What Manga Productions does

Manga Productions is a Riyadh-based creative content studio and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman MiSK Foundation, founded in 2017 to develop Saudi Arabia's animation, video game, and comics industries in alignment with Vision 2030. The company produces original IPs such as Future's Folktales (a 13-episode Saudi-Japanese anime series with Toei Animation that has surpassed 151 million views across five continents), The Journey (the first Saudi-Japanese 4DX anime film), Grendizer U (a co-production with Dynamic Planning on Go Nagai's mecha franchise), Woodcutter's Treasure, and the BISSA comic series. Its video game portfolio includes freemium mobile titles (Ghoul's Cave, Dhafer The Champion, Future's Folktales: Hopper Quest), regional MENA publishing for international IPs (UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves with Microids, Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake with KOEI TECMO and Team Ninja), and original IPs co-created with Japanese studios. The company monetizes through streaming licensing and royalties across 100+ platforms globally, freemium in-app purchases, physical and digital game sales in MENA, and regional publishing fees. Distribution spans Netflix, Shahid, Lemino, Anime Digital Network, SpacetoonGO, VOX Cinemas, Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo Switch 2, Apple App Store, Google Play, and MENA retailers LA3EB and GEEKAY, with active expansion into China via a strategic Bilibili partnership signed in August 2025.

Name

Manga Productions

Legal name

Manga Productions LLC

Website

https://manga.com.sa

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Manga Productions is a Riyadh-based subsidiary of the MiSK Foundation that produces animations, video games, and comics, primarily through Saudi-Japanese co-productions with studios like Toei Animation and Dynamic Planning, serving global audiences via streaming, theatrical, and gaming platforms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animation and Creative Content Production

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Production (512110), Motion Picture and Video Distribution (51212), Doll, Toy, and Game Manufacturing (339930), Broadcasting and Content Providers (516)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812), Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731), Games, Toys & Children's Vehicles (No Dolls & Bicycles) (3944)

akta.pro primary industry

Anime Production (MPADACAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Animated Series Production (TV/Streaming) (MPADACAG), Strategy/4X/Management Game Studios (MPAFAAAK), Manga Publishing (Japanese & Global) (MPAJAGAA), Digital Comics, Manga & Serialized Reading Platforms (BPAMAJAJ), Children’s Comics, Graphic Novels & Manga Publishing (MPAJAFAH)

Keywords

• Anime production
• Video game development
• Comic publishing
• Creative content studio
• Animation production

Headquarters

HQ city

Riyadh

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Animation Production and Licensing: Revenue generated from co-producing and licensing anime content to international streaming platforms, theatrical distributors, and regional broadcasters. Major productions include The Journey, Future's Folktales, and Grendizer U distributed globally.
2. Video Game Publishing: Publishing and distributing video games regionally in MENA and internationally. Titles include UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves published by Microids, and mobile games Ghoul's Cave and Dhafer The Champion available on iOS and Android.
3. Comics and Manga Publishing: Producing and distributing comic content with Saudi and Arab cultural themes. BISSA is the flagship comic series. Content reaches audiences through digital platforms and publications.
4. Regional Publishing Partnerships: Serving as regional publisher for international titles like Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake across MENA region in partnership with KOEI TECMO and Team Ninja.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Manga Productions produces animations (anime films and series), develops and publishes video games, and creates comics, primarily through Saudi-Japanese co-productions with studios such as Toei Animation and Dynamic Planning. The company also serves as a regional publisher in the MENA region for international gaming titles and licenses its content to global streaming platforms. Its portfolio spans theatrical anime films, anime series, mobile and console video games, and original manga/comic publications.

