Aiming

Basic Information

Stock Code
3911
Industry
Information and Communications Industry
Category Detail
Content Production & Distribution
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
May 2011
Listing Year
March 2015
Official Website
https://aiming-inc.com/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
DeNA, GREE Holdings, Nexon, Mobcast, Colopl, Flight, Cave, GungHo Online Entertainment, gumi, Akatsuki, Bank of Innovation, Bandai Namco Holdings, Marvelous

Overview

Aiming is a Tokyo-based information and communications company established in 2011, primarily engaged in the development and operation of online games for mobile and PC, with a strength in overseas expansion.

Current Situation

As of September 2024, Aiming provides numerous online game titles domestically and internationally, operating with a workforce of 720 employees. Key titles include 'CARAVAN STORIES' and 'Dragon Quest Tact,' and it is actively pursuing collaborations with partner companies. A significant portion of revenue comes from smartphone games, with expansion into overseas markets to diversify its revenue base. In the past, it has streamlined studios in Taiwan and Osaka, while developing new titles and transferring services to improve business efficiency. In 2024, it has undergone business restructuring including service terminations, development transfers, and partnership dissolutions, strengthening technological development and market adaptability amid intensifying competition. Moving forward, it will advance growth strategies centered on expanding game distribution platforms and IP utilization.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • The founder is a prominent figure with extensive experience in the online game industry.
  • 'Logres: Sword and Magic' ranked high in smartphone game sales.
  • Established a development studio in Taiwan to promote overseas expansion.
  • Transferred multiple previously operated titles to other companies for strategic consolidation.
  • Has collaboration experience with Square Enix and Bandai Namco.
  • Some operated games are deployed on multiple platforms.
  • Previously formed a capital and business alliance with Tencent to enter the Chinese market.
  • In 2024, several titles ended service, undergoing structural reforms.
  • Handles IPs with strong popularity among gamers.
  • Track record of rapid new title releases in the game industry.
  • Reputation for stable operation of online game technology.
  • Employee count significantly reduced in 2019, shifting to efficient management.
  • Handles not only game development but also operations and planning support.
  • Active in both domestic and overseas game markets.
  • Shifted focus from traditional online games to smartphone games.

Hidden Connections

  • The founder took over the business and staff from ONE-UP to establish the company.
  • Built a multinational management structure through operations of studios in Taiwan and Osaka.
  • Previously collaborated with Marvelous to jointly operate popular games.
  • Rich track record in development through IP collaborations with Bandai Namco and Square Enix.
  • Transferring operational rights of some titles to other companies for resource reallocation.
  • Experience with Tencent alliance contributes to overseas market expansion.
  • Focusing on games in growth areas through collaborations with LiTMUS and UUUM.
  • Actively implementing dissolution of joint ventures and organizational restructuring for new developments.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Sustained expansion of the smartphone game market
  • Revenue growth through IP utilization domestically and internationally
  • Popularization of cross-platform compatible games
  • Efficient operations utilizing AI and data analysis
  • Advancement into emerging markets such as Southeast Asia
  • Market adaptation through accelerated new game development
  • Expansion of game subscription services
  • Expansion of e-sports related businesses
  • Service provision for diverse platforms
  • Business expansion utilizing alliance networks
  • Management corresponding to rising sustainability awareness
  • Diversification of digital content and brand building

Strategic Goals

  • Release 5 or more new titles annually across multiple domestic and international platforms
  • Expand overseas sales ratio from current 20% to over 50%
  • Achieve profit margin of over 10% through AI-driven operational efficiency
  • Increase sales composition ratio of IP collaboration games to over 30%
  • Acquire sustainability certifications and reduce environmental impact
  • Improve employee diversity and work-life balance to strengthen talent acquisition
  • Create and enter e-sports related businesses
  • Develop and expand subscription models
  • Enhance CSR activities and local contribution programs
  • Become a leader in game technology innovation

