Konami, the legendary Japanese gaming powerhouse, has announced the creation of a new branch entirely focused on its celebrated arcade game lineup. Since its founding in the late 1960s, Konami has grown into one of the industry’s most recognizable studios, known for blockbuster franchises such as Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill, and the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game.
While Konami’s home console titles have a global fanbase, the company also boasts a rich history in arcade gaming. Classics like Gradius, Frogger, and TwinBee helped cement Konami’s presence in arcades during the 1970s and 1980s. Popular franchises such as Castlevania and Contra also transitioned successfully into arcade cabinets, alongside adaptations of TV and movie favorites like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Goonies.
According to a recent report by TechCrawlr, Konami will officially establish the new branch, named Konami Arcade Games, in June 2025, with the full operational split expected by October. This strategic move responds to the evolving market environment for arcade games and pachinko, allowing Konami Amusement to focus exclusively on pachinko games moving forward.
Yoshitaka Nishimura, composer for Beatmania, will take the helm as president of Konami Arcade Games, signaling a continued commitment to rhythm-based arcade hits. Konami remains a dominant force in arcades, especially in Japan, with popular rhythm titles like Beatmania and Dance Dance Revolution still drawing dedicated players.
In addition to its arcade focus, They has expanded into the mobile gaming space with notable successes such as mobile adaptations of Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG and the original sports game eFootball. The establishment of this new branch underlines Konami’s dedication to preserving and evolving its arcade heritage while adapting to modern gaming trends.
Stay tuned as Konami Arcade Games sets out to revitalize and innovate the arcade experience for fans worldwide.