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{{distinguish|Q Entertainment}}
{{Distinguish|Q Entertainment}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2009}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2009}}
{{short description|Japanese video game developer}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
|name=Q-Games, Limited
| name = Q-Games, Limited
|logo= Q-Games logo large.jpg
| logo = Q-Games Logo.png
|logo_size= 200px
| logo_size = 200px
|type=[[Public company|Public]] {{citation needed|date=November 2015}}
| type = [[Privately held company|Private]]
|foundation={{start date and age|2001|8|9|df=yes}}<ref name="company">{{cite web | title=Q-games Profile | url=http://www.q-games.com/prof.shtml | work=Q-Games.com | accessdate=2009-08-08}}</ref>
| foundation = {{start date and age|2001|8|9|df=yes}}<ref name="company">{{cite web | title=Q-games Profile | url=http://www.q-games.com/prof.shtml | work=Q-Games.com | access-date=2009-08-08 | archive-date=2008-07-08 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708221457/http://www.q-games.com/prof.shtml | url-status=dead }}</ref>
|founder = Dylan Cuthbert
| founder = Dylan Cuthbert
|location=[[Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto|Nakagyō-ku]], [[Kyoto|Kyoto, Japan]]
| location = [[Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto|Nakagyō-ku]], [[Kyoto|Kyoto, Japan]]
|industry=[[Video game industry|Video games]]
| industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]]
|products=''[[bit Generations|Digidrive]]'', ''[[Star Fox Command]]'', ''[[PixelJunk]]'' series
| products = ''[[PixelJunk]]'' series<br>''[[The Tomorrow Children]]''
| owner = Dylan Cuthbert
|parent= [[Independent business|Independent]]
| website = https://www.q-games.com/en/
|key_people=Dylan Cuthbert (President/Managing Director)<br />Kenkichi Shimooka (Vice-President/Director)<ref name="company"/>
| key_people = Dylan Cuthbert (President/Managing Director)<br />Kenkichi Shimooka (Vice-President/Director)<ref name="company"/>
}}
}}
'''Q-Games, Limited''' is a [[video game developer]] based in [[Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto|Nakagyō-ku]], [[Kyoto]], [[Japan]]<ref>"[http://www.q-games.com/contact.php Q-Games Contact]." Q-Games. Retrieved on September 17, 2010. "Arte Oike 3F Oshinisinotouin-cho 612 Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan 604-0042."</ref> which works closely with both [[Nintendo]] and [[Sony]].<ref name="company"/>
'''Q-Games, Limited''' is a [[video game developer]] based in [[Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto|Nakagyō-ku]], [[Kyoto]], [[Japan]]<ref>"[http://www.q-games.com/contact.php Q-Games Contact]." Q-Games. Retrieved on September 17, 2010. "Arte Oike 3F Oshinisinotouin-cho 612 Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan 604-0042."</ref> which works closely with both [[Nintendo]] and [[Sony]].<ref name="company"/>


