on various platforms.
Line 93: Line 92:
*''[[Rise of the Phoenix (video game)|Rise of the Phoenix]]'' – Based on the wars of the early Han and Chu dynasties in China, released on the SNES.
*''[[Rise of the Phoenix (video game)|Rise of the Phoenix]]'' – Based on the wars of the early Han and Chu dynasties in China, released on the SNES.


===Strategy games===
===Strategy===
*''[[Aerobiz Supersonic]]'' – Airline simulator
*''[[Aerobiz Supersonic]]'' – Airline simulator
*''[[BoBoiBoy Galactic Heroes]]'' – From In Association With Koei and Based on the BoBoiBoy go to Galaxy released in Google Play
*''[[BoBoiBoy Galactic Heroes]]'' – From In Association With Koei and Based on the BoBoiBoy go to Galaxy released in Google Play
*''[[Celtic Tales: Balor of the Evil Eye]]'' – [[Medieval fantasy]] simulator.<ref>Dembo, Arinn; ''Aye, 'Tis a Bonny Land Indeed: Koei explores the Emerald Isle's Myth and Magic in CELTIC TALES'', p. 214. Computer Gaming World, Issue 134, September 1995</ref>
*''[[Celtic Tales: Balor of the Evil Eye]]'' – [[Medieval fantasy]] simulator<ref>Dembo, Arinn; ''Aye, 'Tis a Bonny Land Indeed: Koei explores the Emerald Isle's Myth and Magic in CELTIC TALES'', p. 214. Computer Gaming World, Issue 134, September 1995</ref>
*[[Dynasty Tactics]]
⚫
*''[[Gemfire]]'' – [[Medieval fantasy]] simulator.
*[[Dynasty Tactics 2]]
⚫
*''[[Gemfire]]'' – [[Medieval fantasy]] simulator
*''[[Genghis Khan (video game)|Genghis Khan]]''
*''[[Genghis Khan (video game)|Genghis Khan]]''
*''[[Kessen]]''
*''[[Kessen]]''
Line 103: Line 104:
*''[[Kessen III]]''
*''[[Kessen III]]''
*''[[L'Empereur]]'' – Turn-based strategy game released on the Nintendo Entertainment System
*''[[L'Empereur]]'' – Turn-based strategy game released on the Nintendo Entertainment System
*''[[P.T.O.|P.T.O.: Pacific Theater of Operations]]''
*''[[P.T.O. (video game)|P.T.O.: Pacific Theater of Operations]]''
*''[[P.T.O. II|P.T.O. II: Pacific Theater of Operations]]''
*''[[P.T.O. II|P.T.O. II: Pacific Theater of Operations]]''
*''[[P.T.O. IV: Pacific Theater of Operations]]''
*''[[P.T.O. IV: Pacific Theater of Operations]]''
Line 120: Line 121:
*''[[Leading Company]]'' – Video cassette recorder business simulator
*''[[Leading Company]]'' – Video cassette recorder business simulator


===Neo-romance games===
===Neo-romance===
*''[[Angelique (Japanese series)|Angelique]]''
*''[[Angelique (Japanese series)|Angelique]]''
*''[[Harukanaru Toki no Naka de]]''
*''[[Harukanaru Toki no Naka de]]''
Line 137: Line 138:
*''[[Opoona]]''
*''[[Opoona]]''


===Sports games===
===Sports===
*''[[G1 Jockey]]''
*''[[G1 Jockey]]''
*''[[G1 Jockey 4 2007]]''
*''[[G1 Jockey 4 2007]]''
*''[[Fatal Inertia]]''
*''[[Fatal Inertia]]''
*''[[Se-Pa 2001]]''
*''[[Winning Post 7 Maximum 2007]]''
*''[[Winning Post 7 Maximum 2007]]''
*''[[Yanya Caballista: City Skater]]''
*''[[Yanya Caballista: City Skater]]''


===Music games===
===Music===
*''[[Gitaroo Man]]'' (As well as a PlayStation Portable version called ''Gitaroo Man Lives!'')
*''[[Gitaroo Man]]'' (As well as a PlayStation Portable version called ''Gitaroo Man Lives!'')


Line 153: Line 155:
*{{Nihongo|''[[Taikō Risshiden]]''|太閤立志伝}}
*{{Nihongo|''[[Taikō Risshiden]]''|太閤立志伝}}


===Adventure games===
===Adventure===
*''[[Saihai no Yukue]]'' (''采配のゆくえ'')
*''[[Saihai no Yukue]]'' (''采配のゆくえ'')


=== Erotic games ===
=== Erotic ===
*''[[Danchi Zuma no Yuuwaku]]''
*''[[Night Life (video game)|Night Life]]''
*''[[Night Life (video game)|Night Life]]''
*{{Nihongo|[[Danchi-zuma no Yuuwaku]]|団地妻の誘惑|4=lit. "Seduction of Condominium Wives"}}
*{{Nihongo|[[Oranda Tsuma wa Denki Unagi no Yume o Miru ka?]]|オランダ妻は電気ウナギの夢を見るか?|4=lit. "Do Dutch Wives Dream of Electric Eels?"}}
*{{Nihongo|[[My Lolita]]|マイ・ロリータ}}


