5pb. Inc.

Japanese video game publisher and developer known for visual novels, music production, and the Memories Off franchise.

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Website

Founded

2005

HQ

Tokyo, Japan

Known for

Visual Novel / Adventure / Rhythm

18

Games

2008–2016

Years

5

Platforms

$38.47

Ø CIB

+2%

24M change

About

5pb. Inc. is a Japanese publisher and developer recognized for its visual novels, notably publishing titles in the Memories Off franchise such as Memories Off 2nd, Memories Off 6: T-Wave, and Memories Off: Yubikiri No Kioku. The company is also famous for publishing the acclaimed science fiction visual novel Steins;Gate. Additionally, 5pb. Inc. published the shoot 'em up Ketsui: Kizuna Jigoku Tachi Extra, as well as regional releases of Oz and Lips.

Founded by Chiyomaru Shikura after his departure from Scitron, the company established its gaming division to specialize in porting and publishing niche titles for home consoles. An early milestone in its publishing history was the 2005 release of Oz. The company significantly expanded its market presence by acquiring the intellectual property rights of the defunct developer Kid, allowing them to sustain the popular Memories Off romance visual novel franchise. Under this banner, they published Memories Off 2nd in 2008, followed by Memories Off 6: T-Wave in 2009, and the Xbox 360 title Memories Off: Yubikiri No Kioku [Limited Edition] in 2010.

Beyond traditional visual novels, the publisher diversified into interactive music and arcade ports. They managed the Japanese localization and distribution of the Xbox 360 singing games Lips and the Lips [Bundle] in 2008. They also partnered with Cave to bring the intense shoot 'em up Ketsui: Kizuna Jigoku Tachi Extra to home consoles in 2010. The landmark release of Steins;Gate [Limited Edition] in 2009, featuring exclusive pack-in merchandise, solidified their strategy of targeting dedicated collectors and established a lasting legacy in the adventure game industry.