The UAE-based publishing and development company Red Dunes Games and the renowned Tokyo studio ACQUIRE have joined forces in a multi-year strategic partnership. The goal: to collaboratively develop original intellectual properties (“IPs”) that will combine traditional Japanese craftsmanship with a global, creatively world-oriented vision.
Signing the contract
Partners and Vision
Red Dunes Games, led by CEO and creative director Sultan Darmaki, emphasizes:
“This partnership reflects our belief that the future of gaming lies in global collaboration – where stories cross borders and innovation knows no regions.”
On the other hand, ACQUIRE, a studio known for cult series such as Tenchu, Way of the Samurai, AKIBA'S TRIP, and Octopath Traveler, continues to uphold the values of originality. CEO Takuma Endo stated:
“We are thrilled to have found a wonderful partner in Red Dunes and are embarking on a bold new global challenge... we are now building something truly international.”
Sultan Darmaki (Red Dunes Games - left), Takuma Endo (ACQUIRE CORP. right)
Initial Projects
As part of the collaboration, three games in development have been announced, each with a different genre and creative vision:
- Project Tremor – spectacular battles against kaiju in urban environments.
- Project Umbra – dark fantasy hunting adventures.
- Project Shadowcar – a spy thriller with a strong atmosphere of secrets and intrigue.
All three games are planned for release on PC and current consoles. The aim is to launch the games on the global market, with support for significant world languages and first showcases at major events and fairs such as Tokyo Game Show.
Broader Context and Significance
This collaboration represents one of the rare UAE–Japan co-productions at a high level of AAA premium development in the gaming industry. Such synergy marks a clear trend: the globalization of storytelling and production, where Japanese studio integrity and depth meet financial support and a global network of publishers from various regions.
For Red Dunes Games, this is a step forward in their long-term strategy of publishing and co-dev models, where original development is combined with a global perspective and diverse narratives; while ACQUIRE gains support and a platform to bring its knowledge and creativity to the global stage with new stories and IPs.
