Comcept, the Japanese game development studio established by renowned producer Keiji Inafune, has been officially dissolved.
The news was confirmed through a public notice in the Japanese government gazette, Kanpo, which detailed that the studio closed following a shareholder resolution on January 13, 2026.
This closure arrives nine years after Comcept was acquired by major developer and publisher Level-5, and just two years after Inafune's own departure from the company. Founded in 2010, Comcept quickly made headlines with the announcement of Mighty No.
9—a project spearheaded by Keiji Inafune, who is best known for his pivotal role in the creation of the iconic Mega Man series during his tenure at Capcom.
Launched as a Kickstarter campaign in 2013, Mighty No.
9 was promoted as a spiritual successor to the classic Mega Man franchise and generated significant excitement within the gaming community, especially among Nintendo Switch and eShop enthusiasts. Despite its promising start, Mighty No.
9 faced considerable challenges during development.
Delays, communication issues, and scope changes plagued the project, resulting in a launch that failed to meet both critical and commercial expectations when it released in June 2016 across multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.
The game's reception was mixed to negative, with many fans and critics pointing to gameplay, technical performance, and a perceived lack of polish as contributing factors to their disappointment. In the wake of Mighty No.
9's underwhelming launch, Comcept found it difficult to regain its reputation or establish new, successful IPs.
The studio's acquisition by Level-5 in 2017 was seen as an opportunity for renewal.
However, according to the official Kanpo report, Comcept's final chapter concluded in early 2026 after a shareholder decision to dissolve the company. In a revised statement addressing the studio's fate, it was shared that the company could not recover from the setbacks experienced after Mighty No.
9.
While the ambitious Kickstarter campaign initially brought buzz and hope to retro gaming enthusiasts, the aftermath ultimately marked a challenging period for Comcept and its founder. Keiji Inafune's influence on video game development—particularly through franchises like Mega Man—remains significant, and Comcept's journey serves as a cautionary tale within the industry.
As the industry continues to evolve, the legacy of Comcept and the lessons it provides will undoubtedly influence both aspiring developers and established studios alike.
For more news on Japanese game developers, Nintendo Switch updates, and the broader landscape of game development, stay tuned to our coverage.
The news was confirmed through a public notice in the Japanese government gazette, Kanpo, which detailed that the studio closed following a shareholder resolution on January 13, 2026.
This closure arrives nine years after Comcept was acquired by major developer and publisher Level-5, and just two years after Inafune's own departure from the company. Founded in 2010, Comcept quickly made headlines with the announcement of Mighty No.
9—a project spearheaded by Keiji Inafune, who is best known for his pivotal role in the creation of the iconic Mega Man series during his tenure at Capcom.
Launched as a Kickstarter campaign in 2013, Mighty No.
9 was promoted as a spiritual successor to the classic Mega Man franchise and generated significant excitement within the gaming community, especially among Nintendo Switch and eShop enthusiasts. Despite its promising start, Mighty No.
9 faced considerable challenges during development.
Delays, communication issues, and scope changes plagued the project, resulting in a launch that failed to meet both critical and commercial expectations when it released in June 2016 across multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.
The game's reception was mixed to negative, with many fans and critics pointing to gameplay, technical performance, and a perceived lack of polish as contributing factors to their disappointment. In the wake of Mighty No.
9's underwhelming launch, Comcept found it difficult to regain its reputation or establish new, successful IPs.
The studio's acquisition by Level-5 in 2017 was seen as an opportunity for renewal.
However, according to the official Kanpo report, Comcept's final chapter concluded in early 2026 after a shareholder decision to dissolve the company. In a revised statement addressing the studio's fate, it was shared that the company could not recover from the setbacks experienced after Mighty No.
9.
While the ambitious Kickstarter campaign initially brought buzz and hope to retro gaming enthusiasts, the aftermath ultimately marked a challenging period for Comcept and its founder. Keiji Inafune's influence on video game development—particularly through franchises like Mega Man—remains significant, and Comcept's journey serves as a cautionary tale within the industry.
As the industry continues to evolve, the legacy of Comcept and the lessons it provides will undoubtedly influence both aspiring developers and established studios alike.
For more news on Japanese game developers, Nintendo Switch updates, and the broader landscape of game development, stay tuned to our coverage.