==Games published by Koei in Europe==
==Games published by Koei in Europe==
Line 180: Line 184:
{{Romance of the Three Kingdoms series}}
{{Romance of the Three Kingdoms series}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Companies based in Yokohama]]
[[Category:Companies based in Yokohama]]
[[Category:Video game companies of Japan]]
[[Category:Defunct video game companies of Japan]]
[[Category:Video game companies established in 1978]]
[[Category:Video game companies established in 1978]]
[[Category:Koei Tecmo]]
[[Category:Koei Tecmo]]
Line 189: Line 194:
[[Category:Video game companies disestablished in 2010]]
[[Category:Video game companies disestablished in 2010]]
[[Category:Japanese companies disestablished in 2010]]
[[Category:Japanese companies disestablished in 2010]]
[[Category:Defunct video game companies of Japan]]

Latest revision as of 12:42, 20 November 2024

For the Japanese era, see Kōei.
Not to be confused with Koai.
Koei Co., Ltd.
Native name
株式会社コーエー
Kabushikigaisha Kōē
Company typeKabushiki gaisha
Subsidiary
IndustryVideo games
FoundedJuly 25, 1978; 46 years ago (1978-07-25)
FounderYōichi Erikawa
Keiko Erikawa
DefunctApril 1, 2010; 13 years ago
FateMerged with Tecmo
SuccessorKoei Tecmo Games
HeadquartersYokohama, Japan
ProductsList of Koei Tecmo games
ParentKoei Tecmo
Websitewww.koei.co.jp/koei_home.html

Koei Co., Ltd. was a Japanese video game publisher, developer, and distributor founded in 1978. The company is known for its historical simulation games based on the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, as well as simulation games based on pseudo-historical events.

The company found mainstream success in a series of loosely historical action games, the flagship titles of which are the Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors series, also known as the Musō series. Koei also owned a division known as Ruby Party, which focuses on otome games.[1]

On April 1, 2009, Koei merged with Tecmo to create the Tecmo Koei Holdings holding company. After operating as subsidiaries of Tecmo Koei Holdings for exactly a year, Koei merged with Tecmo on April 1, 2010 and combined both companies as one under the name Tecmo Koei Games (with Koei as the actual surviving corporation).

History

[edit]

Koei was established in July 1978 by Yōichi Erikawa [ja] (also known as Kou Shibusawa [ja]) and Keiko Erikawa [ja]. Yoichi was a student at Keio University, and when his family's rural dyestuffs business failed, he decided to pursue his interest in programming. The company has remained located in the Hiyoshi area of Yokohama.

The company initially focused on personal computer sales and made-to-order business software. In 1982, the company released the erotic title (eroge) Seduction of the Condominium Wife (団地妻の誘惑, Danchi Tsuma no Yūwaku), which was an early role-playing adventure game with color graphics,[2][3] owing to the eight-color palette of the PC-8001 computer. It became a hit, helping Koei become a major software company.[4] In March the same year Koei released Underground Exploration, the earliest known Japanese RPG.[5] In 1983 it released Nobunaga's Ambition (信長の野望, Nobunaga no Yabō), a historical strategy game set during the Sengoku period of Japanese history. The game went on to receive numerous awards, and Koei produced several more such games set against the backdrop of world history, including Romance of the Three Kingdoms, set during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history, and Uncharted Waters (大航海時代, Dai Kōkai Jidai, lit. Great Navigation Era), set in Portugal during the Age of Exploration.

In 1988, Koei established a North American subsidiary, Koei America Corporation, in California. This subsidiary localized Koei games for export to all territories outside Japan, as well as producing original games and concepts with the leadership of designer Stieg Hedlund, like Liberty or Death, Celtic Tales: Balor of the Evil Eye, Gemfire and Saiyuki: Journey West. After Hedlund's departure, this subsidiary ceased game development in 1995, focusing instead on localization, sales and marketing.

Though none of Koei's historical simulations achieved mass market success, they acquired a loyal cult following. This following allowed Koei to remain profitable, since they could reliably predict how many copies of their games would sell[6] (especially important during the cartridge era, when a surplus of unsold cartridges on a single game was often enough to bankrupt a company).[7]

A Canadian subsidiary, Koei Canada, Inc. was established in early 2001, and a European subsidiary, Koei Limited was established in early 2003 in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. Koei also maintains subsidiaries in mainland China, Korea, Taiwan and Lithuania. Recently, Koei created a Singapore branch for game development such as Sangokushi Online.

