Yostar and Nexon Games released a talk video today (Nov. 6) detailing the upcoming publisher change for Blue Archive in Japan.
Blue Archive originally launched in Japan in February 2021 under Yostar's publishing. Yostar managed the Japanese service for approximately six years, but the transfer of operations to Nexon Japan was officially announced during a livestream on November 6. Following the launch of an initial information page regarding the transfer, Yostar Japan CEO Hengda Li and Nexon Games Executive Producer Yongha Kim released a talk video today (Nov. 6) to further explain the background of the publisher change and future plans.
Executive Producer Yongha Kim expressed his gratitude, stating, "The Japanese service reaches its 6th anniversary this coming February, and thanks to Yostar's passion and dedication during that time, Blue Archive has become a game beloved by so many Senseis". He added that ahead of the publishing contract renewal, in-depth discussions began late last year on whether to maintain the current operational structure or transition to a model focused on the next five to ten years of Blue Archive. As a result of multiple rounds of discussion, both parties agreed to transfer publishing to Nexon in order to seamlessly execute everything from development and live operations to IP expansion, with Kim expressing repeated thanks to Yostar for their understanding.
Executive Producer Yongha Kim emphasized, "Even with a change in operator, our passion for developing the title and our commitment to listening to user feedback will remain unchanged," adding, "We will ensure that trust is rewarded under the new operational system".
CEO Hengda Li candidly shared his perspective, explaining that while Yostar considers various possibilities during contract renewals as a publisher-first business model, it was initially difficult to easily accept Nexon's proposal regarding a game nurtured alongside Japanese players for six years. However, after extensive discussions focused on the best path for both the game and its players, Yostar decided to focus entirely on fulfilling its current responsibilities while ensuring a smooth handover to Nexon.
The two leaders also reflected on the journey from the game's initial launch in 2021 to its growth into a major IP. Executive Producer Yongha Kim recalled that when launching in Japan, they started with complete uncertainty over how the title would be received by local players, facing significant hurdles. To accurately convey the core values prioritized by the development studio to Japanese players, the team went through trial and error, coordinating fine details of phrasing and expression alongside Yostar.
CEO Hengda Li also noted that launch took place in 2021 during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. With limited opportunities for face-to-face communication, combined with initial inexperience and external variables, early operations were far from smooth. However, thanks to the development team's deep understanding and high fidelity regarding subculture and bishojo culture, both sides quickly established common ground. Following the shift to the post-pandemic era, they built a tight-knit player community through diverse on- and off-game initiatives, including participating in Comiket, hosting 'Blue Archive Fes', and holding various brand collaborations and live idol performances.
Both executives shared personal memories that stood out to them. Executive Producer Yongha Kim cited the emotional experience of hearing the crowd's cheers erupt the moment new students were announced at the offline event 'Blue Archive Fes', as well as watching the students sing and dance on the 3D live stage like an audience member. CEO Hengda Li shared an anecdote about Yostar employees who were so dedicated to the title that they lost track of time while playtesting late at night. He reflected that the past six years felt like raising his own daughter born in 2021, calling 'Blue Archive' something akin to a 'second founding' for Yostar.
They subsequently addressed measures regarding potential player inconvenience or data loss during the transfer process. Executive Producer Yongha Kim stated that Yostar, Nexon Games, and Nexon are working closely together to prepare the migration so that players can carry over all of their Pyroxenes, items, acquired students, and gameplay progress without disruption.
CEO Hengda Li emphasized that Yostar will not step away immediately following the announcement, but will maintain operational responsibility as usual until right before the 6th-anniversary offline event 'Blue Archive Fes!', scheduled for January 2027. He also promised to announce the transfer procedures at the precise time in coordination with Nexon to prevent any player disadvantage or confusion.
Regarding the future direction of in-game content, Producer Yongha Kim firmly stated that there will be no changes to the development studio's structure or update policies. Core development organizations—including scenario, character design, illustration, sound, and game design—will remain intact, with main story updates, event stories, and new student additions continuing under the established pipeline.
He emphasized that following the kickoff of the Part 2 scenario and the addition of new academies this year, the team plans to dedicate time to thoroughly portray the stories of existing students who have not yet had their charm fully highlighted. Beyond the game itself, they will continue delivering diverse initiatives such as 'Blue Archive Fes', official social media content, live broadcasts, and offline events.
Executive Producer Yongha Kim pledged, "Going forward, a structure will be established to consistently manage everything from development to live services. By maximizing these strengths, we will inherit the achievements built alongside Yostar and work with all our effort alongside Nexon, as the new operator, so that Senseis can enjoy Blue Archive with peace of mind for the next 5, 10, and 20 years".
CEO Hengda Li responded, "As a colleague who has laughed, cried, and sometimes argued together, I know Executive Producer Yongha Kim's deep understanding of subculture and the development team's passion very well. Since there are still many unwritten stories and unintroduced students ahead, I look forward to enjoying the unfolding story without spoilers as a fan who loves Blue Archive, cheering them on alongside all Yostar staff".
The transfer procedure for the Japanese server of Blue Archive will open an information page within November, with the publisher change from Yostar to Nexon set to take place during regular maintenance in January. In addition, separate from the 6th-anniversary campaign, special post-transfer rewards will be provided, including 100 free recruitments and one 'Special' anniversary-limited 3-star student select ticket that includes Key. Scenario translation will maintain consistency under development team oversight as before, while a new PC client, web store, and official online merchandise shop are also in development. Furthermore, 'Blue Archive Fes', scheduled to take place at Makuhari Messe from January 23 to 24, 2027, will proceed as planned.
