Arc System Works Co., Ltd. (originally established as Arc Co., Ltd.) was founded in 1988 as a video game development company, later going on to expand our business to include other areas such as publishing. Thanks to all of the companies and creators we've had the pleasure of working with, all of our employees, and most of all the players, these 35 years have gone by in a flash.
I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to grow along with all of you each step of the way as games have evolved over time.
Continued support from our fans all over the world is what has brought Arc System Works where we are today.
Especially with the fighting game genre, I feel truly grateful to have been a part of building a community that brings people from all over the world together across the borders of regions and language.
As we approach the end of three years of the pandemic (COVID-19), I hope to continue moving forward with the fans even more closely than before.
As the gaming environment continues to develop at a rapid pace, I look to exceed the expectations of the players now more than ever.
I want to create games that will amaze and excite them.
Moreover, I'd like to explore other genres in addition to fighting games, to really show off everything we've cultivated so far.
I'll put everything I have into continuing our "revolution" going forward. Thank you for your continued support.
Chief Creative Officer
Message from Ishiwatari
Arc System Works just turned 35 years old.
Myself, I’ve been with the company for almost 30 years now.
Back then, we were still working with development tools for the SNES, PC Engine, and Mega-Drive.
Windows wasn’t really the predominant OS for computers.
It would take 20 minutes to save the images needed for one game screen, and for the first 3D program we used, all we had was a 15 cm thick manual all in English.
We got really excited when the CEO bought the latest digital camera at the time.
It was 100,000 pixels – almost the same as pixel art.
The biggest difference would have to be the lack of internet.
It must be hard for young people now to even imagine what the world was like.
I’ve seen video games through the many transitions and revolutions with this company since all the way back then. It’s actually quite moving to think back on it now.
35 years of history certainly makes us long-established as a game development company.
We’ve made it this far thanks to the administrative skills of the CEO, the dedication of our team members, and most of all the support for the company from the players.
I truly can’t express the depths of my gratitude in a formal statement like this.
I hope to continue lifting up Arc System Works so that one day I’ll look back fondly on my words here as part of our history, as well.
Thank you for your continued support.
Chief Technical Officer
Message from Anbe
Celebrating 35 Years
The video game industry is making perpetual strides in software and hardware advancement, and such progress demands equivalent growth to keep up with market demands.
Our company being able to make unrelenting headway in software development for 35 years is nothing short of miraculous.
Of course, it goes without saying that none of it would be possible without the support of our fans and staff.
I am deeply grateful for this tide of good fortune, and my thoughts remain focused on the best ways to continue bringing joy to all those involved with our business, as we have done these past 35 years.
On which aspects of your job do you place the most importance?
Making clear progress without compromise; making work enjoyable for myself and others; staying healthy; mutual understanding; empirical and concrete data; emotional connections; and last but not least, guts and grit.
Goals for the 40th Anniversary
As our company celebrates 35 years of success, we intend to further cultivate and pioneer the same animation techniques and network technology in fighting games that brought us this far, bringing new opportunities for joy and excitement in the years to come. Our aim is for our games to act as a vessel for people all over the world to connect on an emotional level.
A Word to the Fans
Thank you so much for your continued support all of these years. We will continue pushing the envelope of the industry as we strive to meet your expectations, so please look forward to what we have in store.
