Yuke’s opens new studio

The US publishing arm of Japanese developer Yuke’s has opened a new studio focused on downloadable titles.

Akinai – which roughly means ‘keep entertained’ in Japanese – will develop titles for Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and WiiWare, with PC and mobile platforms currently ‘under consideration’. Its first title is Evasive Space, a WiiWare title by High Voltage Software, set for release this month.

“We’re seeing a dramatic shift in the marketplace as online platforms emerge as a source for high-quality game content, instantly available to the consumers via direct download,” said Shane Takahashi, CEO, Yuke’s Company of America.

“Yuke’s is establishing Akinai Games to recognize the importance of online distribution platforms, and to focus on their growing significance to gamers. We’re proud to announce this new chapter in our company’s history as we look forward to making some of the most high quality, innovative and fun games of the future available for download.”