Koei Tecmo Considers Dead or Alive Female Characters ‘Like Daughters’

Koei Tecmo’s Unique Stance on Dead or Alive Characters

Koei Tecmo has made headlines with its distinctive viewpoint on the Dead or Alive franchise, characterizing its female characters as “like daughters.”This unusual description raises questions considering the series’ reputation for its alluring content and how the studio navigates the complexities of copyright and fan engagement.

Franchise Overview and Initial Reception

Since its debut in 1996 within arcade circuits, the Dead or Alive series has captivated gamers, particularly with its innovative jiggle physics, setting it apart in a crowded gaming landscape. As the franchise expanded to Sega and Sony consoles over the years, it solidified a unique brand identity that intertwines both combat and sexuality.

Koei Tecmo’s Protective Measures

At the recent Tokyo eSports Festa 2025, Koei Tecmo reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its intellectual property. While the company embraces fan creations—evidenced by its sponsorship of events like Japan’s Comiket, which showcases numerous fan-made goods—the studio also actively polices unauthorized uses of its characters. Reports indicate that Koei Tecmo removes a staggering number of fan works annually, including approximately 300 doujinshi and up to 3,000 pieces of online fan art.

Contrasting Fan Engagement and Legal Oversight

The studio’s dual approach creates a complex relationship with its community. Although Koei Tecmo is open to creative interpretation by fans, the legal department, led by Tomotoshi Nishimura, emphasizes the need to curb exploitative or inappropriate uses of the franchise’s characters. This strategy may have influenced the company’s leniency towards projects like Monty Oum’s fan series Dead Fantasy, which creatively included characters from Dead or Alive without facing significant repercussions.

Understanding the “Daughter”Metaphor

The characterization of these virtual characters as “daughters” may seem peculiar, especially in light of comments from series creator Tomonobu Itagaki, who previously linked violence and sexuality to compelling entertainment. This likening might stem from cultural differences in language or the studio’s perspective on nurturing its creations. Nonetheless, it signals Koei Tecmo’s desire to safeguard their characters from overly explicit portrayals by fans.

Guidelines for Fan Projects

Importantly, Koei Tecmo’s content moderation extends beyond sexual content. The company also acts against fan works featuring unreleased characters, such as those from the forthcoming dating sim Venus Vacation Prism: Dead or Alive Xtreme. This indicates that while fan expression is encouraged, creators should remain cognizant of the boundaries set by the company, gleaned from its protective actions.

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