GAME ARTS
GAME ARTS is a privately held Tokyo-based Japanese video game developer founded in 1985 that develops and remasters classic Japanese RPG franchises, primarily the GRANDIA and LUNAR series, distributing them through PlayStation Store, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Steam, and niche soundtrack and merchandise channels.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1985
- HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What GAME ARTS does
GAME ARTS Co., Ltd. (株式会社ゲームアーツ) is a privately held Japanese video game developer founded on March 2, 1985, and headquartered in Tokyo. The company specializes in classic Japanese role-playing games, with its core franchise portfolio built around the GRANDIA series and the LUNAR series, both originating in the 1990s. GAME ARTS's proprietary technology centers on the Ultimate Action Battle System (アルティメット・アクションバトルシステム), an initiative-point-based turn-based combat mechanic that determines action order for all characters and combines strategic depth with simple command input. Additional in-house systems include a skill-progression framework where combat actions feed directly into weapon and magic level advancement, a town character radar for wayfinding, and a meal-based scenario dialogue system for information recall.
The company's business model is built on monetizing its legacy IP through multiple channels: one-time digital sales of classic titles via PlayStation Game Archives (¥628-¥1,222 per title), PlayStation Plus subscription catalog inclusion, multi-platform remastered collections (LUNAR Remastered Collection, GRANDIA HD Collection), and a merchandise line comprising soundtracks (CD and analog vinyl via Wayô Records), music boxes, and scale model kits distributed through specialty retailers. Distribution relies on Sony Interactive Entertainment's PlayStation Store domestically, with international expansion via a partnership with Gungho Online Entertainment America covering Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC-Steam. The company celebrated its 40th anniversary in March 2025 and operates with a small team of 11-50 employees.
GAME ARTS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- GAME ARTS
- Legal name
- 株式会社ゲームアーツ
- Website
- https://gamearts.co.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1985
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- GAME ARTS is a privately held Tokyo-based Japanese video game developer founded in 1985 that develops and remasters classic Japanese RPG franchises, primarily the GRANDIA and LUNAR series, distributing them through PlayStation Store, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Steam, and niche soundtrack and merchandise channels.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
GAME ARTS industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Japanese Role-Playing Video Games
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (513210), Hobby, Toy, and Game Retailers (45912)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Publishing (2741), Retail-Computer & Computer Software Stores (5734)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Narrative/Adventure & RPG Game Studios (MPAFAAAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- AAA & Premium Game Studios (PC/Console) (MPAFAAAA), Gaming Collectibles, Merchandise & Toys Retail (CRACAFAI)
Keywords
Where GAME ARTS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
GAME ARTS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Game Sales (New Releases): Sale of newly released game titles such as LUNAR Remastered Collection and GRANDIA HD Collection across multiple platforms (PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC/Steam).
- Game Archives (Classic Titles): Digital re-releases of classic game titles through PlayStation Store's Game Archives service for PS3, PSP, and PS Vita. Titles include GRANDIA, GRANDIA II, GRANDIA Xtreme, and LUNAR2 Eternal Blue.
- PlayStation Plus Catalog: Subscription-based access to classic titles through PlayStation Plus Premium tier, including GRANDIA available on PS4/PS5 platforms.
- Merchandise and Soundtracks: Sales of related merchandise including soundtrack albums (Grandia Complete Soundtrack, Grandia II Original Soundtrack, Grandia Memorial Soundtrack), music box products, and physical goods such as model kits and posters.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | GRANDIA - PS3/PSP/PS Vita Digital Download |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | GRANDIA - PS4/PS5 Digital Download |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | LUNAR2 Eternal Blue - PS3/PSP/PS Vita Digital Download |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | GRANDIA Xtreme - PS3 Digital Download |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Grandia Memorial Soundtrack - Limited Edition (Analog) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Grandia Memorial Soundtrack - CD Set |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Grandia II Memorial Soundtrack - Limited Edition (Analog) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Grandia II Original Soundtrack - CD |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Grandia Music Box |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
GAME ARTS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
GAME ARTS is a Japanese video game developer and publisher that develops, remasters, and distributes Japanese role-playing video games built around its GRANDIA and LUNAR franchises. The company's revenue centers on digital sales of its classic RPG catalog via PlayStation Store (Game Archives and PlayStation Plus), Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC-Steam, plus physical merchandise such as soundtracks, vinyl, music boxes, and scale model kits. New releases are brought to modern platforms through multi-platform HD remastered collections distributed internationally via Gungho Online Entertainment America.
