Will The Arrival of Toei Games Reshape the Future of Dragon Ball Titles?

Popular Japanese animation/film company Toei has finally announced its entry into the gaming industry. The Tokyo-based organization is a reputed studio, founded in 1948. They are widely known for producing numerous popular animated series, including One Piece and Dragon Ball. Toei has maintained a long-term strategic partnership with Bandai Namco to produce and merchandise the popular franchise's games globally. Many fans now believe the recent Toei Games announcement could change this partnership and the future of Dragon Ball Games.

Toei Company Announced Brand New Publishing Label

The parent organization of Toei Films and Toei Animation, Toei Company, is now expanding to the gaming sector. This huge announcement came during the company's 75th anniversary celebration this year. The primary objective of this move is to establish a new brand and enter the PC game market as a first venture.

Toei Company President and CEO Fumio Yoshimura's Statement:

President and CEO Fumio Yoshimura revealed that Toei Games aims to release new IPs in a press release published through PR Times. He claimed that Toei Games is set to position itself as a ‘new pillar’ in the company's mainstays. Fumio Yoshimura stated that Toei Games will not utilize existing IPs within its roster but will focus on rebuilding from scratch.

Toei's Strategy for Its New IP

The same press release also revealed the initial approach Toei Games will follow. They will reportedly begin their venture in this new category through the PC game marked via Steam. Only after building a solid base in PC gaming, the Japanese organization plans to expand to consoles, including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.

What Does Toei's Latest Move Mean for Dragon Ball Games?

Fans who have followed Dragon Ball games closely have often pointed out how ideological differences arise when producing products for this franchise. The primary reason for this conflict is that four companies handle different frontiers of the franchise.

• Shueisha has the Manga Ownership.
• Toei has the Animation Ownership.
• Bandai Namco holds the rights to produce Dragon Ball Games.
• Creator rights are owned by Bird Studio (founded by Akira Toriyama).

While these ownerships have led to Dragon Ball becoming a Billion-Dollar empire, there has been a fair amount of conflict in the journey. This fear has once again arisen with Toei Company announcing Toei Games.

What Could Toei Games Releases Look Like?

Right now, Bandai Namco cannot use manga material to make in-game characters and story arcs. They have to depend on Toei for the characters and plot to be revealed in the animation. They can then be later released in games. The Toei Games announcement could simplify this process, but it might affect Bandai Namco's partnership with the Japanese animation/film studio.

Toei has already confirmed that its ‘initial’ lineup will not include games using existing IPs.

They will focus on completely new titles created by talented creators from Japan and abroad. There are still speculations that future titles may involve Dragon Ball. It could lead to Manga characters/story arcs arriving on PC and console titles faster. It may also help reshape the franchise's gaming sector altogether, but it all depends on Toei's approach.

For now, everything looks stable with Bandai Namco recently announcing Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 after a 10-year wait. Stay tuned for more Toei company news and latest trends.