GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE

KADOKAWA GAMES announces global publishing partners for KILLER IS DEAD™

2013-02-01T02:22:38Z

KADOKAWA GAMES announces global publishing partners for KILLER IS DEAD™

Game will be released by XSEED in North America and Deep Silver in Europe and Oceania

KADOKAWA GAMES, LTD. announced plans for a global release of their highly anticipated action game KILLER IS DEAD™on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Following LOLLIPOP CHAINSAW, KADOKAWA GAMES has been working together with GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC. and executive director SUDA51 on development for this title.

KADOKAWA GAMES today announced a partnership with XSEED Games to bring KILLER IS DEAD to North America. Additionally, KADOKAWA GAMES and Deep Silver, the games label of Koch Media, a leading producer and distributor of digital entertainment products, will bring the title to the countries of Europe and Oceania.

KILLER IS DEAD is expected to launch worldwide in summer 2013 for PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360.

KILLER IS DEAD is set in a not-so-distant future similar to (but not the same as) the world we know now. The player takes control of an executioner named Mondo Zappa who wields a Japanese sword in his right hand and brandishes interchangeable weapons in his left artificial arm. His ultimate goal is to execute various heinous criminals scattered around the world and beyond.

Completely unique visuals and outstanding stylish action come together to deliver an unprecedented gaming experience in KILLER IS DEAD. This brand-new action title is being jointly developed by KADOKAWA GAMES and GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE, with SUDA51 lending his trademark sense of style at the helm. It will be available worldwide in summer 2013.

Title: KILLER IS DEAD™

Platform: PlayStation®3 / Xbox 360®

Genre: Action

Publisher: Deep Silver

Developer: KADOKAWA GAMES, LTD. / GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC.

Availability: Summer 2013

Copyright: © GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC.

Official Site: www.loveandkill.com

GungHo Online Entertainment Brings On Suda51 Development Studio, Grasshopper Manufacture

2013-01-31T09:34:10Z

GungHo Online Entertainment Brings On Suda51 Development Studio, Grasshopper Manufacture

Japanese Publisher Bolsters In-house Development Talent as Innovative Team Led by Legendary Game Designer, Goichi Suda, Joins Stellar Lineup Alongside Game Arts, Acquire, and GRAVITY

TOKYO, JAPAN (January 30, 2013) - GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. (GOE) today announced it has acquired game development studio GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC., founded and led by legendary designer Goichi Suda (SUDA51). SUDA51 and his team join GOE and will continue to work as GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE, similar to the relationship GOE has with its other leading development studios including GRAVITY, Game Arts, and Acquire. Titles already in development at the studio before the acquisition will not be affected by the deal and will continue under their current publishing terms.

GungHo Online Entertainment is an established Japanese publisher of networked multiplatform titles including mobile, and is best noted for its wildly popular Ragnarok Online series as well as the blockbuster iOS/Android game, Puzzle & Dragons, which has seen over 7 million downloads. Since its formation, the company's vision has been to work closely with its content partners to build, grow, and sustain interactive entertainment properties with a strong online component across PC, browser, mobile, console, and handheld platforms. Its lineup includes MMORPGs such as Ragnarok Online as well as a wide range of console and handheld games including Ragnarok DS, Ragnarok Odyssey and Dokuro. GRASSHOPPER becomes the fourth prominent studio to become part of GOE's fold, joining Ragnarok developer GRAVITY, Lunar and Grandia creator Game Arts, and Tenchu developer Acquire. GOE titles are published and supported in North America by its US subsidiary, GungHo Online Entertainment America led by Jun Iwasaki.

"We believe the strength of a publisher lies in its creative talent so with the addition of GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE and SUDA51 we are adding some of the most innovative talent in today's gaming world to our stellar family of independently-operated studios," said Kazuki Morishita, President and CEO of GungHo Online Entertainment. "SUDA51 projects are known to put a unique spin on every game so coupled with our proven ability to support development with AAA resources including a tailored online experience, we believe gamers will benefit from this collaboration."

