Veteran publisher sees revenue rise in 2021
Konami has released its financial earnings report for the nine-month period ending December 31, 2021. The document shows that the long-time developer/publisher saw continued success throughout the past year, with gain and growth in the majority of its financial sectors. The company also reconfirmed its commitment to future projects with the NFT/blockchain market.
Konami’s overall operating profit grew by a significant 48.8% year-on-year, translating to a gain of ¥60.3 billion (or roughly $525 million USD). The company’s digital entertainment arm saw a revenue increase of 6.4% on the previous year, bolstering its income by ¥154 billion (a staggering $1.3 billion). Overall, Konami’s revenue increase for the nine-month period stands at around 12% on 2020, resulting in revenue to the tune of ¥215 billion ($1.8 billion).
Some might find the huge increase in fortune surprising, given that Konami seemingly released no “smash hit” titles over the course of the year. The revenue was driven mostly by profits from ongoing titles, particularly those within the company’s home territories. PC/console titles such as Tokimeki Memorial Girl’s Side 4th Heart and Power Pro Kun Pocket R delivered persistent sales alongside the rolling income of mobile games such as Professional Baseball Spirits, Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Links, and eFootball PES 2021.
In addition to these reported numbers, Konami reiterated its commitment to the controversial NFT market. Despite many studios pulling quick about-turns in the face of public disapproval, Konami seems steadfast in its desire to sell digital receipts of artwork from its library of classic games. Back in January, Konami launched an NFT collection based on franchise Castlevania which, while met with deserved chagrin, did succeed in netting the publisher six-figure sales.
