XSEED: How An 11-Man Firm Plants Japanese Hits In US Soil

Jimmy Soga was not a hardcore gamer when he joined US publisher XSEED three years ago — and unlike his ten compatriots at the tiny company, he has never worked for Square Enix USA. But when he got back to his Los Angeles home after a stint as a Japanese interpreter for Tokyo Disneyland, he knew that he wanted to help build world-class entertainment; and was given the chance right here in sunny California.

But really, that’s what XSEED is all about — finding hit Japanese products with Western flair, signing a few deals, and giving them the chance to shine in the US marketplace. The difference is that we’re talking about video games — and now, as assistant marketing manager for XSEED Games, Jimmy is one of the many voices that determine which Japanese titles the company will bring stateside.

That’s right — at XSEED, marketers have a part in the decision-making process. But when I said “many voices,” I wasn’t just referring to each of the company’s 11 employees — I meant yours. In this interview with XSEED’s Jimmy Soga, we find out not only how the tiny publisher was founded and how it currently fares with new partner Marvelous Entertainment, but also get a good glimpse at how their entire hand-picking process works, and how gamers like you can be involved.
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Warming really again:
I chatted with Ken from XSEED. Nothing big, but something I’d like to share.

Thank You!