Cygames Acquires Background Art Studio Kusanagi

by arsonal
Jun 1, 2016 10:29 PM | 14 Comments

Mobile game developer Cygames announced on Thursday that it has reached an agreement to acquire all the shares of Kusanagi, a company specializing in background art for animation and video games. Effective June 2, 2016, Kusanagi becomes a subsidiary of Cygames according to the share transfer agreement.

Kusanagi was founded in 1990 by Youji Nakaza, who remains as representative director following the acquisition. According to a press release published by Cygames, Kusanagi had been searching for a business partner to enhance the quality of production content, and the two companies found that they have matching needs. Kusanagi is based in Tokyo's Nerima ward and currently employs 37 people according to its website.

In the current spring anime season, Kusanagi is responsible for background art in Beyblade Burst, Bungou Stray Dogs, and Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge. Nakaza stated that the company intends to further explore the use of 3D computer-generated designs which can be incorporated into its 2D background art. Cygames president Kouichi Watanabe also stated that the two companies will leverage on each other's strengths and strive toward the creation of new content.

The acquisition comes at a time when Cygames is aggressively expanding into the animation business. Earlier this year, the company established its animation production subsidiary CygamesPictures.

Source: Anime! Anime!

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14 Comments Recent Comments

Tbh kusangi's work hasnt stood out as much as say, studio pablo, easter or artelier musa for me. But this is a good move from both companies, I'll be waiting to see what they do.

Z4k said:

Sury said:
Okay, how much money does Cygames have? Weren't they only founded in 2011?

It had net income of $30 million in fiscal 2012. In the same year, DeNA paid $92 million for a 20% stake in Cygames.

https://www.techinasia.com/cygames-20-million-users

mobage is srs bsns man. Plus the merch & stuff.

Jun 2, 2016 11:48 PM by JetNoir

Sury said:
Okay, how much money does Cygames have? Weren't they only founded in 2011?

It had net income of $30 million in fiscal 2012. In the same year, DeNA paid $92 million for a 20% stake in Cygames.

https://www.techinasia.com/cygames-20-million-users

Jun 2, 2016 10:33 PM by Z4K

Zekamashi said:
One step closer to the future Uma Musume anime.

i need that in my life

Jun 2, 2016 8:46 PM by chiflefinal123

Sury said:
Okay, how much money does Cygames have? Weren't they only founded in 2011?

The Bahamut game made tons of money IIRC. Literally tons.

Jun 2, 2016 12:26 PM by Avok

Okay, how much money does Cygames have? Weren't they only founded in 2011?

Jun 2, 2016 11:28 AM by Sury

Someone already made the Uma Musume moment :'(

Let's hope their a success.

Jun 2, 2016 7:53 AM by ichii_1

Zekamashi said:
One step closer to the future Uma Musume anime.

Freakin yes.
I pray that it happens! xD

Jun 2, 2016 6:49 AM by DlynK

Kusanagi make some excellent backgrounds, such as Non Non Biyori, Hanayamata, Fullmetal Alchemist, Cowboy Bebop and Waiting in the Summer to name some, so this is an excellent move by Cygames. Their game adaptations should have some beautiful looking backgrounds now with Kusanagi doing them.

Jun 2, 2016 6:48 AM by CapedBaldy21

One step closer to the future Uma Musume anime.

Jun 2, 2016 6:18 AM by Zekamashi

It's interesting to see Cygames expand very recently. I'm happy about that so hope they can capitalize on what they've invested in. Maybe we'll even get some info on Granblue Fantasy soon.

Jun 2, 2016 4:18 AM by Stark700

Lol Cygames is like Disney over here, buying everything.

Jun 2, 2016 4:05 AM by Ramkec

jesus christ Cygames is getting everything

Jun 2, 2016 1:08 AM by zetsu_shoren

Yey, good for Cygames.
Hopefully, as a new studio, they will pull out some amazing anime.

Jun 2, 2016 1:00 AM by Xenocrisi

I just hope it does not mean decrease in quality.

Jun 1, 2016 10:32 PM by TheGeniusBaka