Founded by SUDA51, GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC. is well known for creating imaginative titles such as killer7, the No More Heroes series and most recently, Lollipop Chainsaw. The developer has released nearly 30 titles internationally and in Japan and has a devoted following among gamers. Under SUDA51's leadership, the studio aspires to create games that challenge the norms with a spark of inspiration akin to the rebellious and artistic spirit of punk rock music.

"By joining GungHo Online Entertainment, we are aligning ourselves with a strong, established publishing force that will support our vision to further create inspired new games that appeal players across the world," said GRASSHOPPER Founder and Managing Director, Goichi Suda. "The GRASSHOPPER team and I have many new ideas to share with our fans as we move forward so this union with GOE will help us realize our future plans."

More information on upcoming GRASSHOPPER projects will be revealed in the coming months.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. For more information on GungHo Online Entertainment America, visit www.gunghoonline.com. Fans can also follow on Facebook and Twitter.

About GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. (GOE) and GungHo Online Entertainment America (GOEA)

GungHo Online Entertainment (GOE) is an established Japanese publisher of networked multiplatform titles including mobile, and is best noted for its wildly popular Ragnarok Online series as well as recent mobile hit Puzzle & Dragons. Since its formation, the company's vision has been to work closely with its content partners to build, grow, and sustain interactive entertainment properties with a strong online component across PC, browser, mobile, console, and handheld platforms. GOE's content partners include leading developers Game Arts, Acquire, Grasshopper Manufacture Inc., and GRAVITY, all of which are subsidiaries of GOE. For more information, visit www.gungho.co.jp.

GungHo Online Entertainment America (GOEA) is the US division of GOE, a multi-platform publisher dedicated to delivering the best titles, content and support for the online gaming community. Founded in 2012 and led by former Square EA, Square Enix, and XSEED Games executive Jun Iwasaki, GOEA publishes and distributes network-oriented games for console, handheld, mobile, tablet, and MMO-style games for PC. GOEA is located in Buena Park, California. For more information, visit www.gunghoonline.com.

About GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC.

GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC. is an interactive entertainment studio based in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE was founded in 1998 by CEO Goichi Suda (SUDA51), who is known around the world for his distinctive style and innovative work as a game designer and scenario writer. In 2013, GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE became a wholly owned subsidiary of GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. For more information on GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC., visit www.grasshopper.co.jp, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Grasshopper_EN, or on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/grasshopper.manufacture.

http://www.gunghoonline.com/2013/01/gungho-online-entertainment-brings-on-suda51-development-studio-grasshopper-manufacture/

Best Arsenal & Best New IP!! Lollipop Chainsaw is definitely a keeper!!

2013-01-24T05:06:59Z

[FEAR AWARDS] Here Are Your Picks For The Best And Worst Horror Games Of 2012

Best Arsenal & Best New IP!! Lollipop Chainsaw is definitely a keeper!!

http://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3214829/fear-awards-here-are-your-picks-for-the-best-and-worst-video-games-of-2012/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Lollipop Chainsaw has WON BEST ORIGINAL IP in Capsule Computer's 2012 Game of the Year Awards

2013-01-13T02:38:55Z

Lollipop Chainsaw has WON BEST ORIGINAL IP in Capsule Computer's 2012 Game of the Year Awards

http://www.capsulecomputers.com.au/2013/01/capsule-computers-2012-game-of-the-year-awards/4/

Black Knight Sword on PSN & XBLA is available to download in NA and Europe

2012-12-12T02:44:45Z

Black Knight Sword on PSN & XBLA is available to download in NA and Europe now! !

PACKED WITH EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, SINE MORA IS NOW AVAILABLE ON PLAYSTATION VITA AND PLAYSTATION 3

2012-11-20T09:24:45Z

PACKED WITH EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, SINE MORA IS NOW AVAILABLE ON PLAYSTATION VITA AND PLAYSTATION 3

New Character, Weapon, and Game Mode Highlight Exciting Additions to the Extraordinary Shoot 'Em Up

Budapest, Hungary - November 20, 2012 - Digital Reality and Grasshopper Manufacture today announced Sine Mora, the unique diesel-punk shoot 'em up, is now available on PlayStation Network for PlayStation Vita and PlayStation in North America for $9.99 and will be releasing in Europe on November 21 for €9.99.

