About Us

exA-Arcadia is bringing video games back to the arcade!

exA-Arcadia is changing the location based entertainment industry eco system to empower arcade operators and game creators alike with the cartridge based exA-Arcadia platform which has ranked top 3 in operator revenue across Japan since its release in late 2019. Developed to address the amusement industry’s pain points, there are no required online connections or services, no forced revenue share per play, no monthly network subscription fees to pay and no risk of your games not working anymore because a company decided to shut down their servers. Simply purchase a game cartridge and plug it in to have a new game ready to go on location. No installations, no downloads, no hassles. It just works. 

• We understand what arcade owners want – Affordable, profitable, easily convertible games
• We understand what game creators want – Reasonable business schemes & Access to the arcade market
• We understand what arcade players want – More arcade games!

For operators or individuals, the exA-Arcadia System is a low cost, high performance completely standalone solution that is available to any company or individual. Games from a number of genres are available to cater to a variety of audiences and regions. There are no restrictions or region protection, exA-Arcadia games from any region will work on any exA-Arcadia system. If you run a small to medium sized business, this is the ideal conversion kit to easily refurbish an existing machine. Compatible with the JVS (JAMMA 2) industry standard, it also works with the older JAMMA standard using already available I/O boards from a variety of manufacturers. For those who need something bigger and just want to plug it in, a dedicated all in one cabinet is also available. Do you want to add another game to your system? No need to rewire anything, just plug the new game cartridge into one of the four available slots and turn on the machine.

For game developers, we provide a secure, easy to develop for hardware platform that is compatible with all modern game tools such as Unreal, Unity, Game Maker Studio, GoDot, ClickTeam Fusion, Solar 2D (formerly Corona), OpenBOR, STG Builder, 2D Fighter Maker 2nd, Pixel Game Maker MV and more so that any company or indie of any size can easily tap into the arcade market. Best practices guidance with plugins, extensions and sample code are also provided. To give your game an extra punch to stand out from the competition, we arrange for resources with the best of Japanese creative talent from famous artists and music composers to voice actors/actresses, all working together to enhance your title for arcades worldwide.

Our Story & People 

Founded by a team of startup veterans and passionate arcade lovers in the fall of 2017, the exA-Arcadia concept was quickly supported by operators and game developers leading to the official product announcement and demo at the Japan Amusement Expo (JAEPO) in 2018 with the debut of the launch title, AKA & BLUE TYPE-R. In the following year, the hardware platform was developed by an expert team using custom and state of the art components while a large number of game development partners signed on to provide game content covering a variety of genres targeting both the Japanese and overseas markets. At Japan Amusement Expo (JAEPO) 2019, exA-Arcadia surprised the industry with 20 new title announcements, the establishment of internal development teams and a product launch later in the same year. Since debuting in November 2019, 29 game titles have been released (as of September 2022).  Now, with a global game publishing business, 6 internal development lines and worldwide distribution, exA-Arcadia provides top performing entertainment and services to operators everywhere. Within 1 year of the initial launch, exA-Arcadia has become a company with a multi million USD run rate and leads the industry in arcade video game releases. exA-Arcadia is a member of the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) and International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).

Our international team consists of experienced professionals from across AAA console/PC manufacturers & publishers, publicly listed mobile game publishers, advertising agencies, Silicon Valley giants, investment banks, top law firms and security consulting firms. Coming from both startup and corporate backgrounds, we uniquely understand the difference between 0 to 1 & 1 to 100 and know how to scale accordingly. Our development teams combine the best of Japanese creativity and Western engineering & methodology to produce outstanding results. 

But, more importantly, every single member of our team loves and owns arcade games!

Where we hail from:

exA-Arcadia Developed Titles   

Gimmick! EXACT★MIX

Gimmick! is originally a highly acclaimed Famicom/NES action platformer title produced by SUNSOFT in 1992.

Licensed by SUNSOFT, exA-Arcadia remade this title with the concept of what if the game was ported to a more powerful 16-bit or 32-bit platform in the 1990’s. Completely built from the ground up with a new engine that supports both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios as well as resolutions up to 4K. Consulting and working with the original SUNSOFT game staff, our Japanese studio staff created newly drawn graphics and composed new sound for this release while maintaining a 90’s feel. More importantly, the response and feel of the game is 100% replicated with the same input timing as the Famicom original which is only possible through proprietary exA-Arcadia technology. This highly acclaimed game is the first title by exA-Arcadia and a testament to our commitment to quality.

DODONPACHI TRUE DEATH EXA LABEL

DODONPACHI SAIDAIOUJOU is originally the final arcade shooter produced by CAVE in 2012.

Supervised and licensed by CAVE, exA-Arcadia ported and enhanced this title with the concept of bringing the ultimate version of DODONPACHI SAIDAIOUJOU to arcades in this modern 4K era. Working with the original character designer, Nagi Ryo, new art was created in addition to retaining all of the famous voice actresses who lend their talents to the characters in game. Careful attention was paid in ensuring that the game itself was accurately ported by employing testers who are experts at the game while optimizing and fixing bugs in the original version. A new EXA LABEL play mode is highly acclaimed by players by providing a newly designed game system appealing to both beginners and experts. Additionally, the engine in this game is optimized for the wide range of monitors utilized in commercial arcade cabinets so that the response and feel of the game is replicated with faster input timing than the arcade original which is made possible through proprietary exA-Arcadia technology. This 2nd internally developed title by exA-Arcadia is highly acclaimed by both players & arcade owners alike and shows our capability of delivering high quality titles in this genre.

