Circus AX 2007 Panel

[Misu]

Well, you'll get your full review and media from the Circus AX Panel soon enough, but I'll start with a brief rundown of the news.

Within the panel itself, Circus said that their trip to the US is sort of an investigative team to gauge whether it would be viable and worth bringing over their intellectual properties, focusing mainly on their anime adaptations, manga adaptations, and games.

When the topic of My-HiME was brought up as a possible starter title for Circus into the English market because of Bandai Entertainment's possible interest in expanding the franchise, Tororo-san (head of Circus) said that it was a distinct possibility and that getting permission from the director of My-HiME at Sunrise would be relatively easy. If the stars align right and Bandai gives the okay, we may be seeing My-HiME for (most likely) PS2 and possibly PC sometimes soon.

We have full dual video and audio coverage of the event and a small private interview with Circus along with a bunch of photos from their booth and event. Tune in the next couple days for the rest of the awesome Circus panel as we finally find some time to sit down and start doing write ups.

What can I say, this is great news. Look forward to the full review. Can you at all guage the interest people did have in Circus?

[drmchsr0]

I know I shouldn't say this, but... ... ...

FUCKIN' A!

To any haters: SUCK IT! SUCK IT! SUCK IT!!!!!!

...Apologies. This is the best break for VNs in America, and it's just... ... wonderful. Shame I can't spread the good news until after July, with my self-imposed exile and everything :V.

[Misu]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

What can I say, this is great news. Look forward to the full review. Can you at all guage the interest people did have in Circus?

The panel was packed, probably around 150-200 ppl, and everyone was very enthusiasitc. I'd have to say that both the Circus and JAST panels were had some of the largest and most energized audiences out of all the panels I attended.

It's good that Circus is still interested in the western market. However, until a publisher signs their games (and SCEA approves, in the case of PS2 software), it's too early to get excited. After all, interest means nothing if American companies don't bite.

Anime sounds more promising, especially if Shuffle! or AIR manage to succeed.

[relentlessflame]

Originally Posted by rg4619

It's good that Circus is still interested in the western market. However, until a publisher signs their games (and SCEA approves, in the case of PS2 software), it's too early to get excited. After all, interest means nothing if American companies don't bite.

Well, actually, that reminds me of the VisualNews April Fools joke that "nobody got". It wouldn't be all that implausable for them to publish it through SynchPoint/Broccoli U.S.A., considering their already-strong ties to the parent company (especially through Sweets). And as they mentioned, someone like Bandai would be another possibility, especially considering their established channels and ties to My-HiME. At this point, now that the PS3 is out, it should be a bit easier to get SCEA approval on PS2 stuff. Not that I'm getting my hopes up or anything; I still think the greatest barrier is the one they've set out to investigate: is there a large-enough market here? Anecdotal evidence would seem to say not yet, but who knows...

It's good that the interest is there, and I hope they'll stick it out. It's one of those things: I think it'll take a few of the bigger properites coming over in order for the market to grow and expand, but those first few titles probably won't sell all that well (at least at first). If Circus was able to take the long-term view, and see this as part of a larger strategy to build the market for the future, I think it just might work out, even if it takes 5-10 years. It's just that most companies don't think that far ahead.

Anyway, looking forward to the rest of the event coverage!

It wouldn't be all that implausable for them to publish it through SynchPoint/Broccoli U.S.A., considering their already-strong ties to the parent company (especially through Sweets).

Broccoli USA has no plans to publish games though. If I'm not mistaken, they're also aiming to hook up with American publishers for Galaxy Angel II.

Hopefully, the panel will make Circus more visible though. As far as PS2 games are concerned, I think a smaller publisher like Aksys, Nippon Ichi USA, or Atlus USA would be a good fit for their games (exception: Mai-Hime).

[Moogy]

Originally Posted by rg4619

Hopefully, the panel will make Circus more visible though. As far as PS2 games are concerned, I think a smaller publisher like Aksys, Nippon Ichi USA, or Atlus USA would be a good fit for their games (exception: Mai-Hime).

NISA was crazy enough to localize Ar Tonelico, so this is a pretty good point.

[Misu]

I'll do that write up.... soon >.>;;.....
I want to get home first though ><.

Till then, you can all stare at this >.>;;
http://misuzu.visualnews.net/yume.jpg

[teruterubouzu]

UOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH.

...Jealousy orz

[dovac]

Too bad my Otome one was damaged.....but on the good side I might show up in G's magazine with my Yume body pillow...and another magazine which I forgot the name of

I look forward to seeing the report on this. And damn, soooo jealous of Misu and dovac for getting those.

[Misu]

Article is work in progress GO!
I estimate I'll be done tomorrow morning (PST)...
Got to be a crazy explosion loving American and blow up things for our Independance day >.>;;.
Another teaser image from my poor collection of shots.
Totoro Go!

I'm terribly unphotogenic, plus the shot turned out terrible because of the Exhibitors Hall lighting anyways, so I just replaced myself with a bunch of images of the Totoro plush I bought and gave Tororo as a gag gift =3.

[drmchsr0]

lol I see a nemu

I was stupid enough to pick the masquerade, I was pissed about not being able to get into the Atlus panel. but oh well,at least I got to take pics of their scketches and kits. did anyone seetheir 600 dollars scroll...? ouch!!!