Level-5 Acquires Comcept: YO-KAI Watch Studio Expands with Mighty No. 9 Developer

Level-5, the acclaimed Japanese developer responsible for the iconic YO-KAI Watch franchise, has officially expanded its creative reach by acquiring Comcept, the development studio founded by Keiji Inafune and known for the ambitious action title Mighty No.

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This strategic move was detailed in a recent Famitsu report, confirming that Comcept now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary under the name Level-5 Comcept. Comcept’s integration into Level-5 brings together two celebrated forces in the gaming industry.

Keiji Inafune, a legendary figure best known for his work on Mega Man and as the founder of Comcept, spoke about the new partnership, emphasizing that Level-5 Comcept embodies the combined philosophies and creative strengths of both studios.

This merger aims to harness the narrative ingenuity and technical expertise that have become hallmarks of each company. Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino is set to play a hands-on role, working alongside the subsidiary to develop new titles that benefit from shared vision and resources.

At present, Level-5 Comcept houses 15 staff members, most of whom previously contributed to Comcept’s projects.

The partnership marks a significant milestone for both organizations, reinforcing Level-5’s position as a leader in Japanese game development while offering Comcept enhanced support and infrastructure. The first collaborative title to emerge from this new subsidiary is Dragon Colonies, a mobile game slated for release on iOS and Android devices in 2018 in Japan.

The project represents a blend of both companies’ strengths, indicating Level-5’s continued investment in mobile platforms while leveraging Comcept’s experience in action-game design. Level-5’s acquisition of Comcept highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation across the gaming landscape, spanning consoles such as the Nintendo Switch as well as emerging digital platforms like the eShop, iOS, and Android.

With a track record that includes both million-selling RPGs and unique creative projects, Level-5’s expansion signals exciting possibilities for fans and industry observers alike. As Level-5 Comcept embarks on the development of Dragon Colonies and future collaborative efforts, the gaming community can anticipate groundbreaking titles rooted in a rich legacy of Japanese game development excellence.