Mario Party Developer Has Huge Rebrand

NDcube, the renowned studio behind the Mario Party series, has officially rebranded as Nintendo Cube Co., Ltd. This name change, effective September 1, 2024, better aligns with its parent company, Nintendo. Formed in 2000 through a collaboration between Nintendo and advertising firm Dentsu, NDcube initially worked on various Nintendo titles, including F-Zero: Maximum Velocity and Dokodemo Taikyoku Yakuman Advance.

In 2010, Nintendo acquired the majority of shares from Dentsu, and many former employees of Hudson Soft, the original developers of the Mario Party series, joined NDcube.

Since taking over the Mario Party series with Mario Party 9 in 2012, NDcube has become the primary developer for the franchise. Their work includes the highly anticipated Super Mario Party Jamboree, set for release on October 17, 2024. NDcube has also contributed to other Nintendo projects, such as Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp and Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics. With Nintendo owning 99% of NDcube’s shares, the studio’s rebranding reflects its closer ties with the gaming giant.

The studio's official statement confirms that the new name, Nintendo Cube Co., Ltd., is a nod to its history and current status. While the new name closely resembles its old one, it is distinct from the Nintendo GameCube console. The updated logo retains the classic blue-and-white color scheme but now features the new name.

NDcube, originally established by former Hudson Soft employees who created the Mario Party series, has undergone significant changes since its inception. The studio’s track record has been mixed, with some titles receiving lukewarm reviews. Games like Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival and Everybody 1-2-Switch faced criticism, and Mario Party 9 and Mario Party: The Top 100 were met with mixed responses. However, recent releases like Super Mario Party and Mario Party Superstars have been seen as positive strides forward.

The upcoming Super Mario Party Jamboree promises to address past criticisms with a diverse array of minigames, a blend of new and classic boards, and one of the largest character rosters in Mario Party history. Players can look forward to familiar faces like Mario, Luigi, and Peach, as well as fan-favorites such as Pauline, Toad, and Birdo, making their return in the Jamboree’s lineup.