Product overview
GAME ARTS is a Japanese video game development company specializing in classic RPG titles. The company's core product portfolio centers on two major RPG franchises: the LUNAR series (including LUNAR2 Eternal Blue) and the GRANDIA series (including GRANDIA, GRANDIA II, and GRANDIA Xtreme). These games are distributed as both physical re-releases and digital downloads through PlayStation platforms (PS Game Archives for PS3/PSP/PS Vita, PS4/PS5, and PlayStation Plus), as well as modern console and PC platforms. Recent releases include LUNAR Remastered Collection and GRANDIA HD Collection, which bring classic titles to current-generation gaming hardware. Beyond games, GAME ARTS maintains a merchandise line including official soundtracks (released through WAYÔ RECORDS), music box arrangements, and scale model kits of legacy properties (THEXDER and Sylpheed mecha models). The company celebrated its 40th anniversary in March 2025.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- LUNAR Remastered Collection Remastered collection of the LUNAR series fantasy RPGs (LUNAR: Silver Star and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue) released simultaneously for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC-Steam platforms, targeting fans of classic JRPG franchises seeking modern-platform access.
- GRANDIA HD Collection (グランディア HDコレクション) HD remastered collection of GRANDIA and GRANDIA II RPG titles released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC-Steam platforms, providing modern-platform access to classic JRPG franchise entries.
- GRANDIA (グランディア) Flagship 1997 Japanese RPG featuring the Ultimate Action Battle System with IP (Initiative Point) gauge combat, distributed digitally via PlayStation Game Archives (PS3/PSP/PS Vita) and PlayStation Plus Premium (PS4/PS5) for classic RPG gamers.
- GRANDIA II (グランディアII) RPG sequel following a young man tasked with protecting a song goddess, distributed digitally on PlayStation 3 via PlayStation Game Archives for classic JRPG fans.
- GRANDIA Xtreme (グランディア エクストリーム) GRANDIA series RPG featuring the Independent 7th Unit facing a Spirit Rampage crisis and exploration of ancient civilization ruins, distributed digitally on PlayStation 3 via PlayStation Game Archives.
- LUNAR2 Eternal Blue (ルナ2 エターナルブルー) Classic fantasy RPG featuring protagonist Hiro's journey to awaken the girl Lucia from her frozen slumber, distributed digitally on PlayStation 3/PSP/PS Vita via PlayStation Game Archives for fans of traditional JRPG storytelling.
- Grandia Memorial Soundtrack Complete soundtrack collection for GRANDIA, available in CD set and analog vinyl formats in standard and limited editions, targeting dedicated fans and collectors of game music.
- Grandia II Original Soundtrack / Memorial Soundtrack Soundtrack collection for GRANDIA II released as CD sets and analog vinyl pressings, targeting dedicated GRANDIA franchise fans and game-music collectors.
- Grandia Music Box Premium music box arrangement of GRANDIA game music priced at €210, targeting high-end collectors and dedicated franchise fans.
- Twelve Doors - Tribute to Noriyuki Iwadare Tribute album honoring GAME ARTS composer Noriyuki Iwadare, released as CD and analog vinyl formats, targeting game-music enthusiasts and Iwadare fans.
- Symphonic Tale: An Unforgettable Journey from GRANDIA (交響組曲「忘れられない冒険へ」) Classical symphonic arrangement of GRANDIA game music released as a CD by CLASSICAL NOVA / VGM Classics / Wiseman Project, targeting orchestral game-music collectors.
- THEXDER Color Resin Kit (テグザー カラーレジンキット) Limited production 1/48 scale color resin model kit of the THEXDER game character with illustrated booklet, produced and sold by Japanese specialty retailer BEEP, targeting collectors of vintage game merchandise.
- 1/100 SA-77 Sylpheed Plastic Model Kit Series (1/100 SA-77 シルフィード プラスチックキット) 1/100 scale plastic model kit series of the SA-77 Sylpheed mecha from the Sylpheed franchise, including normal, Lost Planet, Lancer, and Lancer Assault variants, produced and sold by Japanese model manufacturer PLUM, targeting mecha model collectors.
Companies that use GAME ARTS
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
GAME ARTS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
GAME ARTS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.
- Gungho Online Entertainment AmericamajorPartnership for distribution of LUNAR Remastered Collection and GRANDIA HD Collection. Gungho Online Entertainment America handles sales across PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC-Steam platforms. The collaboration enables GAME ARTS classic franchises to reach international audiences through multi-platform releases.
- Sony Interactive EntertainmentcoreDistribution partnership through PlayStation Store for classic Game Archives titles (GRANDIA, GRANDIA II, GRANDIA Xtreme, LUNAR2 Eternal Blue) and PlayStation Plus catalog integration. Sony provides the digital distribution platform and storefront for GAME ARTS products.
- D4 Enterprise (EGG Console)minorPartnership for re-release of Silpheed (PC-8801mkIISR version) through the EGG Console for Nintendo Switch, a retro game preservation service operated by D4 Enterprise.
