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The KOEI Dynasty

80 min • 15 mars 2023

TCW Podcast Episode 182 - The KOEI Dynasty

We continue our look at KOE and their move onto the console space. This transition is rocky due to the increased costs of cartridge manufacturing. They were able to secure funding by holding a luncheon at the Imperial Hotel for distributors. They were able to start production on Nobunaga's Ambition for the NES. From there they continue to improve setting up development groups to explore new opportunities. The company was still niche until Dynasty Warriors 2 where they could finally move to mainstream gaming. When KOEI acquired Taito, doors opened to other companies' intellectual properties. This led to games like Dynasty Warriors Gundam, Hyrule Warriors, Dragon Quest Heroes, and Fire Emblem Warriors. The company continues to expand and thrive today by helping Nintendo produce the popular Fire Emblem Three Houses, and the RPG NIOH. Still led by the founders in their 70s Yoichi and Keiko Erikawa are truly the power couple of the video game industry!

Ishin no Arashi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DPZoxThbiA

Pictures of Nobunaga's Ambition Famicom Cart: https://japanretrodirect.ocnk.com/product/1834
Imperial Hotel Advertisement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKbnsY3uxO4

Imperial Hotel Tokyo Dinning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG0tOFciWRw

Uncharted Waters NES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbwY4TGd5M4

Winning Post: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMoXa_hgmns

Angelique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXdUcDBM0s4

WinBack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwELCSF0YBg

Dynasty Warriors 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p0keIVNNHA

Dynasty Warriors 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4GpDnf4wqk

Nobunaga's Ambition Online Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kqx101PC3w

Dynasty Warriors Gundam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqtJwFIv3OQ

Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L79pjJAZ14Q