Find YouTube link here: http://youtu.be/cU00b-b8v3k

Download launch trailer here: www.digitalreality.eu/media/sinemora/SineMoraTrailerPSN.zip

(Please do not link to this, mirrors are appreciated)

Exclusive to the PlayStation 3 is a skillful Challenge Mode tasking players to test their talents in 1-2 minute challenges that make use of Story Mode levels. The PlayStation Vita introduces new touch controls, a GPS Unlock Gallery that conveys the player's cumulative progression, and unlockable rewards such as concept art. In addition, both versions include new character Wilhelmina Muller and her "UD Bomb" sub-weapon. The enigmatic Muller originally appeared in G.Rev's cult-hit Under Defeat and will be appearing in the upcoming Under Defeat HD. The "UD Bomb" weapon opens up new opportunities to clear the screen of enemies with its radial blue laser effect that starts a detonation wave to eliminate opposing forces.

For more information about Sine Mora, please visit the official Website: www.sinemoragame.com, the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sinemoragame or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/sine_mora.

# # #

LIBERATION MAIDEN FOR NINTENDO 3DS IN NORTH AMERICA

2012-10-26T02:10:52Z

LEVEL-5 INTERNATIONAL AMERICA RELEASES

LIBERATION MAIDEN FOR NINTENDO 3DS IN NORTH AMERICA

Sci-Fi Shooter from Acclaimed Developer SUDA51 Now Available via Nintendo eShop

SANTA MONICA, CA (Oct. 25, 2012) - Renowned Japanese video game company LEVEL-5, best known for the Professor Layton video game series, has released critically acclaimed sci-fi shooter LIBERATION MAIDEN via the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS™. LIBERATION MAIDEN was previously released only in Japan as part of GUILD01, a multi-game pack featuring masterworks by some of the industry's most respected game creators.

"LEVEL-5 is proud to bring LIBERATION MAIDEN to North America and introduce SUDA51's vision and innovation to an entirely new audience," said Akihiro Hino, President and CEO of LEVEL-5. "LIBERATION MAIDEN delivers the AAA quality in design, story and gameplay that gamers typically expect of a high-priced boxed product but delivers it through the downloadable platform."

LIBERATION MAIDEN is a full-scale 3D sci-fi shooter created by critically acclaimed developer Goichi Suda, better known as SUDA51, from Grasshopper Manufacture, creators of fan-favorites Lollipop Chainsaw, No More Heroes, Shadows of the Damned and many more. Set 100 years in the future in New Japan, LIBERATION MAIDEN puts players in the role of Shoko Ozora, piloting a humanoid robot called Kamui. The game brings AAA production values to the downloadable market in an unprecedented collaboration of all-star creators in music, art, and design, including breathtaking animation by the acclaimed animation studio, bones.

"The concept of LIBERATION MAIDEN originated from discussions I had with Akihiro Hino about collaborating on an innovative game based on new ideas," said Goichi Suda (SUDA51), CEO of Grasshopper Manufacture. "I took the project very seriously and ended up creating a full-scale 3D shooting game. I think it turned out to be a fun game and we're excited to have you check it out."

LIBERATION MAIDEN is now available in North America via the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS™ for $7.99 (USD). The game previously released in Europe on October 4. More information on LIBERATION MAIDEN can be found online at http://level5ia.com/blackbox/liberation-maiden/.

Two additional games from the ground-breaking Japanese-only GUILD01 multi-game pack -- AERO PORTER and CRIMSON SHROUD -- will be released in North America later this year. For more information about LEVEL-5 and each of its upcoming titles, please visit http://level5ia.com/blackbox/.

All titles available in English only.

