Toei, the company behind major anime franchises like One Piece, is entering video game development with a new internal division called Toei Games. The update was reported by Game Rant and other industry outlets. Toei has largely stayed focused on animation while relying on outside partners for gaming.
The studio is not starting with games based on its most recognizable series. Instead, Toei Games is focusing on original titles and new intellectual property. For years, Toei has worked through licensing agreements, with companies like Bandai Namco developing and publishing games tied to One Piece and Dragon Ball. Titles such as One Piece Odyssey and the Pirate Warriors series followed that model, with external studios handling development while Toei maintained oversight of the brand.
Bringing development in-house gives Toei more control over how its games are built and released. It also allows the company to create new franchises without the expectations that come with adapting globally recognized anime. Starting with original content gives developers more flexibility as they build experience, test ideas, and establish a workflow inside a new division. It also gives the company room to make adjustments early without the added pressure tied to major licensed properties.
Initial releases are expected to begin on PC. Games will launch through storefronts like Steam before expanding to consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Launching on PC first gives the studio time to gather feedback and refine its process before moving into larger, higher-budget projects. It also follows a path many newer developers take when building out their first slate of games, where early reception can shape future investment.
The timing lines up with a wider trend across entertainment. Media companies are putting more focus on gaming as they look to expand beyond film and television. The industry continues to grow, and companies that manage development internally can shape projects more directly instead of depending entirely on outside studios or licensing agreements. That level of control can influence creative direction, release timing, and long-term planning.
There is no indication that a new in-house One Piece game is in development right now. Existing titles tied to the series have come from external partners, and that model remains in place for now. Even so, the creation of Toei Games leaves open the possibility that its biggest franchises could be developed internally later, depending on how these early projects perform and how the studio evolves.
0 Comments