Tozai Games
Tozai Games is a Japanese retro game publisher founded in 2011 that revives classic franchises including Spelunker, Lode Runner, R-Type, and Irem arcade titles as multi-platform remasters and compilation series for retro gaming enthusiasts, monetized through one-time purchases and premium collector's editions.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersTakatsu-ku, Japan
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What Tozai Games does
Tozai Games (株式会社Tozai Games) is a privately held Japanese video game publisher founded in August 2011 in Kawasaki, Kanagawa. The company specializes in reviving and remastering classic retro game franchises — most prominently Spelunker and Lode Runner, for which it holds exclusive Japanese commercialization rights licensed from the US-based parent-affiliate Tozai, Inc., as well as Irem arcade/console classics through a multi-volume Irem Collection series co-developed with Irem Software Engineering. Its catalog also includes R-Type Dimensions EX (2018) and R-Type Dimensions III (2026), with the company serving as Japanese publisher and Western distribution handled by United Games Entertainment (ININ Games).
Tozai Games' technology centers on retro game revivals with both classic 2D pixel-art and remastered 3D graphics modes switchable within the same title, supplemented by quality-of-life features (save states, rewind, infinity modes for accessibility) and online multiplayer/co-op. The R-Type Dimensions series offers one-button 2D/3D graphics toggling during gameplay, while titles like Lode Runner Legacy and Ganso Minna de Spelunker incorporate user-generated content platforms (Craft Mode, online stage sharing) and online leaderboards. The company supports a broad platform footprint spanning Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PS4/PS5, Xbox, Steam, iOS, and Android.
The business model is one-time purchase of digital downloads and physical packages, with three pricing tiers per SKU — download version (~¥2,640-¥6,930), standard package (~¥3,300-¥4,400), and a special limited collector's edition (~¥7,480-¥10,780) bundled with soundtrack CDs, art books, sofubi figurines, and other merchandise. Distribution runs through Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Steam, and Japanese physical retailers (Amazon, GEO, Ebiten, Amiami, 1983 Shop), with Western markets served via ININ Games/United Games. The company targets retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors in Japan, with a stated operating geography covering Japan, North America, and Europe through its distribution partners. Headcount is 1-10 and registered capital at founding was ¥3M, indicating a lean, IP-license-driven micro-publisher rather than a vertically integrated game studio.
Tozai Games firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Tozai Games
- Legal name
- 株式会社Tozai Games
- Website
- https://tozaigames.co.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Tozai Games is a Japanese retro game publisher founded in 2011 that revives classic franchises including Spelunker, Lode Runner, R-Type, and Irem arcade titles as multi-platform remasters and compilation series for retro gaming enthusiasts, monetized through one-time purchases and premium collector's editions.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Tozai Games industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Video Game Publishing
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (5132)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Porting, Remastering & Platform Adaptation Services (PC/Console/Mobile/VR) (MPAFAKAN)
Keywords
Where Tozai Games is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Takatsu-ku
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
Tozai Games business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Game Software Sales: One-time purchase revenue from selling video game software through downloadable versions and physical package editions. Pricing varies by format (download, standard package, collector's limited edition with bonus merchandise).
- Collector's/Limited Edition Products: Premium physical editions bundled with soundtrack CDs, art books, figurines, stickers, and other collector's merchandise at higher price points.
- Downloadable Content: Additional game content such as championship mode stages sold as add-on content for existing games.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | 元祖大家一起斯皮兰卡 - Download version |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | 元祖大家一起斯皮兰卡 - Standard Package |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | 元祖大家一起斯皮兰卡 - Limited Edition |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Irem Collection Vol.1 - Download version |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Irem Collection Vol.1 - Standard Package |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Irem Collection Vol.1 - Special Limited Edition |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Irem Collection Vol.2 - Download version |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Irem Collection Vol.2 - Special Limited Edition |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | R-Type Dimensions III - Download version (Switch/PS5) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | R-Type Dimensions III - Download version (Switch 2) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | R-Type Dimensions III - Limited Edition (Switch/PS5) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | R-Type Dimensions III - Limited Edition (Switch 2) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels4 records
Tozai Games product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Tozai Games is a Japanese video game publisher that develops and publishes remastered editions, compilations, and full remakes of classic retro gaming franchises. Its portfolio centers on Spelunker (cave exploration), Lode Runner (action puzzle), R-Type (shoot-em-up), and the Irem Collection series (Irem arcade and console revivals), released across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, and mobile platforms in both digital and physical package formats, including premium limited collector's editions.