Product overview

Manga Productions is a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman 'MiSK' Foundation that specializes in creative content production across three main pillars: animation/animation films, video games, and comics. Its animation portfolio includes Saudi-Japanese co-productions with Toei Animation (The Journey, Future's Folktales) and Dynamic Planning (Grendizer U), plus original animated shorts (Henna with Bilibili, Woodcutter's Treasure). Its video game lineup spans mobile titles (Ghoul's Cave, Dhafer The Champion, Future's Folktales: Hopper Quest) and regional publishing of international titles (UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves, Fatal Frame II Remake). Its comic arm produces original Saudi manga (BISSA). The company positions itself as a bridge between Saudi/Arab culture and the global anime and gaming industries, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's creative economy objectives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Henna Animated short film co-produced with Chinese platform Bilibili that tells the story of a young deaf girl who discovers her voice and self-expression through the art of henna, representing the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Targeted at international animation audiences.
• Asateer (Future's Folktales) Anime Series Saudi-Japanese anime series co-produced with Toei Animation, featuring stories of Arabian Peninsula heritage told in a futuristic Riyadh setting, narrated by grandmother Asmaa. Achieved over 151 million views across five continents with Arabic, Japanese, French, English, and Spanish versions distributed globally.
• The Journey Saudi-Japanese anime feature film produced in 4DX technology and co-produced with Toei Animation. Inspired by Arabian folklore, it tells the story of Aws, a potter with a secret past caught in an epic battle to defend his city. First Saudi-Japanese anime released theatrically.
• Grendizer U Saudi-Japanese anime series co-produced with Dynamic Planning, serving as a reboot/sequel to the iconic Grendizer mecha franchise created by Go Nagai. Features action-adventure mecha storyline and is targeted at anime fans globally.
• Woodcutter's Treasure (Kanz Al-Hatab) Animated film inspired by Arabian folklore, following Abdulrahman the woodcutter who dreams of a mysterious man instructing him to travel from Ushaiqer to Baghdad to find buried treasure. Targeted at family and youth audiences.
• BISSA (Comic) Saudi manga/comic book featuring Kadi, a selfless farm cat who finds herself lost on the streets and embarks on a hero's journey across regions of Saudi Arabia. Published as the first Saudi original comic by Manga Productions.
• UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves Action-adventure video game based on the iconic Grendizer anime world, developed by Endroad and published regionally by Manga Productions in MENA in collaboration with Microids. Available in Standard, Deluxe, and Collector's editions.
• Ghoul's Cave Free-to-play strategy mobile game inspired by an episode of Future's Folktales. Players help the Ghoul protect their cave from thieves using power-ups and strategic cards. Available on iOS and Android with in-app purchases.
• Dhafer The Champion Free-to-play runner mobile game inspired by an episode of Future's Folktales. Players run from a flood while defeating enemies and collecting bananas to earn the highest score. Available on iOS and Android with in-app purchases.
• Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake Japanese-style horror adventure game remake, published regionally by Manga Productions across the MENA region in collaboration with KOEI TECMO and Team NINJA, with full Arabic language support. Available on Steam, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2.
• Future's Folktales: Hopper Quest Mobile game companion to the Future's Folktales anime series. Includes social features, in-game purchases, and third-party authentication via Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Huawei. Available on iOS and Android.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1.6 billion+ total content views across all platforms and 100+ streaming partners
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• Annecy International Animation Film FestivalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2026Participation in one of the world's leading animation festivals to showcase creative projects, strengthen international presence, and build strategic relationships with global partners in entertainment industry.
• Cultural House ( بيت الثقافة)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 April 2026MoU signed to enhance creative content and empower talent. Joint programs include launching initiatives for talent development, organizing workshops and training courses, hosting exhibitions and creative showcases. Focus on video games, design, and comics.
• AnimeJapan 2026coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 March 2026Second consecutive year as official sponsor. Booth showcased Saudi culture and heritage through interactive experiences. CEO Dr. Essam Bukhary spoke at business seminar 'From Emerging Market to Strategic Partner: The Middle East Shaping the Future of Anime'.
• Tokyo Anime Award Festival (TAAF) 2026coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 March 2026Sponsorship of Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2026, one of Japan's iconic international animated film festivals. Hosted official symposium as part of the event focusing on cross-border collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Japan in animation.
• KOEI TECMOcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 12 March 2026Regional publishing partnership for Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake across MENA region. Manga Productions serves as regional publisher with full Arabic language support.
• Team NinjacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 12 March 2026Co-publishing partner for Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake in MENA region alongside KOEI TECMO.
• BilibiliflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025Strategic partnership to strengthen collaboration in content creation, production, and distribution. First co-produced animation project 'Henna' between Bilibili and an Arab company. Henna tells the story of a deaf girl expressing herself through henna art. Opens access to China's digital entertainment market with 107+ million daily active users.
• Sumitomo GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 29 March 2020Partnership to air Future's Folktales anime series in Japan. Series aired on J-com channels. Asmik Ace, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Group, handles worldwide distribution from Japan.
• Tokyo Anime Training ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2018Training program that has trained approximately 200 Saudi animation aspirants in Tokyo since Saudi Arabia lifted cinema ban in 2018. Part of broader talent development initiative.
• Toei AnimationflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2017Long-standing co-production partnership for major anime projects. Co-produced The Journey (first Saudi-Japanese 4DX anime film), Future's Folktales (13-episode series), and Woodcutter's Treasure. More than 50 Saudi artists participated in Future's Folktales production.
• MBC GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInitial broadcast partner for Future's Folktales series premiere in Middle East. Series aired on MBC 1 channel weekly starting January 2020.
• VOX CinemascoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTheatrical distribution partner for The Journey anime film across Middle East and North Africa. Trailer launched during Berlinale film festival.
• T-JoycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for The Journey anime film in Japan market.
• Dynamic PlanningflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-production partnership for Grendizer U anime series. Go Nagai's legendary mecha franchise. Project G design competition held with Dynamic Planning partnership. Series premiered July 5, 2024.
• MicroidscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPublisher and producer of UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves video game. Additional development by Microids Studio Paris. Regional MENA publishing handled by Manga Productions.
• EndroadcoreTechnology or IntegrationDeveloper of UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves action-adventure video game based on Go Nagai's iconic mecha series.
• SNK CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInvestment partnership and creative collaboration. Created 'Najd' character and 'Riyadh' stage featuring Masmak Fort in King of Fighters IV. MiSK Foundation invested approximately SAR 813 million in SNK. Provided training for 12 talented individuals in 3D graphics and gaming in partnership with SNK.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• MBC Group: Largest Middle East broadcaster and Manga Productions' initial broadcast partner for Future's Folktales in MENA and USA. Comparable as a regional content distribution and production peer.
• Rotana (Alaa Wardi / Rotana Studios): Major MENA entertainment and media group producing Arabic-language film, music, and TV content. Comparable as a Saudi/regional creative content peer pursuing pan-MENA audiences.

