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[Game Guru]

I think NIS's worries are more focused on how bad the Japanese console market is doing than anything else... Certainly, it does sound like Disgaea 3 & 4 both achieved over 150,000 sales internationally. Indeed, the fans of Disgaea in the west will likely pick up Disgaea 5 and probably already own a PS4, but there is a difference between 70,000 sales, which is what Disgaea 4 achieved in Japan, and 7,000 sales, which is what the typical PS4 game in Japan achieves. Compounding the issue could be that NIS cannot afford to make a game on more than one platform and that PS3 and Vita are pretty much dead in the West.

Assuming this is the case, NIS had to make a tough decision in either making Disgaea 5 for the Vita and pretty much losing out on sales outside of Japan, or making Disgaea 5 for the PS4 and possibly losing out on sales inside of Japan.

To summarize, consoles are in a bad state in Japan and handhelds are in a bad state outside of Japan, so a company that relies on sales in both Japan and outside Japan but can only support a single platform is going to be in a rough spot. By choosing PS4, NIS is actually focusing on the West and are hoping the Japanese Disgaea fans will buy a PS4 for Disgaea 5.

 

[Nairume]

I wonder if NIS even knows Steam exists.

They have a game on there.

Of course, it's entirely possible that they've forgotten about that themselves.

 

[Skittles]

If they do a release in europe, USA, and japan pretty close to each other. I can see them hitting that 150k mark since ps4 would of been boosted even more due to the holidays.

 

[ZeroX03]

Bummer. Can't say I care for any of their developed games or their shitty European store practices but NISA always choose great titles to localize.

 

[sleepykyo]

150k globally or just in Japan.? If they're hoping for just 150k from Japan. Well, rest in peace NIS.

 

[aygomyownroad]

Oh man that's terrible news. Bought all disgaea from 1 all the way to d2 for the console and the handheld always bought the collectors editions and everything.

Is this releasing in the UK on the same day

 

[TGMIII]

If you only sell during these Steam sales, what's the point?

Putting it on sale during a sale gives it an immense amount of visibility, literally millions of people would see it. The point isn't to only sell during the steam sales the point is to leverage it to your advantage, something NIS(A) seem to be too lazy or stupid to do.

My honest feelings on this whole thing is that I don't think NIS, like many Japanese companies, do enough to evolve with changing climates in the industry. It would be a shame to see NIS go but I'm not shedding any tears for them since I believe many of their problems are self-inflicted.

 

[GHG]

Is there a possibility here that Sony can save them?

Is the following of the games strong enough for them to see it as a viable investment?

 

[StevieP]

I think NIS's worries are more focused on how bad the Japanese console market is doing than anything else... Certainly, it does sound like Disgaea 3 & 4 both achieved over 150,000 sales internationally. Indeed, the fans of Disgaea in the west will likely pick up Disgaea 5 and probably already own a PS4, but there is a difference between 70,000 sales, which is what Disgaea 4 achieved in Japan, and 7,000 sales, which is what the typical PS4 game in Japan achieves. Compounding the issue could be that NIS cannot afford to make a game on more than one platform and that PS3 and Vita are pretty much dead in the West.

Assuming this is the case, NIS had to make a tough decision in either making Disgaea 5 for the Vita and pretty much losing out on sales outside of Japan, or making Disgaea 5 for the PS4 and possibly losing out on sales inside of Japan.

To summarize, consoles are in a bad state in Japan and handhelds are in a bad state outside of Japan, so a company that relies on sales in both Japan and outside Japan but can only support a single platform is going to be in a rough spot. By choosing PS4, NIS is actually focusing on the West and are hoping the Japanese Disgaea fans will buy a PS4 for Disgaea 5.

The 3ds is doing somewhat passably in the west, the PS3 still has a large userbase and mobile is doing fine everywhere including the home land.

 

[AniHawk]

150k globally or just in Japan.? If they're hoping for just 150k from Japan. Well, rest in peace NIS.

they're talking about japan because they're looking at the fiscal year. it's also the last week of the fiscal year, just in time to boost revenue and hopefully turn a profit. it's also why bloodborne was probably on that day as well. if the game was delayed, the year would look a lot worse for nis.

 

[TheSeks]

Disgaea with keyboard/mouse controls would be godlike.

All I want is Disgaea 1 and Disgaea D2 on Steam. Why does Nippon Ichi hate money?

 

[entremet]

Is there a possibility here that Sony can save them?

Is the following of the games strong enough for them to see it as a viable investment?

Seriously doubtful. Sony has been slashing divisions and projects not making any acquisitions of late, especially Japanese properties.

 

[DarkLordMalik]

Seriously doubtful. Sony has been slashing divisions and projects not making any acquisitions of late, especially Japanese properties.

Wasn't there some rumor of Sony acquiring a new studio recently? Unless it was a load of BS.

 

[Dambrosi]

NIS are worried about D5 going up against Bloodborne? Delay the game by a month, then. I'm sure your fans will understand.