==Foundation==
==Foundation==
Q-Games was founded by Dylan Cuthbert,<ref>[http://www.n-sider.com/personnelview.php?personnelid=15 N-Sider.com: Dylan Cuthbert]</ref> who previously worked at [[Argonaut Software]] and helped create ''[[Starglider]]'' and ''[[Starglider 2]]'' for Argonaut Software, then gave programming assistance to ''[[X (Game Boy game)|X]]'' and the first ''[[Star Fox (1993 video game)|Star Fox]]'' for [[Nintendo]]. He also developed ''[[Star Fox 2]]'' to completion before heading off to work at [[Sony]] America to make ''[[Blasto (video game)|Blasto]]'' on the [[PlayStation]]. After this, Dylan moved back to Japan to work at Sony Japan, where, in early 1999, he developed the Duck in a Bath technical demo ([[Ducks demo]]) that showcased the PS2's power to early developers and publishers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://videogames1.mtv.com/pages/gamespace/story.php?id%3D6146436%26pid%3D928399 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=December 13, 2006 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224223239/http://videogames1.mtv.com/pages/gamespace/story.php?id=6146436&pid=928399 |archivedate=February 24, 2007 }}</ref> Following that, he developed ''[[Pipo Saru 2001]]'' and then left Sony to start Q-Games Ltd. in Kyoto in September 2001.
Q-Games was founded by Dylan Cuthbert,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.n-sider.com/personnelview.php?personnelid=15|title=N-Sider.com: Dylan Cuthbert|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818190956/http://www.n-sider.com/personnelview.php?personnelid=15|archive-date=August 18, 2016}}</ref> who previously worked at [[Argonaut Software]] and helped create ''[[Starglider]]'' and ''[[Starglider 2]]'' for Argonaut Software, then gave programming assistance to ''[[X (Game Boy game)|X]]'' and the first ''[[Star Fox (1993 video game)|Star Fox]]'' for [[Nintendo]]. He also developed ''[[Star Fox 2]]'' to completion before heading off to work at [[Sony]] America to make ''[[Blasto (video game)|Blasto]]'' on the [[PlayStation]]. After this, Cuthbert moved back to Japan to work at Sony Japan, where, in early 1999, he developed the Duck in a Bath technical demo ([[Ducks demo]]) that showcased the [[PlayStation 2]]'s power to early developers and publishers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://videogames1.mtv.com/pages/gamespace/story.php?id%3D6146436%26pid%3D928399 |title=Archived copy |access-date=December 13, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224223239/http://videogames1.mtv.com/pages/gamespace/story.php?id=6146436&pid=928399 |archive-date=February 24, 2007 }}</ref> Following that, he developed ''[[Pipo Saru 2001]]'' and then left Sony to start Q-Games Ltd. in Kyoto in September 2001.


==History==
==History==
The studio's first few years were spent accumulating staff and developing behind-doors technology projects for a number of clients including [[Sony]] and [[Microsoft]]. At E3 2004, they showed two graphic technology demos<ref>[http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20040513/psp32.htm スクリーンショット] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060305053646/http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20040513/psp32.htm |date=March 5, 2006 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20040513/psp33.htm スクリーンショット] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912051859/http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20040513/psp33.htm |date=September 12, 2007 }}</ref> for the [[PlayStation Portable]] and then internally began development on two games, one for the [[Game Boy Advance]] and one for the [[Nintendo DS]]. These titles were announced as ''[[Digidrive]]'' (part of the ''[[bit Generations]]'' series of puzzle games for the Game Boy Advance) and ''[[Star Fox Command]]'' respectively. Both were later released.
The studio's first few years were spent accumulating staff and developing behind-doors technology projects for a number of clients including [[Sony]] and [[Microsoft]]. At E3 2004, they showed two graphic technology demos<ref>[http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20040513/psp32.htm スクリーンショット] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060305053646/http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20040513/psp32.htm |date=March 5, 2006 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20040513/psp33.htm スクリーンショット] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912051859/http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20040513/psp33.htm |date=September 12, 2007 }}</ref> for the [[PlayStation Portable]] and then internally began development on two games, one for the [[Game Boy Advance]] and one for the [[Nintendo DS]]. These titles were announced as ''[[Digidrive]]'' (part of the ''[[bit Generations]]'' series of puzzle games for the Game Boy Advance) and ''[[Star Fox Command]]'' respectively. Both were later released.


Following these projects, Q-Games began to collaborate with [[Sony Computer Entertainment]], becoming a second-party studio partner, by developing the [[PixelJunk]] series of downloadable games for the [[PlayStation 3]]. They are available for download and purchase on the PlayStation Network Store worldwide. PixelJunk games are presented in 1080p full HD. PixelJunk made its worldwide debut on 11 July 2007 at E3 2007, held in Santa Monica, CA. At TGS 2009, Q-Games confirmed that it is extremely unlikely these games will ever appear on the Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamingunion.net/news/pixeljunk-appearing-on-xbox-360-extremely-unlikely--486.html |title=PixelJunk Appearing On Xbox 360: Extremely Unlikely |date=2009-10-07 |publisher=Gaming Union |accessdate=2009-10-07 }}</ref>
Following these projects, Q-Games began to collaborate with [[Sony Computer Entertainment]], becoming a second-party studio partner, by developing the [[PixelJunk]] series of downloadable games for the [[PlayStation 3]]. They are available for download and purchase on the PlayStation Network Store worldwide. PixelJunk games are presented in 1080p full HD. PixelJunk made its worldwide debut on 11 July 2007 at E3 2007, held in Santa Monica, CA. At TGS 2009, Q-Games confirmed that it is extremely unlikely these games will ever appear on the Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamingunion.net/news/pixeljunk-appearing-on-xbox-360-extremely-unlikely--486.html |title=PixelJunk Appearing On Xbox 360: Extremely Unlikely |date=2009-10-07 |publisher=Gaming Union |access-date=2009-10-07 }}</ref>