Product overview
Tozai Games is a Japanese video game company specializing in retro game compilations and classic franchise revival titles. The product portfolio centers on three major intellectual properties: Spelunker (cave exploration), Lode Runner (action puzzle), and R-Type (shoot-em-up), all licensed from Tozai Inc. The company operates primarily as a publisher and developer of remastered and compilation releases, with key products including the Irem Collection series (Vol. 1-3) featuring restored arcade and console classics, the R-Type Dimensions series (EX and III) combining 3D/2D graphics modes, and the Lode Runner Legacy modern reboot. Recent releases span multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Steam, and mobile devices, with a focus on preserving retro gaming heritage through quality-of-life features like save states, rewind functionality, and online multiplayer.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Lode Runner Legacy (ロードランナー・レガシー) Action puzzle game where players control a runner to collect gold bricks while avoiding enemies, with the ability to dig holes in floors to trap enemies. Includes adventure mode, puzzle mode, classic mode (3D recreation of the 1983 original), extra mode, and 300+ stages with 2-player offline co-op and an online stage sharing craft mode.
- Ganso Minnade Spelunker (元祖みんなでスペランカー) Full remake of the classic cave exploration action game featuring 100+ stages, both new 3D and classic 2D pixel graphics modes, multiple game modes including the new Infinity Cave NEO mode, and support for 4-player offline and 6-player online multiplayer.
- Irem Collection Vol. 1 (アイレムコレクションVol.1) Retro game compilation collecting 3 shooting game titles with 6 versions including Image Fight, Image Fight II, and X MULTIPLY. Features online ranking, rewind and fast-forward functions, and save state functionality.
- Irem Collection Vol. 2 (アイレムコレクションVol.2) Retro game compilation collecting 3 shooting and action game titles with 7 versions including GunForce, GeoStorm, and AirDuel. All versions are first-time console ports and support 2-player co-op.
- Irem Collection Vol. 3 (アイレムコレクションVol.3) Retro game compilation collecting 3 horizontal scrolling shooter titles with 7 versions including Mr. Heli no Daiboken, Magic Gunhohei Gun Hoki, and Dragon Breed.
- R-Type Dimensions III 3D remake of 1993's R-Type III: The Third Lightning featuring a 2D/3D graphics toggle, Infinity mode with unlimited lives, and 2-player co-op. Released for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PS5.
- R-Type Dimensions EX Compilation of R-Type and R-Type II with both 3D and 2D graphics modes, Infinity mode with unlimited lives, and 2-player offline co-op. Released for Nintendo Switch, Steam, and PlayStation 4.
- Minnade Waiwai Spelunker (みんなでワイワイ！スペランカー) Multiplayer cave exploration action game for Nintendo Switch featuring 4-player local and online multiplayer, character customization, and a pet system. Co-developed and co-published with Square Enix.
- Spelunker Collection (スペランカーコレクション) 30th anniversary compilation featuring 4 classic Spelunker titles including the original, console, and arcade versions as well as Spelunker II, with online ranking and official challenge modes.
- Mainichi Spelunker (まいにちスペランカー) Mobile adaptation of the classic Spelunker game for iOS and Android featuring a daily challenge mode and various episodes.
Companies that use Tozai Games
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Tozai Games technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Tozai Games partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Irem Software Engineering Inc.corePartnership to revive classic Irem arcade and home console games through the 'Irem Collection' series. Tozai Games handles joint development and Japanese market publishing, while United Games Entertainment handles Western markets.
- United Games Entertainment GmbH (ININ Games / Strictly Limited Games)coreGerman partner handling Western market publishing for Irem Collection series through their ININ Games and Strictly Limited Games labels.
- Tozai, Inc. (USA)coreAmerican parent company holding global IP rights for Spelunker and Lode Runner. Tozai Games holds exclusive rights for Japanese market and was co-founded with US Tozai's founders Sheila Boughten and Scott Tsumura.
- Timothy G. MartincoreOriginal creator of Spelunker game. Tozai Games manages and licenses Spelunker IP in partnership with Martin.