Or is there some reason that they can't delay the game that I don't understand?

Ah, fiscal year. Bring it out early, then. Though that'll be easier said than done.

 

[Gintoki]

I expected them to go digital only and multiplatform this gen

 

[jackissocool]

Seriously doubtful. Sony has been slashing divisions and projects not making any acquisitions of late, especially Japanese properties.

They are really small, though, only 138 people. It wouldn't be unreasonable to purchase them and downsize to 100 or so. Then they could pick up everyone from NISA and fold them into SCEA, since they're already near LA. Then they'd have a new studio in Japan, which would be great. It could actually work out alright for Sony.

It's very unlikely, though.

 

[DNAbro]

NIS are worried about D5 going up against Bloodborne? Delay the game by a month, then. I'm sure your fans will understand.

Or is there some reason that they can't delay the game that I don't understand?

They may be almost out of money that they can't afford to.

 

[Yatōkiri_Kilgharrah]

No wonder this is exclusive to the PS4 Lol.

IF nippon ichi dies then Europe can kiss atlus goodbye

 

[OuterLimits]

Damn, is there a chance it does so poorly in Japan that the company folds before the West even gets the game? That would suck.

 

[AniHawk]

if any company were to outright purchase nis, i would assume it would be kadokawa. they seem to be looking to expand, and they already own from software, and i think also mages and possibly spike chunsoft through their merger with dwango. they would have quite the leverage in terms of franchises in the us, and an american branch pretty much all to themselves already preinstalled.

beyond that, i don't know who would be interested. koei tecmo perhaps, but that would probably be more due to the american side of things again.

 

[Busaiku]

NIS are worried about D5 going up against Bloodborne? Delay the game by a month, then. I'm sure your fans will understand.

Or is there some reason that they can't delay the game that I don't understand?

Ah, fiscal year. Bring it out early, then. Though that'll be easier said than done.

The edit!

 

[Yatōkiri_Kilgharrah]

In commemoration of Playstations 20th Anniversary over 107 developers will leave a comment about Playstation in the coming 3 weeks. NIS left a peculiar one:

Nippon Ichi Software (Shinkawa Sohei):

It was stated earlier this year that the company is targeting 150k copies of Disgaea 5. May God help their poor souls.

Do you have any of the other comments btw?

 

[ArtHands]

NIS are worried about D5 going up against Bloodborne? Delay the game by a month, then. I'm sure your fans will understand.

Or is there some reason that they can't delay the game that I don't understand?

Ah, fiscal year. Bring it out early, then. Though that'll be easier said than done.

Maybe they have no enough fund to pay for an additional month of rent and bills.

 

[Dambrosi]

They may be almost out of money that they can't afford to.

Daaaaayum, that tight, huh? Well, here's hoping they get acquired by someone cool.

Spoiler

That is, anyone but Microsoft.

 

[Game Guru]

The 3ds is doing somewhat passably in the west, the PS3 still has a large userbase and mobile is doing fine everywhere including the home land.

NIS also tried supporting the DS and mobile with Disgaea games and both attempts appeared to have bombed badly. As for PS3, it might have a large userbase, but it seems like no one is buying games at an acceptable level for most companies on last-gen platforms outside of Japan.

 

[AniHawk]

They are really small, though, only 138 people. It wouldn't be unreasonable to purchase them and downsize to 100 or so. Then they could pick up everyone from NISA and fold them into SCEA, since they're already near LA. Then they'd have a new studio in Japan, which would be great. It could actually work out alright for Sony.

It's very unlikely, though.

scea would probably just axe all of nisa, or just slowly lay off the previous staff over the course of a few months. they wouldn't treat the group like sega treats atlus, even if they did contribute a profit every year.

not to mention the group also produces anime, which would be directly at odds with the sony-owned aniplex.

 

[GarciaHotspur]

Guys stop saying " RIP " and buy it OMG.

 

[Sami+]

Isn't Disgaea the only really valuable brand they own? I don't mean that to trash on them or anything, I loved D3, I'm just curious. The rest of their stuff is ridiculously niche moe stuff like Mugen Souls or whatever iirc.

 

[MidBoss]

Actually, where's the next Makai game at? Come on, NIS...

 

[HawthorneKitty]

Actually, where's the next Makai game at? Come on, NIS...

You want them to lose more money?

 

[t26]

Would be a huge blow for Europe as they published many of Xseed and Atlus game.

 

[_hekk05]

wait isn't there an unannounced ps4 game by nippon ichi?

Pls NIS don't die! I'm still waiting for the Asagi game!