Throughout its existence, Q-Games has continued to partner with multiple [[platform holders]] directly including Nintendo, Sony, and Google.
Q-Games have also worked with [[Nintendo]] again, releasing several games for the [[Nintendo DSi]]'s [[DSiWare]] digital distribution service.

Q-Games have also worked with [[Nintendo]] again, releasing several games for the [[Nintendo DSi]]'s [[DSiWare]] digital distribution service from 2009 to 2010. The studio would co-develop ''[[Star Fox 64 3D]]'' for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] with [[Nintendo EAD]] in releasing in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Iwata Asks: Nintendo 3DS : "I Want to Work in Kyoto"|url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/starfox/0/0}}</ref>

At [[Gamescom|Gamescom 2014]], Q-Games announced ''The Tomorrow Children'', an online adventure game that featured asynchronous multiplayer. The title was co-developed by [[Japan Studio]] and published by [[Sony Interactive Entertainment]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cuthbert|first=Dylan|date=August 12, 2014|title=PS4 Exclusive The Tomorrow Children Announced at Gamescom 2014|url=https://blog.playstation.com/2014/08/12/ps4-exclusive-the-tomorrow-children-announced-at-gamescom-2014/}}</ref> The game launched in 2016 as a [[free to play]] title for the PlayStation 4, but was shut down by Sony after a year of operation.<ref name="gi nov2021"/>

Q-Games has also developed a number of titles exclusive for [[Apple Arcade]] including a new Frogger.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Goslin|first=Austen|date=2019-09-10|title=Apple announces a new, exclusive Frogger from indie darling Q-Games|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/9/10/20859217/frogger-in-toy-town-apple-arcade-special-event}}</ref>

In 2021, it was announced that ''PixelJunk Raiders'' would be launching on Google Stadia. The title made use of the State Share feature to allow players to jump into other players game via a screenshot or video capture.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stadia Team|date=2021-02-26|title=Use State Share to give friends an advantage while saving the world in PixelJunk Raiders on March 1|url=https://community.stadia.com/t5/Stadia-Community-Blog/Use-State-Share-to-give-friends-an-advantage-while-saving-the/ba-p/54928|website=Stadia}}</ref>