ABOUT LEVEL-5

LEVEL-5 Inc. plans, creates, and markets videogame software in Japan. The company's flagship PROFESSOR LAYTON series has shipped over 13.5 million units worldwide, while the mega-hit INAZUMA ELEVEN series has shipped over 5.1 million units worldwide. The Little Battlers eXperience animated series, based on the hugely successful games of the same name, will soon make its western debut in Europe and the Americas. The company is also currently localizing Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch for North America and Europe, featuring animations by the Academy Award-winning Studio Ghibli, and music by Joe Hisaishi. In September 2010, LEVEL-5 Inc. opened an office in Santa Monica, California. While maintaining its base as a game company, LEVEL-5 Inc. continues to actively explore collaborations with other media, as it strives to become a world-class entertainment brand. More information on LEVEL-5 Inc. can be found at http://www.level5ia.com and http://www.level5.co.jp/.

©2012 LEVEL-5 Inc. ©2012 GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE Inc. Nintendo 3DS is a trademark of Nintendo. ©2012 Nintendo. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

Liberation Maiden on Nintendo 3DS is available to download in Europe now! !

2012-10-05T02:47:13Z

Liberation Maiden just released on Nintendo 3DS is as standalone! level5ia.com/blackbox/Congratz, Europe, you are the one to get it first!

Liberation Maiden Official Site:
http://level5ia.com/blackbox/uk/liberation-maiden/

Lollipop Chainsaw ranked 1st (PS3) & 3rd (Xbox 360) globally as of 6/16 on VGChartz Global Weekly Video Game Chart

2012-06-27T09:10:06Z

Lollipop Chainsaw ranked 1st (PS3) & 3rd (Xbox 360) globally as of 6/16 on VGChartz Global Weekly Video Game Chart!!

http://www.vgchartz.com/weekly/41077/Global/

Lollipop Chainsaw Game and Soundtrack Available today!

2012-06-12T03:01:45Z

Also available today is the companion soundtrack to the game, featuring sound direction by Akira Yamaoka of GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE (Silent Hill, Shadows of the Damned) and licensed music. It will be released by WaterTower Records in North America and the full track list is as follows:
1. "Lollipop" - The Chordettes
2. "Nemesis" - Arch Enemy
3. "Pac Man Fever" - Buckner & Garcia
4. "Stop Reading, Start Doing Pushups" - Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows
5. "The Way Of The Fist" - Five Finger Death Punch
6. "Empire State Human" - Human League
7. "Love For My Insane Lover" - Akira Yamaoka
8. "Zombie Tackle" - Akira Yamaoka
9. "Viking Zombies Sail on Lightning Seas" - Akira Yamaoka
10. "Zombie Guts" - Akira Yamaoka
11. "Zombeef Burger" - Akira Yamaoka
12. "Mirrorball Madhouse" - Akira Yamaoka
13. "Rainbow Zombie Fever!" - Akira Yamaoka
14. "Bowel Purge" - Akira Yamaoka
15. "Scattering Guts" - Akira Yamaoka

http://www.watertower-music.com/newsstory.php?search=560763

itunes
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lollipop-chainsaw-music-from/id530647168

amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Lollipop-Chainsaw-Music-From-Video/dp/B0087QZIRO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339188073&sr=8-1

For the latest information on the game, visit www.lollipopchainsaw.com or follow the team on twitter @lollichainsaw or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lollipopchainsaw.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and KADOKAWA GAMES Unleash the Zombie Horde with Lollipop Chainsaw

2012-06-12T01:28:01Z

From the Twisted Mind of SUDA51 and James Gunn Comes A Tale of True Love and Zombie Slaying

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and KADOKAWA GAMES today announced the release of Lollipop Chainsaw, an over-the-top action game for the PlayStation®3 system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Developed by GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE, led by Goichi Suda (SUDA51), Lollipop Chainsaw is the 'un-deadly' story of sweet, chainsaw-wielding zombie hunter Juliet Starling. On her 18^th birthday, Juliet must uncover the root of a colossal zombie outbreak. She slices and dices her way through hordes of the undead, but soon realizes the horde is only the opening act to a festival of zombie rock lords determined to kill her.

