Dentsu Inc. established a joint venture company in the US, "LEVEL-5 abby Inc.", with Level-5, the company behind "Yo-kai Watch" and other titles, effective August 31.
The new company will promote the overseas expansion of Level-5 titles (including "Yo-kai Watch," "Cardboard Warriors," and "Snack World") in North America and other regions.
As its first initiative, the anime broadcast of "Yo-kai Watch" on the U.S. animation channel Disney XD has been confirmed (starting October 5).
"Yo-kai Watch," whose first game software was released in July 2013 and whose anime broadcast began in Japan in January 2014, has become a social phenomenon through its cross-media expansion across games, comics, toys, television, and movies, and its appeal to both adults and children.
Level-5 Abby will initially focus on the release of games, comics, and toys planned following the U.S. anime broadcast launch. Concurrently, it will advance the development of new content specifically for the global market and its business expansion.
■New Company Overview
Company Name: LEVEL-5 abby Inc.
Location: Santa Monica, California, USA
Representative: Akihiro Hino (President/CEO)
Capital: US$4 million
Shareholder Structure: Dentsu Inc. (49%) / LEVEL-5 (51%)
Established: August 31, 2015
Business Activities: Overseas business development of Level-5 titles (including anime adaptations and merchandising) and development/distribution of new content for the global market
Dentsu Inc. News Releasehttp://www.dentsu.co.jp/news/release/2015/1001-004216.html