- Square EnixminorSquare Enix co-published 'Minna de Spelunker Z' and 'Minna Waiwai Spelunker' for Nintendo Switch. Square Enix handled overall production while Tozai Games handled development and supervision.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Tozai Games competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- M2 (Micro Cabin): M2 is a Japanese developer renowned for high-quality retro game ports and compilations (e.g., SEGA Ages series, Castlevania/Contra compilations for Konami). It collaborated with Tozai on Spelunker Collection development and competes in the same retro porting space.
- City Connection: City Connection is a Japanese retro game publisher known for reviving classic Japanese arcade and console titles on modern platforms. It competes directly with Tozai in the Japanese retro game revival niche, with similar business models around porting and remastering older IPs.
- Strictly Limited Games: Strictly Limited Games is a German publisher known for premium physical collector's editions of indie and retro games. It partners with ININ Games on retro compilations and mirrors Tozai's model of bundling soundtrack CDs, art books, and figurines with limited releases.
- Digital Eclipse: Digital Eclipse is a US-based studio specializing in retro game compilations and remastered collections (e.g., Atari 50, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection). It is a direct comparable to Tozai Games in remastering classic IPs with modern features and premium collector editions.
- ININ Games (United Games Entertainment): ININ Games is a German retro game publisher under United Games Entertainment that handles Western distribution of Tozai's Irem Collection series. It is also an independent publisher of retro compilations (e.g., Taito, Jaleco collections), making it a direct peer in the retro game publishing space.
Broad incumbents
- Capcom: Capcom is a major Japanese publisher that operates its own retro compilation program (Mega Man Legacy Collection, Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, Capcom Arcade Stadium). It competes for the retro enthusiast wallet share at much greater scale than Tozai.
- Square Enix: Square Enix co-published Minna de Spelunker Z and Minna Waiwai Spelunker with Tozai. As a broad incumbent with its own retro/legacy collection programs, Square Enix is both a partner and a competitive force in the Japanese retro publishing space.
- Bandai Namco Entertainment: Bandai Namco publishes the Namco Museum series and Tales of remasters, targeting the same retro and nostalgia-driven consumer segment as Tozai but with significantly larger IP libraries (Pac-Man, Galaxian, Tekken) and marketing reach.
- Konami: Konami runs the Arcade Archives series on Nintendo eShop and has released Castlevania and Contra Anniversary Collections. As a broad incumbent with globally recognized retro IPs, it competes with Tozai for limited retro compilation shelf space and consumer attention.
Emerging players
- Irem Software Engineering: Irem is the original developer/publisher of the R-Type and Image Fight series that Tozai remasters. It is a direct IP and development partner for the Irem Collection series and the original rights holder of titles Tozai publishes on modern platforms.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Tozai Games social profiles
Digital presenceTozai Games financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Tozai Games leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Tozai Games funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Tozai Games 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 Tozai Games
What does Tozai Games do?
Tozai Games is a Japanese video game publisher that develops and publishes remastered editions, compilations, and full remakes of classic retro gaming franchises. Its portfolio centers on Spelunker (cave exploration), Lode Runner (action puzzle), R-Type (shoot-em-up), and the Irem Collection series (Irem arcade and console revivals), released across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, and mobile platforms in both digital and physical package formats, including premium limited collector's editions.
Is Tozai Games a public or private company?
Tozai Games is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Tozai Games founded?
Tozai Games was founded in 2011. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Tozai Games based?
Tozai Games is headquartered in Takatsu-ku, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Tozai Games make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Game Software Sales are the primary driver. The others are collector's/Limited Edition Products and downloadable Content.
Who are Tozai Games's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are M2 (Micro Cabin), City Connection, Strictly Limited Games, Digital Eclipse and ININ Games (United Games Entertainment). Broad incumbents are Capcom, Square Enix, Bandai Namco Entertainment and Konami. Irem Software Engineering is listed as an emerging player.
Does Tozai Games have an API?
No public API is recorded for Tozai Games.
What industry is Tozai Games in?
Tozai Games's product category is Video Game Publishing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAKAN, Porting, Remastering & Platform Adaptation Services (PC/Console/Mobile/VR). Its NAICS code is 5132.