Sumzap
Sumzap is a Tokyo-based mobile game developer and publisher, wholly-owned by CyberAgent Group, specializing in licensed anime IP adaptations (notably Jujutsu Kaisen Phantom Parade, 25M+ downloads) and original media mix content, operating on a freemium gacha monetization model distributed globally via app stores and Bilibili.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What Sumzap does
Sumzap (株式会社サムザップ) is a Tokyo-based mobile game developer and publisher, founded in May 2009 and operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of CyberAgent Group from its headquarters in AbemaTowers, Shibuya. The company specializes in smartphone game planning, development, and distribution, with a portfolio centered on licensed anime IP adaptations and original media mix content. Its flagship title, 呪術廻戦 ファントムパレード (Jujutsu Kaisen Phantom Parade), reached 25 million cumulative global downloads as of September 2025, supported by a global launch in November 2024 via Bilibili HK LIMITED across 9 languages. The company also operates the long-running Sengoku franchise (真 戦国炎舞 -KIZNA-, entering its 14th year post-December 2024 redesign) and inherited the Dream World series and Paradox Live HIPHOP media mix project through its January 2025 merger with GCRESTUDIO.
The company's technical foundation is Unity-based, leveraging Spine and Live2D animation frameworks for anime-quality 2D rendering, with MAPPA-produced opening videos and infrastructure support from AWS (Aurora Serverless V2, Fargate) for large-scale operations. An October 2024 organizational addition, S-vision studio, formalizes creative expression R&D focused on combining 2D illustration/animation with 3D technologies via Unity real-time rendering. Distribution occurs across iOS App Store, Google Play, PC via DMM GAMES (for 呪術廻戦), and global channels managed by Bilibili HK LIMITED (excluding mainland China).
Sumzap operates a freemium business model with revenue generated through gacha-based in-app purchases (in-game currency, character/card draws, limited-time offers) and IP licensing royalties paid to rights holders such as Shueisha and TOHO. Customer acquisition is direct-to-consumer via app stores, supported by IP-driven content marketing on YouTube and X (Twitter), live broadcast events featuring voice actors, and industry conference presence (CEDEC, AWS Summit Japan). The primary customer segments are anime/manga IP enthusiasts seeking immersive extensions of their favorite franchises, with secondary segments in strategy/guild battle gamers and media mix content fans. The company is privately held with no external funding rounds disclosed; capitalization occurs through the CyberAgent parent group structure.
Sumzap firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sumzap
- Legal name
- 株式会社サムザップ
- Website
- https://sumzap.co.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Sumzap is a Tokyo-based mobile game developer and publisher, wholly-owned by CyberAgent Group, specializing in licensed anime IP adaptations (notably Jujutsu Kaisen Phantom Parade, 25M+ downloads) and original media mix content, operating on a freemium gacha monetization model distributed globally via app stores and Bilibili.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sumzap industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Mobile Gaming
- NAICS
- Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Mobile & F2P Game Studios (MPAFAAAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Mobile Game Publishing & App Game Stores (BPAMAKAB)
Keywords
Where Sumzap is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
Sumzap business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Mobile Game In-App Purchases (Gacha/Looto): Free-to-play mobile games generating revenue through in-game currency purchases, gacha (random item draw) systems, and limited-time character/card draws. Major titles include 呪術廻戦 ファントムパレード (Jujutsu Kaisen Phantom Parade), この素晴らしい世界に祝福を！ファンタスティックデイズ (KonoSuba FD), and 真 戦国炎舞 -KIZNA- (Sengoku Enbu). Revenue driven by download milestones, anniversary celebrations, and collaboration events.
- IP Licensing and Co-development: Revenue from developing and operating games based on licensed IP (Jujutsu Kaisen, KonoSuba, Attack on Titan collaborations), with IP holders receiving licensing royalties while Sumzap handles development, operation, and revenue sharing.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free-to-play with optional in-app purchases |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Sumzap product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sumzap operates as a smartphone game developer and operator focused on IP-based mobile games, primarily anime-licensed titles developed in partnership with major Japanese publishers such as Shueisha, TOHO, and MAPPA. The company develops and operates free-to-play games with in-app purchases, leveraging Unity, Spine/Live2D animation, and AWS infrastructure to deliver high-quality 2D/3D hybrid mobile game experiences. Beyond mobile games, the company also operates the S-vision creative expression research studio (launched October 2024) and the Sumzap Store online merchandise storefront.