Q-Games negotiated with Sony to secure the rights to ''The Tomorrow Children'' in November 2021, and stated their intent to revive the game in the future.<ref name="gi nov2021">{{cite magazine | url = https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/11/09/free-to-play-ps4-exclusive-the-tomorrow-children-set-to-return-four-years-after-going | title = Free To Play PS4 Exclusive, The Tomorrow Children, Set To Return Four Years After Going Offline |first =Wesley | last= LeBlanc |date = November 9, 2021 | accessdate = November 9, 2021 | magazine = [[Game Informer]] }}</ref> It was re-released by Q-Games in September 2022 as ''The Tomorrow Children: Phoenix Edition''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-07 |title=The Tomorrow Children: Phoenix Edition Launches September 6 |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2022/07/07/the-tomorrow-children-phoenix-edition-launches-september-6/ |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=PlayStation.Blog |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Games developed==
==Games developed==
Line 39: Line 51:
|''[[PixelJunk Monsters]]'' || {{dts|January 24, 2008}} || PlayStation 3, [[PlayStation Vita]], Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux||
|''[[PixelJunk Monsters]]'' || {{dts|January 24, 2008}} || PlayStation 3, [[PlayStation Vita]], Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux||
|-
|-
|''PixelJunk Monsters Encore || {{dts|April 24, 2008}} || PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux || Expansion pack/add-on to ''PixelJunk Monsters''
|''PixelJunk Monsters Encore'' || {{dts|April 24, 2008}} || PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux || Expansion pack/add-on to ''PixelJunk Monsters''
|-
|-
|''[[PixelJunk Eden]]'' || {{dts|July 31, 2008}} || PlayStation 3, [[Microsoft Windows]]||
|''[[PixelJunk Eden]]'' || {{dts|July 31, 2008}} || PlayStation 3, [[Microsoft Windows]]||
Line 51: Line 63:
|''[[PixelJunk Shooter]]'' || {{dts|December 10, 2009}} || PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation Vita]]||
|''[[PixelJunk Shooter]]'' || {{dts|December 10, 2009}} || PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation Vita]]||
|-
|-
|''Starship Defence'' || {{dts|December 18, 2009}} || DSiWare || Known as ''Starship Patrol'' in PAL regions
|''[[Starship Defense]]'' || {{dts|December 18, 2009}} || DSiWare || Known as ''Starship Patrol'' in PAL regions
|-
|-
|''[[X-Scape]]'' || {{dts|May 31, 2010}} || DSiWare || Known as ''X Returns'' in Japan and as ''3D Space Tank'' in PAL regions
|''[[X-Scape]]'' || {{dts|May 31, 2010}} || DSiWare || Known as ''X Returns'' in Japan and as ''3D Space Tank'' in PAL regions
Line 67: Line 79:
|''Nom Nom Galaxy'' || {{dts|August 3, 2015}} || Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4||
|''Nom Nom Galaxy'' || {{dts|August 3, 2015}} || Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4||
|-
|-
|''PixelJunk Shooter Ultimate'' || {{dts|October 21, 2015}} || Microsoft Windows||
|''PixelJunk Shooter Ultimate'' || {{dts|October 21, 2015}} || Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita||
|-
|-
|''[[The Tomorrow Children]]'' || {{dts|September 6, 2016}} || PlayStation 4|| ''The Tomorrow Children'' is a free-to-play game that merges social and action gameplay
|''[[The Tomorrow Children]]'' || {{dts|September 6, 2016}} || PlayStation 4||
|-
|-
|''Dead Hungry'' || {{dts|December 6, 2016}} || Microsoft Windows, PlayStation VR|| VR project for [[HTC Vive]] and [[Oculus Rift]]
|''Dead Hungry'' || {{dts|December 6, 2016}} || Microsoft Windows, PlayStation VR|| VR project for [[HTC Vive]] and [[Oculus Rift]]
Line 77: Line 89:
|''PixelJunk Monsters 2''
|''PixelJunk Monsters 2''
| {{dts|May 25, 2018}}
| {{dts|May 25, 2018}}
|[[Nintendo Switch]], Playstation 4, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux
|[[Nintendo Switch]], PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux
|Sequel to ''PixelJunk Monster'', published by [[Spike Chunsoft]]
|Sequel to ''PixelJunk Monsters'', published by [[Spike Chunsoft]]
|-
|''Frogger in Toy Town'' || {{dts|September 20, 2019}} <ref>{{cite tweet|number=1174854319432036353|user=PixelJunkNews|title=It is official! Frogger in Toy Town...|date=20 September 2019}}</ref> || [[Apple Arcade]] || Based on the 1981 arcade game [[Frogger]]
|-
|''Scrappers'' || {{dts|April 16, 2020}} <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.q-games.com/en/2020-4-16/|title=PixelJunk Scrappers is Coming Soon – Q-Games}}</ref> || [[Apple Arcade]]
|-
|''[[PixelJunk Eden 2]]'' || December 10, {{dts|2020}} <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/pixeljunk-eden-2-switch/|title = PixelJunk Eden 2 for Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Game Details}}</ref> || [[Nintendo Switch]] || a direct continuation of PixelJunk Eden and Eden Obscura<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.q-games.com/en/2020-03-18-2/|title=PixelJunk Eden 2 is Announced! – Q-Games}}</ref>
|-
|''PixelJunk Raiders''
|{{dts|March 1, 2021}}<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-23|title=This Week on Stadia: New games this week, plus PixelJunk Raiders & more coming March 1 to Stadia Pro|url=https://community.stadia.com/t5/Stadia-Community-Blog/This-Week-on-Stadia-New-games-this-week-plus-PixelJunk-Raiders/ba-p/54655|access-date=2021-02-23|website=community.stadia.com|language=en}}</ref>
⚫
|[[Google Stadia|Stadia]]
|
|-
|''The Tomorrow Children: Phoenix Edition''
|September 6, 2022
|PlayStation 4, [[PlayStation 5]]
|Re-release of ''The Tomorrow Children''
|-
|''All You Need is Help''
|Q3/Q4 2024
|[[Microsoft Windows]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox One]], [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]]
|
|}
|}


