From its origins as a virtual pet, the Digimon series has spawned numerous anime and games, remaining a beloved and nostalgic IP for fans for nearly 30 years.
In the August 6th issue of Weekly Famitsu, Bandai Namco Entertainment President Nao Udagawa revealed that the Digimon IP, under the Bandai Namco Group, has recently achieved its highest-ever profit record, even surpassing its golden age during the anime's broadcast in the 2000s.
Udagawa stated that last year's console game, "Digimon Story: Seekers," achieved outstanding global market performance. This, combined with simultaneous growth in both digital games and the Trading Card Game (TCG) businesses, was the primary driver behind the Digimon IP's record-breaking profit. However, the interview did not disclose the actual profit figures or the statistical period.
Notably, "Digimon Story: Seekers" marked the series' first new game in eight years, and the accumulated anticipation and development efforts are clearly reflected in its sales performance.
▼ "Digimon Story: Seekers" is also set to release a major DLC in 2027.
▼ The "Digimon Card Game," launched in 2020, has also steadily carved out its niche in the card game market.
Of course, without actual figures and relying solely on President Nao Udagawa's statements from the interview, it's impossible to know how this compares to the 2000s golden age. Still, this news will surely bring joy to Digimon fans. After all, this IP, once incredibly popular, has faced its share of downturns. Now, with a promising outlook, it'll be exciting to see what plans the official team has for next year's 30th anniversary, beyond just the new anime project.
Note: Financial figures and earnings forecasts should be confirmed through the company’s official announcements.
via： gamestalk