Game company profile: Konami
Konami, a well-known name in the video game industry, has a rich history that spans several decades and encompasses various facets of entertainment. Founded in 1969 by Kagemasa Kozuki in Osaka, Japan, the company initially focused on jukebox rentals and repair. It wasn't until the late 1970s and early 1980s that Konami shifted its attention towards the burgeoning video game market, quickly establishing itself as a significant player in the industry.
Konami began its foray into the video game world with arcade games. Titles like "Frogger" (1981) and "Scramble" (1981) helped establish the company's reputation. "Frogger," in particular, became a massive hit, recognized for its innovative gameplay and widespread appeal. The success in arcades paved the way for Konami's expansion into home consoles. The company became a prolific developer for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in the mid-1980s.
The company diversified into other entertainment sectors, including trading card games, slot machines, and fitness clubs. One of its notable successes in the trading card market is the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise, which began as a manga series and evolved into a highly popular card game, anime, and video game series.