==Other projects==
==Other projects==
As well as games development, Q-Games still develops technology directly with Sony Japan for the [[PlayStation 3]]. The [[PlayStation 3|PS3]]'s XMB ([[Xross Media Bar]]) [[PlayStation 3#Default interface|interface, background and music visualisers]] were developed by Q-Games and they are credited with 3D Graphics Technology in the ''About PS3'' section of the PS3's OS.
As well as games development, Q-Games developed technology directly with Sony Japan for the [[PlayStation 3]]. The [[PlayStation 3|PS3]]'s XMB ([[Xross Media Bar]]) [[PlayStation 3#Default interface|interface, background and music visualizer]] were developed by Q-Games and they are credited with 3D Graphics Technology in the ''About PS3'' section of the PS3's OS.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-11-02|title=2005 August –|url=https://www.q-games.com/en/2005-august/|access-date=2021-08-03|website=Q-Games|language=en-US}}</ref>


===PlayStation Home===
===PlayStation Home===
On September 24, 2009, Q-Games released their own [[List of PlayStation Home Game Spaces#Game Developer Spaces|developer space]] for their series, ''[[PixelJunk]]'' in the PlayStation 3's online community-based service, [[PlayStation Home]] to the Japanese version and on October 9, 2009 to the North American version. The "PixelJunk Museum" (Japan), or "PixelJunk Exhibition" (North America), features the games ''[[PixelJunk Eden]]'', ''[[PixelJunk Monsters]]'', and ''[[PixelJunk Racers]]''. For ''PixelJunk Eden'' there are glass wall art displays, for ''PixelJunk Monsters'', there are displays of familiar characters from the game, and for ''PixelJunk Racers'', there are displays of two different race cars. There is also a virtual shop in the space selling ''PixelJunk'' virtual items. In Japan's version from September 24, 2009 to October 9, 2009, near the shop, there was a panel that took users to a virtual version of Q-Games TGS 2009 Booth. Called the "Q-Games virtual public TGS Booth", it was a virtual recreation of the Q-Games TGS 2009 Booth that had a free T-shirt and a video screen.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&hl=en&js=y&u=http://playstationhome.jp/member/lounge/pixel.html&sl=ja&tl=en&history_state0=|title=PixelJunk Museum|publisher=SCE}}</ref> On December 17, 2009, they released another exhibition room to the "PixelJunk Exhibition" space. This room is to display ''[[PixelJunk Shooter]]'' and is called the "PixelJunk Shooter Mother Ship Hangar."
On September 24, 2009, Q-Games released their own [[List of PlayStation Home Game Spaces#Game Developer Spaces|developer space]] for their series, ''[[PixelJunk]]'' in the PlayStation 3's online community-based service, [[PlayStation Home]] to the Japanese version and on October 9, 2009, to the North American version. The "PixelJunk Museum" (Japan), or "PixelJunk Exhibition" (North America), features the games ''[[PixelJunk Eden]]'', ''[[PixelJunk Monsters]]'', and ''[[PixelJunk Racers]]''. For ''PixelJunk Eden'' there are glass wall art displays, for ''PixelJunk Monsters'', there are displays of familiar characters from the game, and for ''PixelJunk Racers'', there are displays of two different race cars. There is also a virtual shop in the space selling ''PixelJunk'' virtual items. In Japan's version from September 24, 2009, to October 9, 2009, near the shop, there was a panel that took users to a virtual version of Q-Games TGS 2009 Booth. Called the "Q-Games virtual public TGS Booth", it was a virtual recreation of the Q-Games TGS 2009 Booth that had a free T-shirt and a video screen.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&hl=en&js=y&u=http://playstationhome.jp/member/lounge/pixel.html&sl=ja&tl=en&history_state0=|title=PixelJunk Museum|publisher=SCE}}</ref> On December 17, 2009, they released another exhibition room to the "PixelJunk Exhibition" space. This room is to display ''[[PixelJunk Shooter]]'' and is called the "PixelJunk Shooter Mother Ship Hangar."