 

[AniHawk]

Isn't Disgaea the only really valuable brand they own? I don't mean that to trash on them or anything, I loved D3, I'm just curious. The rest of their stuff is ridiculously niche moe stuff like Mugen Souls or whatever iirc.

mugen souls is idea factory. moe stuff is all idea factory makes. well, moe stuff and otome stuff.

last year witch and the hundred knight sold better than disgaea d2 did in japan, but after years of development hell it was unprofitable. it has potential. nis has also tried recently to promote new franchises. recently, guided fate paradox/awakened fate ultimatum, the firefly diary, and the yandere hell game. they also revived the hayarigami series although it seems it was received poorly (unlike the first three that were never localized).

 

[NormalFish]

Hilarious how many people are asking a company that's on the verge of bankruptcy to make even more versions of their game... as if that suddenly solves the problem. You guys know that shit costs money, too, right?

 

[User 479360]

I've never played a Disgaea game, because I don't think that the series' mechanics/genre would be for me. However, reading this makes me sad, because I know that a lot of people love the series.

I do also like NIS America, having dealt with them for a few years now. Hopefully they'll reach sales goals.

If I had a good income, I'd buy a copy to support.

 

[dark_prinny]

I will buy 10 copies.

 

[cosmicblizzard]

If my company acquires the rights to Dangan Ronpa, that would be HILARIOUS.

Do it and start translating AE right now! Provided NISA isn't already working on it of course.

 

[MidBoss]

You want them to lose more money?

Eh.. I guess not, lol. Loved that game though.

 

[RinSatori]

Go multiplatform and see more sales

Xbox/PlayStation/PC

 

[Dambrosi]

Hilarious how many people are asking a company that's on the verge of bankruptcy to make even more versions of their game... as if that suddenly solves the problem. You guys know that shit costs money, too, right?

Equally obviously, if you have the resources to make your games for more platforms, then you also gain the potential for many more sales and a far wider audience.

If you have the resources, that is.

Oh, and remind me who Feep works for again?

 

[Ipsoclipso]

NIS also tried supporting the DS and mobile with Disgaea games and both attempts appeared to have bombed badly. As for PS3, it might have a large userbase, but it seems like no one is buying games at an acceptable level for most companies on last-gen platforms outside of Japan.

Well... Disgaea DS was the 3rd port of the first one, and it was already available for PSP for 2 years.

 

[Earthpainting]

It was stated earlier this year that the company is targeting 150k copies of Disgaea 5.

Oh dear. Making a PS4 exclusive in Japan is just simply not a good idea until one of the mega titles hits. I don't think Bloodborne is one of those titles in Japan, but it is a title that is going to absorb the majority of the PS4 software sales for a while. Going up against it was not a good idea either.

 

[mazpratim]

Well... Disgaea DS was the 3rd port of the first one, and it was already available for PSP for 2 years.

They also made Witch's Tale

 

[NormalFish]

Equally obviously, if you have the resources to make your games for more platforms, then you also gain the potential for many more sales and a far wider audience.

If you have the resources, that is.

issue being that if NIS is in such a dire place, they almost certainly do not.

 

[Ipsoclipso]

They also made Witch's Tale

From Wikipedia:

Critical reception for A Witch's Tale has been mixed to negative and the game currently holds a rating of 50 out of 100 metascore at Metacritic.

it didn't receive well at all.

 

[Astral Dog]

There is another Disgaea game releasing at the same day as Bloodborne?
hmm...

 

[8 X 11 Printer Paper]

They have a game on there.

Of course, it's entirely possible that they've forgotten about that themselves.

I'm going to assume they forgot, since the last time Cladun X2 was on sale at all was 23 months ago.

 

[cardinalmind]

Best of luck NIS. Really don't care that much for the Disgaea series (thought they were too grindy for me), but it would really be sad seeing them go. NISA brought me some pretty good quirky games but if the japanese side kept on tumbling around, they can't do much to help. Especially since they've lost the Atelier and Neptunia licenses, which could have made them bank a bit.
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On the topic of acquisition however, I doubt Sony would go after them. Sony has their own localizing arm for games and anime, plus the IPs NIS are producing are not meeting expectations. Nihon Falcom would probably what Sony would buy rather than NIS though. Its' IPs are localized by Sony for Asia (only Chinese though), The series are selling as expected and they have a growing fanbase outside Japan.

 

[Yatōkiri_Kilgharrah]

Putting it on sale during a sale gives it an immense amount of visibility, literally millions of people would see it. The point isn't to only sell during the steam sales the point is to leverage it to your advantage, something NIS(A) seem to be too lazy or stupid to do.

My honest feelings on this whole thing is that I don't think NIS, like many Japanese companies, do enough to evolve with changing climates in the industry. It would be a shame to see NIS go but I'm not shedding any tears for them since I believe many of their problems are self-inflicted.

How the hell are they supposed to leverage visibility? In what manner are they able to do that? NIS is a tiny japanese company

I expected them to go digital only and multiplatform this gen

They dont have the money for multiplatform dev

 

[Fularu]

Tbh (and I say that as someone who owns all main releases on PS2/3 and both Vita releases), Disgaea has been prety boring and subpar the last two editions.

It may have ran its course. They should be making a new Phantom Brave instead.