Japanese IT company Mixi Inc. plans to launch its popular smartphone game Monster Strike across Europe soon. Company President Koki Kimura confirmed this expansion during an interview at Japan Expo in Paris. The event, one of Europe’s largest celebrations of Japanese culture, opened the previous day.
Currently, Monster Strike remains available outside Japan in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and India. Additionally, the game launched in the United States and Canada back in 2014. However, Mixi withdrew Monster Strike from North American markets roughly three years later.
Despite that earlier setback, Kimura expressed strong enthusiasm about bringing Monster Strike into new European markets. He stated the company wants to introduce Monster Strike to European players as quickly as possible. This ambition reflects renewed confidence in the game’s potential outside its established Asian markets.
Furthermore, Kimura discussed plans to expand the business through the company’s broader intellectual property portfolio. Specifically, he highlighted opportunities to blend gaming with anime and manga content. Both anime and manga already enjoy substantial popularity among European audiences, creating natural synergy opportunities.
Mixi appears to be leveraging cultural crossover appeal rather than relying solely on gameplay mechanics. Consequently, combining recognizable characters with interactive entertainment could strengthen Monster Strike’s appeal to newcomers. This strategy mirrors broader trends among Japanese gaming companies seeking international growth.
Japan Expo itself serves as a significant platform for showcasing Japanese entertainment products to European consumers. Therefore, Kimura’s announcement at this venue carries strategic weight for reaching potential European players directly. Many attendees already demonstrate strong interest in Japanese gaming, anime and manga culture.
Looking ahead, Mixi has not yet announced specific timing or details for the European rollout. Nevertheless, Kimura’s comments suggest active planning is underway behind the scenes. Given Monster Strike’s established success across Asia, European expansion could mark a meaningful next chapter for the franchise.