COTTOn ROCK ‘n’ ROLL

COTTOn ROCK ‘n’ ROLL is originally the 6th installment in the venerable shooter series produced by STUDIO SAIZENSEN for SUCCESS in 2021.

Licensed by SUCCESS, exA-Arcadia ported this title with the concept of making the ultimate version of this game. All 8 characters and all 16 stages are playable from the beginning of the game now. An exclusive 2 player simultaneous play feature has been added as well as a new Extra Arrange play mode giving core players a much more challenging and rebalanced game experience. More importantly, the response and feel of the game is 100% faster than the original version which is only possible through proprietary exA-Arcadia technology. 

CRIMSON KATANA EXA LABEL

AKAI KATANA is originally an arcade shooter produced by CAVE in 2010.

This is the 2nd CAVE title on exA-Arcadia and continues the high quality expected from the EXA LABEL line. Supervised and licensed by CAVE, exA-Arcadia ported and enhanced this title with the concept of bringing the ultimate version of AKAI KATANA to arcades. Originally created for arcades and then enhanced for XBOX 360 as AKAI KATANA SHIN, the exA-Arcadia version contains all previously created play modes in those releases as well as a new EXA LABEL play mode which is highly acclaimed by players by providing a newly designed game system appealing to both beginners and experts. A partially composed FM soundtrack by famed original composer, Ryu Umemoto was posthumously completed by fellow colleague, Keishi Yonao, and added exclusively to this release. Careful attention was paid in ensuring that the game itself was accurately ported by employing testers who are experts at the game while optimizing and fixing bugs in the original version. Additionally, the engine in this game is optimized for the wide range of monitors utilized in commercial arcade cabinets so that the response and feel of the game is replicated with faster input timing than the arcade original which is made possible through proprietary exA-Arcadia technology. 

Touhou Perfect Sakura Fantastica

Touhou FDF2 is originally an unlicensed PC shooter produced by TEAM TOUHOU FDF in 2019 as a remake of Touhou Perfect Cherry Blossom developed by TEAM SHANGHAI ALICE in 2003.

Licensed by both TEAM SHANGHAI ALICE and TEAM TOUHOU FDF, exA-Arcadia ported and enhanced this title with the concept of bringing the massively popular Touhou IP to arcades for the first time ever. Working with the original game’s artist, Agatsuma Rochan, new key visual art was created in addition to refining pixel art throughout the game. An all new soundtrack produced by famed artist Keishi Yonao has been composed with modernizing the original soundtrack while retaining a nostalgic catchy feel. Each series character is now voiced utilizing popular anime voice actresses giving more atmosphere and presence to the title. Unlike Touhou titles to date, the game play field has been expanded and displayed in a vertical orientation. Additionally, the engine in this game is optimized for the wide range of monitors utilized in arcade cabinets so that the response and feel of the game is 100% improved over the PC original which is made possible through proprietary exA-Arcadia technology.

P-47 ACES MK.II

P-47 ACES is originally an arcade shooter produced by NMK for JALECO in 1995.

Licensed by CITY CONNECTION and HAMSTER, exA-Arcadia remade this title with the concept of bringing a modern version of P-47 ACES appealing to both casual and core audiences across the world. Working with famed Gundam and Macross artist, Hidetaka Tenjin, new key visual art was created in addition to all new pixel art used throughout the game. An all new soundtrack produced by original NMK team members Sizlla Okamura and Manabu Namiki has been composed with the theme if this arrangement was produced in the 90’s. Original NMK staff members also advised on development, expanding upon the 4:3 aspect ratio of the original, the game play field has been expanded to 16:9 and now 4 players can simultaneously play through the game in the new MARK II mode. New stages, enemies and game design has been added to provide players with a more modern game experience fixing the issues when this title originally debuted. Careful attention was paid in ensuring that the game itself was accurately ported by employing testers who are experts at the game while optimizing and fixing bugs in the original version. Additionally, the engine in this game is optimized for the wide range of monitors utilized in arcade cabinets so that the response and feel of the game is improved over the arcade original that is made possible through proprietary exA-Arcadia technology.

BATSUGUN EXA LABEL

BATSUGUN is originally the final arcade shooter produced by TOAPLAN in 1993.

