1. Toei Company has launched a new gaming division called Toei Games, focusing initially on PC games via Steam with plans to expand to consoles like Nintendo Switch 2.
2. Instead of leveraging established franchises like Dragon Ball or One Piece, Toei Games intends to develop entirely new IPs.
3. The move aligns with a broader trend among Japanese media companies expanding into gaming, with community reactions mixed—some optimistic about increased competition, others skeptical about immediate quality.
Toei Company Announces Entry into Gaming Industry
Alongside Toho and Sunrise, Toei Company is one of the biggest stars in the anime and entertainment worlds. Recently, the Japanese animation giant declared they are shifting gears into a new major entertainment section: gaming. With the debut of Toei Games on April 21, 2026, the corporation aims mainly at publishing PC games on Steam first. Plans to expand over to consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2, which is currently being sold for around $449, are also in the pipeline. The new Toei Games website is already in operation and ready for visitors.
What Franchises Will Toei Use?
The primary curiosity among fans is which popular franchise might be used to make a big splash in gaming for Toei. Known for their iconic series like Dragon Ball, One Piece, Sailor Moon, Digimon, and Kamen Rider, there’s no shortage of options. Interestingly enough, the company isn’t looking to use these familiar titles to launch their new gaming arm. Instead, Toei Games plans to develop brand-new original IPs from the ground up, possibly to make a unique mark in the gaming industry.
Upcoming Projects and Industry Trend
Already, there are three projects announced under the Toei Games banner, showing their move into the industry. This decision aligns with the current trends in Japan where big media corporations like Sanrio, Shueisha, Toho, and Parco are also expanding their gaming involvement. The community reactions from Reddit are mixed—some are excited about more competition and are hoping for titles based on Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, or Precure. However, notable skepticism remains about whether Toei can produce high-quality games immediately, with doubts about their technical capabilities or experience. Moreover, industry insiders remind us that licensing rights could complicate the use of beloved brands like Dragon Ball or One Piece, since their manga rights are held elsewhere even though Toei creates anime adaptations.