⚫
=== Google Stadia ===
On March 19, 2019, Q-Games announced an upcoming game for the [[Google Stadia]]. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2019/03/20/all-3-games-confirmed-for-google-stadia/|title=All 3 Games Confirmed For Google Stadia|last=Thier|first=Dave|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=2019-03-30}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 95: Line 125:
==Sources==
==Sources==
*[[Chris Kohler]]'s book [[Power-Up: How Japanese Video Games Gave the World an Extra Life]] - Chapter 6.
*[[Chris Kohler]]'s book [[Power-Up: How Japanese Video Games Gave the World an Extra Life]] - Chapter 6.
*[http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=11022/ An Interview on Gamasutra.com with Q-Games]{{en_icon}}
*[http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=11022/ An Interview on Gamasutra.com with Q-Games]{{in lang|en}}
*[http://www.n-sider.com/personnelview.php?personnelid=15 Dylan Cuthbert's profile on N-Sider.com]{{en_icon}}
*[http://www.n-sider.com/personnelview.php?personnelid=15 Dylan Cuthbert's profile on N-Sider.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061122103123/http://www.n-sider.com/personnelview.php?personnelid=15 |date=2006-11-22 }}{{in lang|en}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080705131445/http://gamevideos.com/video/id/16331 Dylan Cuthbert video interview on the 1-UP Show] {{en_icon}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080705131445/http://gamevideos.com/video/id/16331 Dylan Cuthbert video interview on the 1-UP Show] {{in lang|en}}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 104: Line 134:


{{PixelJunk}}
{{PixelJunk}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Companies based in Kyoto]]
[[Category:Companies based in Kyoto]]
[[Category:Companies established in 2001]]
[[Category:Japanese companies established in 2001]]
[[Category:Video game companies established in 2001]]
[[Category:Video game companies of Japan]]
[[Category:Video game companies of Japan]]
[[Category:Video game development companies]]
[[Category:Video game development companies]]

Revision as of 14:17, 1 July 2024

Not to be confused with Q Entertainment.
Q-Games, Limited
Company typePrivate
IndustrieVideo games
Gegründet9 August 2001; 23 years ago (2001-08-09)[1]
GründerDylan Cuthbert
HauptsitzNakagyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Key people
Dylan Cuthbert (President/Managing Director)
Kenkichi Shimooka (Vice-President/Director)[1]
ProduktePixelJunk series
The Tomorrow Children
OwnerDylan Cuthbert
Websitehttps://www.q-games.com/en/

Q-Games, Limited is a video game developer based in Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan[2] which works closely with both Nintendo and Sony.[1]

Foundation

Q-Games was founded by Dylan Cuthbert,[3] who previously worked at Argonaut Software and helped create Starglider and Starglider 2 for Argonaut Software, then gave programming assistance to X and the first Star Fox for Nintendo. He also developed Star Fox 2 to completion before heading off to work at Sony America to make Blasto on the PlayStation. After this, Cuthbert moved back to Japan to work at Sony Japan, where, in early 1999, he developed the Duck in a Bath technical demo (Ducks demo) that showcased the PlayStation 2's power to early developers and publishers.[4] Following that, he developed Pipo Saru 2001 and then left Sony to start Q-Games Ltd. in Kyoto in September 2001.