Broad incumbents

• Crunchyroll (Sony): Global anime streaming incumbent owned by Sony. Comparable as a destination for anime distribution, though Manga Productions is a content producer rather than platform operator.
• MAPPA: Japanese anime production studio behind globally successful series such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan. Comparable as a high-output anime production studio competing for global streaming slots.
• Pierrot: Established Japanese anime studio known for Naruto and Bleach. Comparable as a long-running anime production peer competing for international co-production deals.

Direct peers

• Toei Animation: Japanese anime studio and Manga Productions' longest-standing co-production partner (The Journey, Future's Folktales, Woodcutter's Treasure). Directly comparable as a vertically integrated anime producer with global licensing reach.
• KOEI TECMO: Japanese game publisher partnering with Manga Productions for the MENA regional launch of Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake. Comparable as both a game publisher and MENA regional publishing collaborator.
• Dynamic Planning: Go Nagai's IP holding company and co-production partner on Grendizer U. Comparable as an anime IP owner/developer leveraging Saudi-Japanese co-production economics.
• SNK Corporation: Japanese game studio behind King of Fighters. Manga Productions/MiSK Foundation's ~SAR 813M strategic investee and partner behind the Najd character and Riyadh stage DLC.

Emerging players

• Bilibili: Chinese anime and digital entertainment platform with 107M+ DAU. Manga Productions' strategic partner for the Henna animated short and a key distribution channel into China.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/manga_prd
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@MangaProductions
• Facebookfacebook.com/mangaproductions
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mangaproductions
• TikToktiktok.com/@manga_prd

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Manga Productions