Business Segments

Game Development Outsourcing and Collaboration

Overview
Provides development and operational support for online games outsourced from multiple major companies.
Competitiveness
Advanced IP utilization and technical capabilities in collaboration with partners
Customers
  • Square Enix
  • Bandai Namco Entertainment
  • Marvelous
  • KADOKAWA
  • UUUM
Products
  • Game Development
  • Operational Support
  • Planning Consulting

Game Platform and Infrastructure Provision

Overview
Provides infrastructure and technical support to support stable game services.
Competitiveness
Strength in stable operations and troubleshooting
Customers
  • Online Game Operators
  • Mobile Game Developers
Products
  • Game Server Operations
  • Network Infrastructure
  • Data Analysis Services

Support for Game Expansion in Asian Markets

Overview
Provides services specialized for expansion into Asian markets, starting with Taiwan.
Competitiveness
Local studio operations and multilingual capabilities
Customers
  • Overseas Game Manufacturers
  • Domestic Japanese Game Companies
Products
  • Localization
  • Overseas Distribution Consulting
  • Multilingual Support

Marketing and Promotion Support

Overview
Provides services for user acquisition and retention for smartphone games.
Competitiveness
Marketing expertise specialized in the game market
Customers
  • Game Manufacturers
  • Digital Advertising Agencies
Products
  • Online Advertising Production
  • SNS Promotion
  • User Analysis

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Development capabilities for both mobile and PC
  • Extensive operational track record across multiple platforms
  • Expertise in overseas market expansion
  • Experience with capital alliances with major companies
  • Proven track record in utilizing a wide range of IPs
  • Planning capabilities for cross-platform games
  • Stable operational capabilities on the technical side
  • Strong relationships with partner companies
  • Production system supporting multiple languages
  • Appropriate capital and employee scale
  • Ability to quickly launch new titles
  • Flexibility to respond to customer needs
  • Efficient staffing structure
  • Experience in online community management
  • Diversified game genre expansion

Competitive Advantages

  • Established position in smartphone game development in the Japanese market
  • IP strengthening strategy through co-development with partners
  • Low-cost, high-quality development utilizing Taiwan studios
  • Funding capabilities from Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth listing
  • Development capabilities across diverse game genres
  • Accumulated know-how from past title operations
  • Efficient business restructuring through studio transfers
  • Compatibility with various game platforms
  • Enhanced user trust through comprehensive support systems
  • Project management capabilities for large-scale title development
  • Investment plans anticipating future IP expansion
  • Flexible development structure to differentiate from competitors
  • Ability to meet diverse customer needs

Threats

  • Revenue pressure from intensifying market competition
  • Uncertainty in new title hits
  • Regulatory and political risks in overseas markets
  • Rapid changes in technology trends
  • Loss of know-how due to talent outflow
  • Impact of capital alliance dissolutions
  • User attrition from smartphone games
  • Strengthening of game monetization regulations
  • Cyber attack risks in online environments
  • Declining consumption due to poor economic conditions
  • Competitors' major title releases
  • Stricter review standards for game platforms

Innovations

2023: AI Utilization for Game Operation Efficiency

Overview
Utilizes AI technology for player data analysis to optimize operations.
Impact
20% reduction in operational costs and improved user satisfaction

2024: Enhanced Cross-Platform Development

Overview
Built a game development environment spanning PC, smartphone, and console.
Impact
Market expansion for new titles and revenue diversification

2022: Overseas Studio Staff Reorganization

Overview
Organizational restructuring to improve efficiency and technical capabilities at Taiwan studio.
Impact
Improved development quality and cost optimization

2021: Promotion of New Planning Development through IP Collaboration

Overview
Established a planning and development system strengthened by collaborations with various original IPs.
Impact
Expanded fan base and enhanced brand value

2020: Game Server Infrastructure Renewal

Overview
Migrated to cloud infrastructure capable of handling large-scale access.
Impact
Improved service stability and reduced operational costs

Sustainability

  • Reducing environmental impact through paperless operations within the company
  • CO2 emission reductions by promoting telework
  • Review of office supplies to reduce plastic usage
  • Organizational revitalization through promoting diversity in talent
  • Social contributions through strengthened collaboration with local communities