History

The studio's first few years were spent accumulating staff and developing behind-doors technology projects for a number of clients including Sony and Microsoft. At E3 2004, they showed two graphic technology demos[5][6] for the PlayStation Portable and then internally began development on two games, one for the Game Boy Advance and one for the Nintendo DS. These titles were announced as Digidrive (part of the bit Generations series of puzzle games for the Game Boy Advance) and Star Fox Command respectively. Both were later released.

Following these projects, Q-Games began to collaborate with Sony Computer Entertainment, becoming a second-party studio partner, by developing the PixelJunk series of downloadable games for the PlayStation 3. They are available for download and purchase on the PlayStation Network Store worldwide. PixelJunk games are presented in 1080p full HD. PixelJunk made its worldwide debut on 11 July 2007 at E3 2007, held in Santa Monica, CA. At TGS 2009, Q-Games confirmed that it is extremely unlikely these games will ever appear on the Xbox 360.[7]

Throughout its existence, Q-Games has continued to partner with multiple platform holders directly including Nintendo, Sony, and Google.

Q-Games have also worked with Nintendo again, releasing several games for the Nintendo DSi's DSiWare digital distribution service from 2009 to 2010. The studio would co-develop Star Fox 64 3D for the Nintendo 3DS with Nintendo EAD in releasing in 2011.[8]

At Gamescom 2014, Q-Games announced The Tomorrow Children, an online adventure game that featured asynchronous multiplayer. The title was co-developed by Japan Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.[9] The game launched in 2016 as a free to play title for the PlayStation 4, but was shut down by Sony after a year of operation.[10]

Q-Games has also developed a number of titles exclusive for Apple Arcade including a new Frogger.[11]

In 2021, it was announced that PixelJunk Raiders would be launching on Google Stadia. The title made use of the State Share feature to allow players to jump into other players game via a screenshot or video capture.[12]

Q-Games negotiated with Sony to secure the rights to The Tomorrow Children in November 2021, and stated their intent to revive the game in the future.[10] It was re-released by Q-Games in September 2022 as The Tomorrow Children: Phoenix Edition.[13]

Games developed

Game Title Release Platform Notes
Digidrive July 27, 2006 Game Boy Advance Part of the Bit Generations series
Star Fox Command August 28, 2006 Nintendo DS
PixelJunk Racers September 13, 2007 PlayStation 3
PixelJunk Monsters January 24, 2008 PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux
PixelJunk Monsters Encore April 24, 2008 PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux Expansion pack/add-on to PixelJunk Monsters
PixelJunk Eden July 31, 2008 PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows
PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe October 1, 2009 PlayStation Portable
Art Style: DIGIDRIVE October 2, 2009 DSiWare Port of Digidrive
Trajectile November 24, 2009 DSiWare Known as Reflect Missile in PAL regions
PixelJunk Shooter December 10, 2009 PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita
Starship Defense December 18, 2009 DSiWare Known as Starship Patrol in PAL regions
X-Scape May 31, 2010 DSiWare Known as X Returns in Japan and as 3D Space Tank in PAL regions
PixelJunk Shooter 2 March 1, 2011 PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Microsoft Windows Sequel to PixelJunk Shooter
Star Fox 64 3D September 9, 2011 Nintendo 3DS Remaster of Star Fox 64, co-developed with Nintendo EAD
PixelJunk SideScroller October 22, 2011 PlayStation 3
PixelJunk 4am May 15, 2012 PlayStation 3
Visualizer August 13, 2013 PlayStation 3 Music visualization
Nom Nom Galaxy August 3, 2015 Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4
PixelJunk Shooter Ultimate October 21, 2015 Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita
The Tomorrow Children September 6, 2016 PlayStation 4
Dead Hungry December 6, 2016 Microsoft Windows, PlayStation VR VR project for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift
Eden Obscura May 18, 2018 iOS, Android Follow-up to PixelJunk Eden
PixelJunk Monsters 2 May 25, 2018 Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux Sequel to PixelJunk Monsters, published by Spike Chunsoft
Frogger in Toy Town September 20, 2019 [14] Apple Arcade Based on the 1981 arcade game Frogger
Scrappers April 16, 2020 [15] Apple Arcade
PixelJunk Eden 2 December 10, 2020 [16] Nintendo Switch a direct continuation of PixelJunk Eden and Eden Obscura[17]
PixelJunk Raiders March 1, 2021[18] Stadia
The Tomorrow Children: Phoenix Edition September 6, 2022 PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 Re-release of The Tomorrow Children
All You Need is Help Q3/Q4 2024 Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Other projects

