KM-Box to Re-Release Psikyo Shoot 'Em Ups on Steam After License Transfer
In a welcome development for fans of classic arcade shooters, Korean game publisher KM-Box has reclaimed and will resume distribution of twelve iconic Psikyo shoot 'em up titles on PC via Steam.
This move follows City Connection’s delisting of these games in October due to the expiration of their licensing agreement—a decision that had left many genre enthusiasts concerned about the future of these retro treasures on modern platforms like Steam and the Nintendo eShop. Psikyo, renowned for its fast-paced, skill-demanding shoot 'em ups, originally released these arcades in the 1990s and early 2000s.
The titles developed new audiences through ports handled by Zerodiv, City Connection’s internal department responsible for bringing Psikyo’s classics to modern digital storefronts.
However, after the licensing rights reverted from City Connection, a transitional period created uncertainty about the availability of these beloved games. According to a statement provided to Gematsu, KM-Box has since reacquired the distribution rights from City Connection and intends to self-publish the collection on Steam moving forward.
This new agreement ensures that the Psikyo catalog is preserved and available for both current fans and a new generation of gamers.
In the clarification given to press, a KM-Box spokesperson explained that the company had "reclaimed publishing responsibilities," emphasizing their commitment to keeping classic shoot 'em ups accessible on PC. The first wave of releases includes three cornerstone titles of the Psikyo catalog: Gunbird, Samurai Aces, and Strikers 1945.
These will be made available on Steam starting December 16, 2025.
The company also confirmed that the remainder of the collection—comprising Strikers 1945 II, Strikers 1945 III, Gunbird 2, Gunbarich, Samurai Aces Episode II: TENGAI, Samurai Aces Episode III: SENGOKU CANNON, Sol Divide, Dragon Blaze, and Zero Gunner 2-—will follow at a later date.
On the technical side, Zerodiv continues to be credited for the PC ports, ensuring that the quality and authenticity of the original releases are maintained.
Only City Connection’s name has been replaced by KM-Box on the updated Steam listings. Notably, this change affects only the PC distribution rights.
Console editions of Psikyo shooters—widely available on the Nintendo Switch eShop and other platforms—remain published by City Connection and are, for now, unaffected by this shift in rights holders. This restoration of the Psikyo shoot 'em ups on Steam not only preserves an important chapter in arcade history but also reinforces the ongoing vitality of retro game preservation.
With the renewed commitment from KM-Box, fans of Gunbird, Strikers 1945, and other Psikyo classics will soon have another chance to enjoy these staples of the shoot 'em up genre on PC.
This move follows City Connection’s delisting of these games in October due to the expiration of their licensing agreement—a decision that had left many genre enthusiasts concerned about the future of these retro treasures on modern platforms like Steam and the Nintendo eShop. Psikyo, renowned for its fast-paced, skill-demanding shoot 'em ups, originally released these arcades in the 1990s and early 2000s.
The titles developed new audiences through ports handled by Zerodiv, City Connection’s internal department responsible for bringing Psikyo’s classics to modern digital storefronts.
However, after the licensing rights reverted from City Connection, a transitional period created uncertainty about the availability of these beloved games. According to a statement provided to Gematsu, KM-Box has since reacquired the distribution rights from City Connection and intends to self-publish the collection on Steam moving forward.
This new agreement ensures that the Psikyo catalog is preserved and available for both current fans and a new generation of gamers.
In the clarification given to press, a KM-Box spokesperson explained that the company had "reclaimed publishing responsibilities," emphasizing their commitment to keeping classic shoot 'em ups accessible on PC. The first wave of releases includes three cornerstone titles of the Psikyo catalog: Gunbird, Samurai Aces, and Strikers 1945.
These will be made available on Steam starting December 16, 2025.
The company also confirmed that the remainder of the collection—comprising Strikers 1945 II, Strikers 1945 III, Gunbird 2, Gunbarich, Samurai Aces Episode II: TENGAI, Samurai Aces Episode III: SENGOKU CANNON, Sol Divide, Dragon Blaze, and Zero Gunner 2-—will follow at a later date.
On the technical side, Zerodiv continues to be credited for the PC ports, ensuring that the quality and authenticity of the original releases are maintained.
Only City Connection’s name has been replaced by KM-Box on the updated Steam listings. Notably, this change affects only the PC distribution rights.
Console editions of Psikyo shooters—widely available on the Nintendo Switch eShop and other platforms—remain published by City Connection and are, for now, unaffected by this shift in rights holders. This restoration of the Psikyo shoot 'em ups on Steam not only preserves an important chapter in arcade history but also reinforces the ongoing vitality of retro game preservation.
With the renewed commitment from KM-Box, fans of Gunbird, Strikers 1945, and other Psikyo classics will soon have another chance to enjoy these staples of the shoot 'em up genre on PC.