Koei's Ruby Party division specializes on games labeled as Neoromance: GxB dating sims, usually with extra side-quests. Out of the three Neoromance series, the best known is Angelique, which has been in production since 1994. Harukanaru Toki no Naka de is a newer Neoromance hit, with many sequels and an anime television series based on it. The newest game in the series, Kin'iro no Corda, is gaining popularity partially because the manga series it was based on, has been recently licensed by Viz for English language publishing. It gaining more popularity though, and an anime television series based on it began airing in October 2006. A sequel was also released on the PlayStation 2 in March 2007.[8]

On September 4, 2008, Koei announced that it was in talks to purchase ailing competitor Tecmo.[9][10] They agreed in November 2008 to merge on April 1, 2009 to form Tecmo Koei Holdings.[11] On January 26, 2009 the two companies approved the merger, the holding company formed on April 1, 2009 as planned.[12]

Koei changed its name to Tecmo Koei Games on April 1, 2010 by absorbing Tecmo, and again on July 1, 2014, to Koei Tecmo Games.[13][14] Koei's subsidiaries in the United States, Europe and Korea already had their names changed months before the Japanese parent.[15] The developing operations of the original Koei and Tecmo companies were spun off on March 15, 2010 as new separate subsidiaries under the names of Koei Co., Ltd and Tecmo Co., Ltd respectively, but they were absorbed the following year by Tecmo Koei Games, on April 1, 2011.[13][16]

Games by Koei

[edit]

Koei has built a large base of franchises, and has developed on various consoles and computers. Below is a list of game series developed by Koei.

Action

[edit]

History simulation

[edit]

Strategy

[edit]

Executive Series

[edit]

Neo-romance

[edit]

RPGs

[edit]

Sports

[edit]

Music

[edit]
  • Gitaroo Man (As well as a PlayStation Portable version called Gitaroo Man Lives!)

Rekoeition

[edit]

Adventure

[edit]

Erotic

[edit]

Games published by Koei in Europe

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Entertainment | Introduction to our Business".
  2. ^ "Danchizuma no Yuuwaku". Legendra. Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved March 16, 2011.
  3. ^ "Danchi-zuma no Yuuwaku". GameSpot. Retrieved March 16, 2011.
  4. ^ Pesimo, Rudyard Contretas (2007). "'Asianizing' Animation in Asia: Digital Content Identity Construction Within the Animation Landscapes of Japan and Thailand" (PDF). Reflections on the Human Condition: Change, Conflict and Modernity—The Work of the 2004/2005 API Fellows. The Nippon Foundation. pp. 124–160. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 4, 2011.
  5. ^ "1982-1987 – The Birth of Japanese RPGs, re-told in 15 Games". gamasutra.com. October 10, 2016.
  6. ^ "NG Alphas: Sangoku Musou". Next Generation. No. 25. Imagine Media. January 1997. p. 89.
  7. ^ "1996: The Year of the Videogame". Next Generation. No. 13. Imagine Media. January 1996. p. 71.
  8. ^ "金色のコルダ２". Koei. February 2007. Archived from the original on February 2, 2007.
  9. ^ Thorsen, Tor (September 4, 2008). "Tecmo, Koei in merger talks". GameSpot. Retrieved September 21, 2008.
  10. ^ Ashcraft, Brian (September 4, 2008). "Report: Tecmo And Koei In Talks To Merge". Kotaku. Retrieved September 21, 2008.
  11. ^ "Tecmo and Koei to Merge in April 2009". Shacknews. November 18, 2008.
  12. ^ "Koei Tecmo Reveals Its New Company Logo (Looks Familiar)". Kotaku. April 1, 2009.
  13. ^ a b "Official report of Tecmo Koei Holdings for the dissolution of Tecmo and Koei development studios" (PDF). Tecmo Koei Holdings. February 7, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 30, 2011. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  14. ^ "商号の変更及び定款の一部変更に関するお知らせ" (PDF) (in Japanese). Koei Tecmo. May 26, 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 5, 2015.
  15. ^ "Tecmo Koei Company History". Tecmo Koei Holdings. Archived from the original on February 16, 2010. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  16. ^ "Tecmo Koei Games Co., Ltd. Announces Merger between Subsidiary and Sub-subsidiaries; Announces Business Transition between Subsidiaries". Reuters. February 7, 2011. Retrieved December 5, 2012.[dead link‍]
  17. ^ "Tamashii no Mon: Dante no Shinkyoku yori - IGDB". Retrieved July 6, 2009.
  18. ^ "Bandit Kings of Ancient China – MobyGames". Retrieved February 1, 2009.
  19. ^ "Genghis Khan – MobyGames". Retrieved February 1, 2009.
  20. ^ "Genghis Khan II: Clan of the Grey Wolf – MobyGames". Archived from the original on February 27, 2008. Retrieved February 1, 2009.
  21. ^ Dembo, Arinn; Aye, 'Tis a Bonny Land Indeed: Koei explores the Emerald Isle's Myth and Magic in CELTIC TALES, p. 214. Computer Gaming World, Issue 134, September 1995
[edit]
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