Vanpool Shuts Down: The Studio Behind Dillon’s Rolling Western and Kirby Collaborations Closes Its Doors

In a significant development within the Japanese gaming industry, Vanpool, the Tokyo-based developer best known for its collaboration with Nintendo on the Dillon's Rolling Western series and several Kirby titles for the Nintendo Switch, has officially ceased operations.

The announcement, posted on Vanpool’s official website, disclosed that the company would be dissolved as of May 31, 2023.

Founded in the late 1990s, Vanpool was established by former members of Love-de-Lic and quickly built a reputation for its innovative approach to game development.

The studio played a pivotal role not only in creating original IPs but also in assisting with development on several first-party Nintendo titles.

Among Vanpool’s notable contributions are Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland for the Nintendo DS and the co-development of Chibi-Robo! Zip Lash with Skip Ltd. Vanpool gained widespread recognition for the Dillon’s Rolling Western series, a set of unique action-tower defense games for the Nintendo 3DS.

Launched initially through the Nintendo eShop, the franchise became one of the standout original titles for the platform.

In more recent years, Vanpool partnered closely with HAL Laboratory to co-develop a number of entries in the beloved Kirby franchise, most notably participating in the production of Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe, which arrived on the Nintendo Switch in 2023. The studio expressed deep appreciation for its supporters and partners.

In an official statement, Vanpool commented, "We have come to the decision to dissolve Vanpool Co., Ltd.

as of May 31, 2023.

We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported our projects throughout the years, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused by this closure." The disbandment of Vanpool marks the end of an era for a company that contributed significantly to Nintendo's ecosystem, both through original franchises and key development partnerships.

Its legacy is cemented in critically acclaimed games that engaged fans across multiple generations of Nintendo hardware, from the Nintendo DS and 3DS to the Nintendo Switch. While the studio is no longer in operation, its innovative spirit and creative output—evident in games like Dillon’s Rolling Western, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe, and Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland—will continue to be appreciated by players and historians alike.

For ongoing news about Nintendo developers and updates on the legacy of studios like Vanpool, stay tuned to this site for more coverage.

Kirby Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Tokyo Vanpool Dillon's Rolling Western