- Square EnixmajorCo-publishing relationship for the GRANDIA series. Square Enix co-published GRANDIA Xtreme and GRANDIA II, providing additional publishing resources and market reach for the franchise. Character designs credit Square Enix collaboration.
- KadokawaminorCo-publishing partnership for the LUNAR series. Kadokawa collaborated with GAME ARTS and Vanguard on the original LUNAR titles, with Kadokawa providing publishing support and character design collaboration with artist Toshiyuki Kubochi.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
GAME ARTS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Square Enix: Major Japanese RPG publisher and developer (Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest) with which GAME ARTS has an existing co-publishing relationship for the GRANDIA series. Comparable as a Japanese RPG-focused publisher operating in the same genre and customer base, though at vastly greater scale.
- Koei Tecmo: Major Japanese game publisher with RPG franchises (Atelier series, Nioh) and a long heritage of remastering classic titles. Comparable as a Japanese publisher/developer active in the JRPG space with experience monetizing legacy IPs through modern ports and remasters.
- Atlus: Japanese RPG developer/publisher (Persona, Shin Megami Tensei). Comparable as a Japanese JRPG specialist targeting similar console RPG enthusiast demographics, though Atlus operates at significantly larger scale and produces modern new IP rather than primarily remasters.
Direct peers
- Compile Heart: Japanese RPG developer and subsidiary of Idea Factory, focused on niche JRPGs. Comparable as a Japan-based JRPG specialist serving similar enthusiast demographics, though oriented around new IPs rather than remasters.
- tri-Ace: Small-to-mid Japanese RPG developer (Star Ocean, Valkyrie Profile) known for innovative combat systems. Closely comparable to GAME ARTS in studio size, JRPG focus, and reliance on proprietary battle mechanics (e.g., tri-Ace's Bonus Board).
- Nihon Falcom: Japanese RPG developer behind the Ys and The Legend of Heroes (Trails) series. Directly comparable as a heritage Japanese RPG studio with a similar focus on narrative-driven JRPGs, classic-style combat systems, and PC/console multi-platform releases.
- Level-5: Japanese game developer known for RPG franchises (Ni no Kuni, Professor Layton, Yo-kai Watch). Comparable as a Japan-based narrative RPG developer with multi-platform releases and similar scale considerations.
- Camelot Software Planning: Japanese game developer (Shining series, Golden Sun, Mario Tennis/Golf). Comparable as a mid-sized Japanese studio with RPG heritage and multi-platform publishing through Nintendo and other partners.
- Monolith Soft: Japanese RPG developer (Xenoblade Chronicles series), Nintendo subsidiary. Comparable as a Japan-based JRPG developer producing narrative-driven console RPGs, though backed by Nintendo's distribution and budget.
Others
- Gungho Online Entertainment: Current international distribution partner for GAME ARTS' LUNAR Remastered Collection and GRANDIA HD Collection. Also a Japanese game publisher (Puzzle & Dragons, Ninjala) with multi-platform Western reach via Gungho Online Entertainment America.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
GAME ARTS social profiles
Digital presenceGAME ARTS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
GAME ARTS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
GAME ARTS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
GAME ARTS 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 GAME ARTS
What does GAME ARTS do?
GAME ARTS is a Japanese video game developer and publisher that develops, remasters, and distributes Japanese role-playing video games built around its GRANDIA and LUNAR franchises. The company's revenue centers on digital sales of its classic RPG catalog via PlayStation Store (Game Archives and PlayStation Plus), Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC-Steam, plus physical merchandise such as soundtracks, vinyl, music boxes, and scale model kits. New releases are brought to modern platforms through multi-platform HD remastered collections distributed internationally via Gungho Online Entertainment America.
Is GAME ARTS a public or private company?
GAME ARTS is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was GAME ARTS founded?
GAME ARTS was founded in 1985. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is GAME ARTS based?
GAME ARTS is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does GAME ARTS make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Game Sales (New Releases) is the primary driver. The others are game Archives (Classic Titles), playStation Plus Catalog and merchandise and Soundtracks.
Who are GAME ARTS's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Square Enix, Koei Tecmo and Atlus. Direct peers are Compile Heart, tri-Ace, Nihon Falcom, Level-5, Camelot Software Planning and Monolith Soft. Gungho Online Entertainment is listed as an others.
Does GAME ARTS have an API?
No public API is recorded for GAME ARTS.
What industry is GAME ARTS in?
GAME ARTS's product category is Japanese Role-Playing Video Games. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAAAL, Narrative/Adventure & RPG Game Studios, with a secondary code of MPAFAAAA, AAA & Premium Game Studios (PC/Console). Its NAICS code is 513210 and its SIC code is 2741.