AQ Interactive, in their latest financial statement, announced their new consumer video game titles are “basically frozen.” To minimize risk, the publisher is reducing their sales staff and shifting resources to online games and amusement machines. Contract work sent to studios like Cavia and Feelplus will not be affected. This news is only for AQ Interactive published games.
As a publisher, AQ Interactive’s lineup has always been a mixed bag. They developed the critically panned Vampire Rain, amazing Korg DS-10 software, and niche titles for the Japanese market such as The Song Generation. AQ Interactive was closely aligned with Mistwalker after their two game deal with Microsoft. Blue Dragon Plus and Away: Shuffle Dungeon were released under their label. That partnership ended after Cry On was canceled.
Late last year, AQ Interactive also canceled a PSP pachislot game, a telltale sign that AQ Interactive’s publishing business was on shaky ground. Their last game, unless AQ Interactive unfreezes projects, will be Higurashi When they Cry Mahjong.