Licensed by TATSUJIN, exA-Arcadia remade this title with the concept of bringing the ultimate version of BATSUGUN appealing to both casual and core audiences across the world. Working with the original TOAPLAN staff including character designer and artist, Junya Inoue aka Joker Jun, new key visual art was created in addition to all new pixel art used throughout the game. An all new soundtrack produced by Keishi Yonao has been composed with the theme if this arrangement was produced in the 90’s as well as including the arranged soundtrack produced for the Sega Saturn port. New voices for each character were casted using popular anime voice actors from the 90’s as well giving more personality to every piece of dialogue in the game which are now completely voiced. Careful attention was paid in ensuring that the game itself was accurately ported by employing testers who are experts at the game while optimizing and fixing bugs in the original version. Additionally, the engine in this game is optimized for the wide range of monitors utilized in arcade cabinets so that the response and feel of the game is improved over the arcade original that is made possible through proprietary exA-Arcadia technology.

SAMURAI SHODOWN V PERFECT

SAMURAI SHODOWN V PERFECT is originally an arcade 2D fighter produced by EXAMU in 2004 for SNK but never released.

Supervised and licensed by SNK, exA-Arcadia ported and enhanced this title with the concept of bringing the ultimate version of SAMURAI SHODOWN V to arcade audiences across the world. Working with the original SNK staff artist from SAMURAI SHODOWN III and SAMURAI SHODOWN: Tales of Bushido, Shiroh Ohno, brand new illustrations of every character were created. Due to censorship guidelines at the time, this title had all blood and violence removed, however, in this release, exA-Arcadia restored all cut content by newly programming and expanding the game. The English localization was completely rewritten from scratch to ensure that the meaning from the Japanese original is conveyed. Careful attention was paid in ensuring that the game itself was accurately ported by employing testers who are experts at the game while optimizing and fixing bugs in the originally released version. Additionally, the engine in this game is optimized for the wide range of monitors utilized in arcade cabinets so that the response and graphic rendering of the game is improved over the arcade original that is made possible through proprietary exA-Arcadia technology.

ARCANA HEART 3 XTEND

ARCANA HEART 3 is originally an arcade 2D fighter produced by EXAMU in 2011 and later crowdfunded an updated version in 2017.

Supervised and licensed by Team ARCANA (the successor to EXAMU), exA-Arcadia ported and enhanced this title with the concept of bringing the ultimate version of ARCANA HEART 3 to arcade audiences across the world. Expanding upon the 4:3 aspect ratio of the original, the game play field has been expanded to 16:9 with up to 4K resolution and 2 new playable characters have been added to the roster. Careful attention was paid in ensuring that the game itself was accurately ported by employing testers who are experts at the game while optimizing and fixing bugs in the originally released version. Additionally, the engine in this game is optimized for the wide range of monitors utilized in arcade cabinets so that the response and graphic rendering of the game is improved over the arcade original that is made possible through proprietary exA-Arcadia technology.

exA-Arcadia Developed Tools

STG BUILDER

STG BUILDER is a popular Japanese game development tool targeting the Japanese indie market creating shooters.

Exclusively licensed for arcade usage, exA-Arcadia ported and enhanced this tool so that any game developed with it can now be easily used in the amusement marketplace. Adding to the engine’s feature set, new exclusive exA-Arcadia functionality was added for analytics, CRT accurate scanlines, 2 players simultaneous play, 4K resolution and lightning fast controls that are not possible on any other platforms supported by the tool. 

INFINOS EXA is an example of an exA-Arcadia STG BUILDER title.

2D FIGHTER MAKER 2nd

2D FIGHTER MAKER 2nd is a popular Japanese game development tool produced by KADOKAWA CORPORATION targeting the Japanese indie market creating fighters.

Exclusively licensed by KADOKAWA CORPORATION, exA-Arcadia ported and enhanced this tool so that any game developed with it can now be easily used in the amusement marketplace. Adding to the engine’s feature set, new exclusive exA-Arcadia functionality was added for analytics, CRT accurate scanlines, attract demos, single player mode to vs mode transitions and vice versa, region locales, 4K resolution and lightning fast controls that are not possible on any other platforms supported by the tool. 

AXEL CITY 2 and DYNAMITE BOMB!! are examples of exA-Arcadia 2D FIGHTER MAKER 2nd titles.

PIXEL GAME MAKER MV 

PIXEL GAME MAKER MV is a popular Japanese game development tool produced by KADOKAWA CORPORATION targeting the Japanese indie market creating action titles.

Exclusively licensed by KADOKAWA CORPORATION, exA-Arcadia ported and enhanced this tool so that any game developed with it can now be easily used in the amusement marketplace. Adding to the engine’s feature set, new exclusive exA-Arcadia functionality was added for analytics, attract demos, 4K resolution and lightning fast controls that are not possible on any other platforms supported by the tool. 

TBA is an example of an exA-Arcadia PIXEL GAME MAKER MV title.

OpenBOR

OpenBOR is a popular Western game development tool targeting the beat’em up genre but not limited to it.

exA-Arcadia ported and enhanced this tool for arcade usage so that any game developed with it can now be easily used in the amusement marketplace. Fixing a number of bugs in the original implementation around the sound engine, graphics rendering pipeline and UI, we also added to the engine’s feature set with new exclusive exA-Arcadia functionality for analytics, 8 players simultaneous play, region locales, 4K resolution and lightning fast controls that are not possible on any other platforms supported by the tool. 

TBA is an example of an exA-Arcadia OpenBOR title.