Product overview
Sumzap is a CyberAgent Group company specializing in smartphone game development and operations. Its product portfolio centers on three core mobile games: 呪術廻戦 ファントムパレード (a command RPG based on the Jujutsu Kaisen anime, featuring high-quality Spine/Live2D animation and original story content, reaching 25 million global downloads by September 2025), 真 戦国炎舞 -KIZNA- (a real-time 20v20 guild battle game set in the Sengoku era, entering its 14th year with 600 million cumulative downloads following a December 2024 redesign), and the now-service-terminated この素晴らしい世界に祝福を！ファンタスティックデイズ (KonoSuba anime-based RPG). Sumzap also inherited the Dream World (夢世界) series including 夢王国と眠れる100人の王子様 and 夢職人と忘れじの黒い妖精 from GCRESTUDIO (merged into Sumzap in January 2025), and manages the HIPHOP media mix project Paradox Live. An October 2024 organizational addition is S-vision studio, which focuses on cutting-edge creative expression research combining 2D animation (Spine/Live2D), 3D, and Unity real-time rendering. Products are distributed across iOS, Android, PC (DMM GAMES), and globally via BILIBILI HK LIMITED.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- S-vision studio: クリエイティブ表現を研究する組織として設立されたスタジオ。Unityを用いたリアルタイムクリエイティブ表現ノウハウや2Dと3D技術を掛け合わせた表現を追求
Products and services
- 呪術廻戦 ファントムパレード (Jujutsu Kaisen Phantom Parade) Smartphone RPG based on the Jujutsu Kaisen anime/manga IP, featuring original story content, full voice acting, and 3D battles. Developed by Sumzap in collaboration with Shueisha, TOHO, and MAPPA. Targets anime fans globally with multi-language support. Winner of Google Play Best of 2024 Story Category Grand Prize and Sensor Tower APAC Awards 2023 Best IP Game.
- 真 戦国炎舞 -KIZNA- (Shin Sengoku Enbu -KIZNA-) Real-time guild battle mobile game set in Japan's Sengoku (Warring States) period, featuring 100+ historical characters with dramatic Japanese voice acting. Long-running service game focused on strategic guild-based battle gameplay.
- Paradox Live Media mix project combining stage performances, anime, and game elements developed in collaboration with partners. Targeted at fans of Japanese media mix entertainment.
- 夢王国と眠れる100人の王子様 (Dream Kingdom: 100 Sleeping Princes) Story-driven smartphone game featuring 100+ prince characters, combining visual novel-style storytelling with character collection mechanics. Part of Sumzap's Dream World series.
- 夢職人と忘れじの黒い妖精 (Dream Job and the Forgotten Black Fairy) Story-driven smartphone game in Sumzap's Dream World series, featuring character collection and adventure gameplay with distinctive art and narrative design.
Quantifiable outcome
- 25 million cumulative worldwide downloads for Jujutsu Kaisen Phantom Parade (September 2025)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Sumzap
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Sumzap technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration11 records
AI capability3 records
Feature4 records
Sumzap partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered strategic and core.
- Live2D Co., Ltd. (株式会社Live2D)strategicCo-hosted event 'Live2D Animation Possibility' discussing 2D animation techniques and career paths. Live2D provides 2D animation technology research and development.
- Bilibili HK LIMITEDcoreRegional publishing partner for the global version of 咒術廻戦 ファントムパレード. Handles distribution in 9 languages for all markets excluding mainland China.
- MAPPAcoreAnimation studio producing opening videos for 咒術廻戦 ファントムパレード original story arcs. Continued collaboration from TV anime production.
- Amazon Web Services Japan (アマゾン ウェブ サービス ジャパン合同会社)coreAWS utilized for infrastructure supporting large-scale access for 呪術廻戦 ファントムパレード. Sumzap exhibited at AWS Summit Japan 2024 showcasing AWS utilization.
