FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2026
City Connection Co., Ltd. Opens Legendary Jaleco and Irem Libraries for Global Licensing Partnerships and announces attendance at Licensing Expo 2026
Las Vegas, Nevada – City Connection Co., Ltd., the exclusive worldwide rights holder to the iconic Jaleco and Irem game libraries, is proud to announce a major global licensing initiative. Exhibiting for the first time at the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, May 19th-21st, 2026 in BOOTH D80, the company is actively seeking international partners across game development, merchandise, and cross-media industries to revitalize some of the most influential titles in gaming history.
Dedicated to "Preserving Gaming History, Creating New Value," City Connection has established itself as a premier developer and publisher focused on bridging the gap between retro masterpieces and modern audiences. By opening its vast catalog—spanning decades of arcade, console, and handheld history, the company aims to facilitate high-end collectibles, modern remakes, and innovative lifestyle brand collaborations.
A Portfolio of Legends: Irem and Jaleco
The City Connection catalog features a diverse array of genres and world-renowned franchises, including:
- The Irem Collection: Anchored by the flagship R-TYPE series, the gold standard of sci-fi shooters. The library also includes action classics such as Ninja Spirit, Undercover Cops, Vigilante, and the submarine shooter In the Hunt. Notably, the collection features the pioneer of the beat 'em up genre, Kung-Fu Master, and the 8-bit technical masterpiece Metal Storm.
- The Jaleco Collection: Featuring the company’s namesake, City Connection, alongside cult favorites like the ghost-possession platformer Avenging Spirit and the colorful Rod-Land. The portfolio also boasts major Western hits such as the Bases Loaded sports franchise and the Rushing Beat trilogy (Rival Turf, Brawl Brothers, and The Peace Keepers).
City Connection offers flexible licensing terms for partners interested in a wide range of commercial applications:
- Game Development: Remakes, remasters, mobile adaptations, and spiritual successors.
- Merchandise & Collectibles: High-end figures, plushies, stationery, and lifestyle goods.
- Apparel & Fashion: Streetwear collaborations, footwear, and accessories.
- Digital Content: Virtual goods, streaming overlays, and digital collectibles.
"We are more than just custodians of these titles; we are creators who believe these IPs still have immense potential to inspire and entertain," said Nobuhiro Yoshikawa, President of City Connection Co., Ltd. "Whether it is through a high-end statue of an R-TYPE 'Force' or a modern reimagining of a Jaleco classic, we are eager to work with partners who share our passion for gaming heritage."
Interested parties are encouraged to contact the City Connection IP Licensing Division to explore opportunities within this diverse portfolio, which includes everything from high-difficulty shooters and tactical RPGs to family-friendly puzzles and arcade racing hits like Cisco Heat.
For more information and to view the full licensing catalog, please contact:
City Connection Co., Ltd. IP Licensing Division Email: info@city-connection.co.jp
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