Rumors are circulating among industry insiders that EXNOA LLC, the operator of “DMM GAMES,” is withdrawing from the distribution of packaged games.
Withdrawal of a Major Distributor
EXNOA LLC (EXNOA) originated when DMM.com’s game division spun off to become DMM GAMES LLC, changing its name to its current one in 2020. The company continues to operate “DMM GAMES,” one of Japan’s largest game platforms, and is also involved in game publishing and other related activities.
EXNOA had taken over the physical game distribution division from the now-defunct Hobbybox, but rumors are spreading among industry insiders that the company may be withdrawing from this business. Since it was the largest distribution channel in Japan for PC games—particularly in the bishoujo game industry—news of its withdrawal from physical game distribution has sparked reactions within the industry and among users.
Several figures have commented on this matter, including Kazami—the founder of Jitensha, known for the *Story of Star Fragments* series—Koyote Hayama, representative of the bishoujo game brand “Inre,” and Yasushi Ishikawa of Purple Software.
The impact this time pertains specifically to the distribution of “physical packaged versions,” such as DVD-ROMs sold in stores; there is speculation that digital downloads and direct sales by the publishers themselves will continue. Those in the industry who had been using EXNOA’s distribution services have stated that digital sales will continue, while the distribution of packaged versions is expected to end.
While EXNOA isn’t the only distributor handling bishōjo game packages, this development can certainly be seen as a sign of the times. While large packages and bonus items are a major draw for bishōjo games, the disappearance of the largest distributor for physical packages—and the fact that some manufacturers are shifting to digital-only sales—is likely to send ripples through the industry.
