Level-5 Inc. is a Japanese video game developer and publisher established in October 1998 by Akihiro Hino, who remains at the helm as President and CEO. Headquartered in Fukuoka, Japan, with an additional office in Osaka, Level-5 has become a prominent name in the gaming industry, known for creating and publishing several successful franchises. These include the puzzle-adventure series Professor Layton, the soccer-themed RPG Inazuma Eleven, the fantasy role-playing game Ni no Kuni, and the cultural phenomenon Yo-kai Watch. The company’s diverse portfolio showcases its ability to develop engaging and innovative games across various genres. In 2017, Level-5 expanded its operations by acquiring Comcept, a studio founded by renowned game designer Keiji Inafune. This acquisition led to the establishment of Level-5 Comcept, which was later restructured into the Level-5 Osaka Office in 2025 following Inafune’s departure. This strategic move aimed to streamline development processes and strengthen the company’s presence in the Osaka region. Embracing technological advancements, Level-5 has been actively integrating artificial intelligence into its game development processes. This includes utilizing AI for generating visual assets, writing narratives, assisting in programming tasks, and even developing custom game engines. Such initiatives reflect Level-5’s commitment to innovation and its pursuit of enhancing the gaming experience through cutting-edge technology.
Website: https://www.level5.co.jp/
Highlights
Level-5 is renowned for developing popular game franchises such as Professor Layton, Inazuma Eleven, Ni no Kuni, and Yo-kai Watch.
The company was founded in October 1998 by Akihiro Hino, who continues to serve as its President and CEO.
Level-5 has a significant presence in the Japanese gaming industry, with its headquarters located in Fukuoka and an additional office in Osaka.
In 2017, Level-5 acquired Comcept, a studio founded by Keiji Inafune, which was later restructured into the Level-5 Osaka Office in 2025.
The company has been integrating AI technologies into various aspects of game development, including visual asset creation and programming assistance.