With an all-star cast behind it, Lollipop Chainsaw is brimming with talent from Hollywood director/writer James Gunn (Super, Slither, Dawn of the Dead, Tromeo and Juliet) and a voice cast featuring the likes of Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville), Michael Rooker (Slither, The Walking Dead), Tara Strong (Batman: Arkham City), Shawnee Smith (Saw), Linda Cardelleni (Freaks and Geeks) and many more. The final ingredient in this mix of grindhouse style and humor is the collaborative music by acclaimed video game composer Akira Yamaoka and Jimmy Urine of Mindless Self Indulgence.

Also available today is the companion soundtrack to the game, featuring sound direction by Akira Yamaoka of GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE (Silent Hill, Shadows of the Damned) and licensed music. It will be released by WaterTower Records in North America and the full track list is as follows:

1. "Lollipop" - The Chordettes
2. "Nemesis" - Arch Enemy
3. "Pac Man Fever" - Buckner & Garcia
4. "Stop Reading, Start Doing Pushups" - Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows
5. "The Way Of The Fist" - Five Finger Death Punch
6. "Empire State Human" - Human League
7. "Love For My Insane Lover" - Akira Yamaoka
8. "Zombie Tackle" - Akira Yamaoka
9. "Viking Zombies Sail on Lightning Seas" - Akira Yamaoka
10. "Zombie Guts" - Akira Yamaoka
11. "Zombeef Burger" - Akira Yamaoka
12. "Mirrorball Madhouse" - Akira Yamaoka
13. "Rainbow Zombie Fever!" - Akira Yamaoka
14. "Bowel Purge" - Akira Yamaoka
15. "Scattering Guts" - Akira Yamaoka

For the latest information on the game, visit www.lollipopchainsaw.com or follow the team on twitter @lollichainsaw or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lollipopchainsaw.

About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including console, handheld and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.

About KADOKAWA GAMES

Company Name:		KADOKAWA GAMES, LTD.
Principal Business:		Planning, developing and publishing video games
Share holder:		Kadokawa Group Holdings 100%
President:		Yoshimi Yasuda
Establishment:		2009/4/1

About GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC
GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC. is an independent interactive entertainment studio based in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE was founded in 1998 by CEO Goichi Suda, who is known around the world for his distinctive style and innovative work as a game designer and scenario writer. For more information on GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE, visit www.grasshopper.co.jp, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Grasshopper_EN.

Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox LIVE are either registered trademarks or trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

"PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

LOLLIPOP CHAINSAW © KADOKAWA GAMES/ GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE. Distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
WB GAMES LOGO, WB SHIELD: ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
(s12)

Lollipop Chainsaw won E3 BEEFCAKE T&A Award!

2012-06-07T02:26:06Z

Lollipop Chainsaw won E3 BEEFCAKE T&A Award!

The recruit information on the Grasshopper Manufacture official site has been updated.

2012-05-01T07:03:07Z

The recruit information on the Grasshopper Manufacture official site has been updated.
Please see the recruit section for details.

Lollipop Chainsaw will be introduced in "imagine-nation" show on NHK World TV on 4/28 and 5/2

2012-04-27T03:22:46Z

Lollipop Chainsaw will be introduced in "imagine-nation" show on NHK World TV on 4/28 and 5/2.

They will show interview with SUDA51 along with the gameplay footage.
The summary of the show and the air time are shown as below.

You can also watch online. It'll be aired several times, so please watch.

Summary
Show: imagine-nation
TV Station: NHK WORLD TV
Format:
【Overseas】Can be watched in about 180 countries
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/tv/schedule/index.html
【In Japan】NHK WORLD TV official site or show using application of NHK WORLD (iphone of ipad）
http://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/index.html

Duration:
●Game show imagine-nation Game SP
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/tv/special/index4_4.html
【Date and time】
▼4/28 (Sat)
09:10-
13:10-
17:10-
21:10-
▼4/29 (Sun)
01:10-
05:10-

●Regular air
【Date and time】
▼5/2 (Wed)
08:30-
12:30-
16:30-
20:30-
▼5/3(Thu)
00:30-
04:30-

"Killer is Dead" Grasshopper × Kadokawa Games is announced today in Weekly Famitsu.

2012-04-05T08:40:31Z

Killer is Dead is being developed by Grasshopper Manufacture and will be published by Kadokawa Games on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2013.