Media Works

A Japanese publisher known for releasing console games, visual novels, and media franchises like Sister Princess.

Role-playing (RPG)

Founded

1992

Acquired

2008

HQ

Chiyoda, Japan

Parent

Kadokawa Corporation

Known for

Visual Novel / Role-Playing / Adventure

16

Games

1995–2006

Years

5

Platforms

$14.96

Ø CIB

-17.6%

24M change

About

Media Works published several notable titles in the late 1990s, including the console port of Emerald Dragon (1995), AnEarth Fantasy Stories (1997), and the tactical RPG Devicereign (1999). The company was highly active with the Yuukyuu Gensoukyoku series, publishing Yuukyuu Gensoukyoku, Yuukyuu no Kobako, Yuukyuu Gensoukyoku Ensemble, Yukyu Gensokyoku Ensemble 2, and Yukyu Gensokyoku 3: Perpetual Blue. Additionally, Media Works is the creator and publisher of the prominent Sister Princess franchise.

Established in 1992 as an offshoot of Kadokawa Shoten, the publisher leveraged its strong presence in print media, particularly through its Dengeki brand, to develop a robust video game portfolio. By targeting the Sega Saturn and PlayStation markets, the company specialized in narrative-driven software that bridged the gap between anime, light novels, and interactive entertainment.

The Super Famicom release of Emerald Dragon (1995) demonstrated this approach by adding extensive voice acting and redrawn visuals to the original PC RPG. Similarly, AnEarth Fantasy Stories (1997) and the tactical RPG Devicereign (1999) emphasized rich fantasy world-building and character interactions. The company's flagship simulation franchise, beginning with Yuukyuu Gensoukyoku (1997) and continuing through Yuukyuu no Kobako: Official Collection (1997), Yuukyuu Gensoukyoku Ensemble (1998), Yukyu Gensokyoku Ensemble 2 (1999), and Yukyu Gensokyoku 3: Perpetual Blue (1999), solidified this niche by blending strategy with dating-simulation elements. This character-centric model culminated in the Sister Princess franchise, which transitioned from a magazine feature into a major gaming property. The company's gaming legacy was later integrated into ASCII Media Works following a 2008 merger.