Here is what we know about the deal:
Nintendo announced today that it is purchasing the Japanese cg animation studio Dynamo Pictures.
- Nintendo’s acquisition of Tokyo-based Dynamo Pictures is intended to “strengthen the planning and production structure of visual content in the Nintendo group.”
- Upon acquisition, Dynamo will be renamed Nintendo Pictures Co., Ltd. The deal is expected to close in October.
- Founded in 2004 as Studio Dynamo (renamed Dynamo Pictures in 2011), the studio is run by Hiroshi Hirokawa, president and CEO. In addition to its Tokyo headquarters, Dynamo has a satellite studio in Okinawa. The company employs 100 people, according to its website.
- The company provides a wide range of cg animation, layout, modeling, and facial/motion capture services for games, film, series, commercials, and pachinko casino games. Some of the productions it has worked on include the animated productions Yuri!!! on Ice, Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV, Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness, Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045, Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms, and Earwig and the Witch (pictured at top), as well as games including Death Stranding, Persona 5, and Metroid: Other M.
- Nintendo will acquire 100% of the outstanding shares (excluding treasury shares) of Dynamo Pictures and turn it into a wholly-owned subsidiary.
- Nintendo’s upcoming Super Mario animated feature is being produced by Illumination Entertainment, however the company hinted last year that it intended to increase its animation activities in the future. Nintendo’s purchase of an animation studio signals a concrete step in that direction.