As well as games development, Q-Games developed technology directly with Sony Japan for the PlayStation 3. The PS3's XMB (Xross Media Bar) interface, background and music visualizer were developed by Q-Games and they are credited with 3D Graphics Technology in the About PS3 section of the PS3's OS.[19]

PlayStation Home

On September 24, 2009, Q-Games released their own developer space for their series, PixelJunk in the PlayStation 3's online community-based service, PlayStation Home to the Japanese version and on October 9, 2009, to the North American version. The "PixelJunk Museum" (Japan), or "PixelJunk Exhibition" (North America), features the games PixelJunk Eden, PixelJunk Monsters, and PixelJunk Racers. For PixelJunk Eden there are glass wall art displays, for PixelJunk Monsters, there are displays of familiar characters from the game, and for PixelJunk Racers, there are displays of two different race cars. There is also a virtual shop in the space selling PixelJunk virtual items. In Japan's version from September 24, 2009, to October 9, 2009, near the shop, there was a panel that took users to a virtual version of Q-Games TGS 2009 Booth. Called the "Q-Games virtual public TGS Booth", it was a virtual recreation of the Q-Games TGS 2009 Booth that had a free T-shirt and a video screen.[20] On December 17, 2009, they released another exhibition room to the "PixelJunk Exhibition" space. This room is to display PixelJunk Shooter and is called the "PixelJunk Shooter Mother Ship Hangar."

References

  1. ^ a b c "Q-games Profile". Q-Games.com. Archived from the original on 2008-07-08. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
  2. ^ "Q-Games Contact." Q-Games. Retrieved on September 17, 2010. "Arte Oike 3F Oshinisinotouin-cho 612 Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan 604-0042."
  3. ^ "N-Sider.com: Dylan Cuthbert". Archived from the original on August 18, 2016.
  4. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on February 24, 2007. Retrieved December 13, 2006.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. ^ スクリーンショット Archived March 5, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ スクリーンショット Archived September 12, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ "PixelJunk Appearing On Xbox 360: Extremely Unlikely". Gaming Union. 2009-10-07. Retrieved 2009-10-07.
  8. ^ "Iwata Asks: Nintendo 3DS : "I Want to Work in Kyoto"".
  9. ^ Cuthbert, Dylan (August 12, 2014). "PS4 Exclusive The Tomorrow Children Announced at Gamescom 2014".
  10. ^ a b LeBlanc, Wesley (November 9, 2021). "Free To Play PS4 Exclusive, The Tomorrow Children, Set To Return Four Years After Going Offline". Game Informer. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  11. ^ Goslin, Austen (2019-09-10). "Apple announces a new, exclusive Frogger from indie darling Q-Games". Polygon.
  12. ^ Stadia Team (2021-02-26). "Use State Share to give friends an advantage while saving the world in PixelJunk Raiders on March 1". Stadia.
  13. ^ "The Tomorrow Children: Phoenix Edition Launches September 6". PlayStation.Blog. 2022-07-07. Retrieved 2023-01-03.
  14. ^ @PixelJunkNews (20 September 2019). "It is official! Frogger in Toy Town..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  15. ^ "PixelJunk Scrappers is Coming Soon – Q-Games".
  16. ^ "PixelJunk Eden 2 for Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Game Details".
  17. ^ "PixelJunk Eden 2 is Announced! – Q-Games".
  18. ^ "This Week on Stadia: New games this week, plus PixelJunk Raiders & more coming March 1 to Stadia Pro". community.stadia.com. 2021-02-23. Retrieved 2021-02-23.
  19. ^ "2005 August –". Q-Games. 2017-11-02. Retrieved 2021-08-03.
  20. ^ "PixelJunk Museum". SCE.

Sources

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