- TOHO Co., Ltd. (東宝株式会社)coreCo-development partnership for 咒術廻戦 ファントムパレード. TOHO handles planning and production while Sumzap handles planning, development, and operation. Joint IP collaboration with Shueisha and Jujutsu Kaisen Production Committee.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Sumzap competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Bandai Namco Entertainment: Publishes mobile games based on major anime IPs including Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Naruto. Competes directly with Sumzap in anime IP mobile RPGs and shares access to leading Japanese IP rights holders.
- KLab Inc. Developer of Bleach Brave Souls and other anime mobile games with a strong track record in global mobile RPG distribution. Direct peer in the anime IP mobile game segment with similar Japan-to-global publishing strategy.
- mixi, Inc. Operator of Monster Strike, one of Japan's highest-grossing mobile games, and a leading Japanese mobile game publisher. Peer in mobile live-ops and IP-driven mobile game operations.
- gumi Inc. Japanese mobile game developer known for Final Fantasy Brave Exvius and other licensed anime mobile RPGs. Direct peer in IP-based mobile RPG development with global publishing ambitions.
- DELiGHTWORKS Inc. Developer of Fate/Grand Order, one of the highest-grossing anime IP mobile RPGs globally. Both studios are direct competitors in the anime IP command-battle mobile RPG category serving global audiences.
- COLOPL, Inc. Japanese mobile game developer behind titles such as White Cat Project and other IP-driven mobile RPGs. Comparable Japanese mobile-first game studio with global publishing experience.
- Cygames, Inc. Cygames is a major Japanese mobile and PC game developer/publisher behind Granblue Fantasy, Uma Musume Pretty Derby, and Princess Connect. Both studios develop high-quality anime-styled mobile RPGs for the Japanese and global market and compete for premium IP licenses.
Emerging players
- Drecom Co., Ltd. Japanese mobile game developer and publisher focused on browser and smartphone RPGs with an emphasis on IP titles. Comparable mid-tier peer in Japanese mobile game development.
- Quatro A Co., Ltd. Japanese mobile game developer focused on high-quality anime-style RPGs and visual novel hybrids. Competes in the same anime IP mobile game niche with an emphasis on narrative and presentation quality.
Broad incumbents
- Square Enix Holdings: Major Japanese game publisher with a mobile division covering Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, and other franchises. A broader incumbent with deeper resources but overlapping anime-style RPG mobile offerings.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Sumzap social profiles
Digital presenceSumzap financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sumzap leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Sumzap subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Sumzap funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sumzap M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Sumzap
What does Sumzap do?
Sumzap operates as a smartphone game developer and operator focused on IP-based mobile games, primarily anime-licensed titles developed in partnership with major Japanese publishers such as Shueisha, TOHO, and MAPPA. The company develops and operates free-to-play games with in-app purchases, leveraging Unity, Spine/Live2D animation, and AWS infrastructure to deliver high-quality 2D/3D hybrid mobile game experiences. Beyond mobile games, the company also operates the S-vision creative expression research studio (launched October 2024) and the Sumzap Store online merchandise storefront.
Is Sumzap a public or private company?
Sumzap is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Sumzap founded?
Sumzap was founded in 2009. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Sumzap based?
Sumzap is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Sumzap make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Mobile Game In-App Purchases (Gacha/Looto) is the primary driver. The others are IP Licensing and Co-development.
Who are Sumzap's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Bandai Namco Entertainment, KLab Inc., mixi, Inc., gumi Inc., DELiGHTWORKS Inc., COLOPL, Inc. and Cygames, Inc.. Emerging players are Drecom Co., Ltd. and Quatro A Co., Ltd.. Square Enix Holdings is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Sumzap have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sumzap.
What industry is Sumzap in?
Sumzap's product category is Mobile Gaming. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAAAB, Mobile & F2P Game Studios, with a secondary code of BPAMAKAB, Mobile Game Publishing & App Game Stores. Its NAICS code is 541511 and its SIC code is 7371.