LightWeight Co., Ltd. (株式会社ライトウェイト) is a Japanese video game developer and publisher established on November 22, 1995, in Tokyo. The company is renowned for its innovative samurai-themed fighting games, notably the Bushido Blade and Kengo series.
Company Evolution:
1995: Founded by Tetsuo Mizuno in Tokyo, with Square Co., Ltd. initially holding a 40% stake.
1998: LightWeight became independent from Square.
1999: Genki Co., Ltd. acquired a 40% stake, leading to LightWeight becoming its subsidiary in 2001.
2006: The company was bought by Index Visual & Games, Ltd.
2012: Acquired by Bergsala Holding and renamed Bergsala Lightweight.
2017: Sold and reverted to the original name, LightWeight.
Notable Game Titles:
Bushido Blade Series:
Bushido Blade (1997) – PlayStation
Bushido Blade 2 (1998) – PlayStation
Kengo Series:
Kengo: Master of Bushido (2000) – PlayStation 2
Kengo 2: Legacy of the Blade (2002) – PlayStation 2
Kengo 3 (2004) – PlayStation 2
Other Titles:
Kabuki Warriors (2001) – Xbox
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2003) – PlayStation 2
Hissatsu Ura Kagyou (2005) – PlayStation 2
Hello Kitty Kruisers (2014) – Wii U