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Prope

Prope Ltd. (プロペ株式会社, Purope Kabushiki-gaisha) was a studio founded in 2006 by programmer , best known for co-creating the series during his time at 's [Sonic Team](/page/Sonic Team). The company's name derives from the Latin word prope, meaning "near" or "beside," reflecting Naka's vision of creating innovative games close to players' everyday experiences. Established as an independent entity with initial partial funding from under its support program for independent creators, Prope operated from and focused on original intellectual properties across various platforms. During its active years, Prope developed a range of titles emphasizing accessible and creative gameplay mechanics, starting with the rhythm-based game Let's Tap in 2008, which utilized a unique tap-sensing peripheral and was praised for its innovative non-traditional controls. The studio followed with puzzle-platformer Ivy the Kiwi? in 2009 for and , noted for its artistic style and rewind mechanic inspired by Naka's desire to craft games for broader audiences, including children. Other notable releases included the 3D action-adventure Rodea the Sky Soldier in 2015 for and other platforms, which featured flight-based mechanics and was a passion project of Naka's, as well as mobile titles like Legend of Coin (2017) and SHOT2048 (2021). Prope also contributed to software, such as minigames in , and PSP titles like . Prope's operations shifted toward mobile and social games in its later years, releasing free-to-play titles such as Monster Manor (2013) and Pirates of Coin (2016) for and . After Naka joined in January 2018 and later departed in 2022 following legal issues including a for in 2023, Prope downsized to a solo operation under Naka and continued with personal projects, including SHOT2048 (2021) and a 2025 update to Pirates of Coin along with announcements of a new title. Despite its evolving scale, Prope's output highlighted Naka's post-Sega experimentation with smaller-scale, experimental projects free from the constraints of major franchises.

History

Founding and initial setup

Prope Ltd. was founded on May 23, 2006, by , the renowned video game designer and programmer best known for co-creating the series during his tenure at 's . , who had served as 's executive director and producer for over two decades, departed from in early 2006 as the last core member of the original development team to leave the company, seeking greater creative independence to explore original game concepts beyond established franchises. The studio's establishment was facilitated through 's "Independent Game Creators Support Program," which provided partial funding and allowed to recruit up to 10 former colleagues to form the initial team. The company's initial capital was ¥10 million (approximately $85,000 USD at the time), with contributing 10% of this amount as startup support, enabling Prope to begin operations on June 1, 2006. Headquartered in , , at the initial address of 東京都港区浜松町1-31 文化放送メディアプラス 3F, the studio was positioned as an independent developer focused on innovative, accessible games rather than sequels or licensed properties. This setup emphasized small-scale, experimental projects alongside potential larger endeavors, with retaining first refusal rights on any developed titles to foster a collaborative yet autonomous relationship. Prope's name derives from the Latin word "prope," meaning "near" or "beside," symbolizing the studio's philosophy of bringing closer to users and creating "near " that fosters stronger between developers and players. Naka articulated this vision in the company's founding statement, expressing a desire to produce games enjoyable by everyone, including those with limited gaming experience, thereby prioritizing simplicity, inclusivity, and originality in from the outset. This foundational approach set the stage for Prope's early emphasis on , as seen in its inaugural project, though the studio maintained flexibility to scale projects based on creative and market opportunities.

Growth and Sega collaboration

Following its establishment in June 2006, Prope experienced steady growth, expanding from an initial team of 11 members—comprising and 10 developers who had previously worked on Sonic Team projects at —to approximately 40 employees by 2010. This expansion supported the studio's focus on innovative, accessible gameplay experiences, particularly for Nintendo platforms, as Prope transitioned from concept development to releasing its debut titles. Sega played a pivotal role in Prope's early development through its "Game Creator Independence Program," which aimed to foster entrepreneurial talent among former Sega staff by providing financial and operational support. As part of this initiative, contributed 10% of Prope's initial ¥10 million startup capital in exchange for right-of-first-refusal on publishing the studio's games, enabling Prope to operate independently while maintaining a close partnership. This collaboration manifested in Sega's publishing of Prope's first two major releases: Let's Tap and Let's Catch, both launched for the in late 2008. Let's Tap, a rhythm-based emphasizing non-traditional motion controls via on surfaces near the console, marked Prope's debut and showcased Naka's vision for "simple yet profound" mechanics. handled distribution in key regions, including and , which helped the titles gain visibility despite their niche appeal. Similarly, Let's Catch extended the mechanic to a competitive mini-game collection, further solidifying the -Prope alliance during the studio's formative years. The partnership not only provided Prope with essential resources for scaling operations but also aligned with 's strategy to nurture external innovation, allowing the studio to experiment with Wii-exclusive concepts without the constraints of internal Sega projects. By 2010, this support had enabled Prope to diversify into puzzle-adventure titles like Ivy the Kiwi?, though subsequent collaborations shifted toward other publishers as Prope broadened its scope.

Downsizing and leadership changes

In April 2017, Prope underwent significant downsizing, reducing from a small team to a one-person operation led solely by founder . Naka confirmed this transition in a 2019 statement, noting that the change allowed him to manage administrative tasks personally while continuing limited development work. The downsizing coincided with the studio's shift away from larger team-based projects, following the release of its final collaborative title, Kyatoru! Kokeko no Daibouken for and earlier that year. No major leadership changes were reported during this period, as Naka retained full control as the studio's CEO and primary creative force since its founding in 2006. The reduction in staff size reflected broader challenges in the independent game development sector at the time, including difficulties in securing funding for original Wii-era concepts after Nintendo's platform transition. Despite the downsizing, Prope persisted as Naka's personal imprint, with subsequent releases like the mobile puzzle game SHOT2048 in 2021 credited under the brand. Naka's involvement with Prope continued even after he joined in January 2018 to lead the Balan Company division, though his focus shifted temporarily to larger-scale projects. By 2021, following his departure from , Naka resumed more active work under Prope, including updates to older titles like Pirates of Coin in 2025. This evolution underscored Prope's transformation from a collaborative studio to a solo endeavor, maintaining Naka's vision without formal leadership restructuring.

Recent activities and current status

In 2017, Prope underwent significant downsizing, transitioning into a one-person operation led solely by founder Yuji Naka, who continued to handle development and maintenance of its existing titles independently. Following this restructuring, Prope's output shifted toward smaller-scale mobile projects, with Naka focusing on updates and sustainability rather than new console releases. In 2022, Naka faced legal challenges stemming from his time at Square Enix, including an arrest for insider trading in November 2022, a guilty plea in March 2023, and a suspended four-month prison sentence and fine in April 2024. These events did not directly impact Prope's operations but occurred during a period of reduced activity for the studio. The studio's most recent activity occurred on February 10, 2025, when Naka released a major update to Pirates of Coin, a 2017 iOS coin-pusher game originally developed under the Prope banner using Unity 5; the update modernized the engine, addressed compatibility issues, and added new content to revive the title after eight years of dormancy. As of November 2025, Prope maintains its status as an independent, solo-operated studio with no announced new projects beyond the Pirates of Coin refresh, reflecting Naka's ongoing commitment to legacy titles amid a broader industry landscape of reduced indie funding and developer consolidations.

Key personnel

Yuji Naka

, a veteran and designer renowned for his work on the series at , founded Prope Ltd. in 2006 after departing from the company. As the studio's president and creative lead, Naka established Prope in with the aim of exploring innovative forms of entertainment and developing original intellectual properties free from the constraints of larger corporate structures. Sega provided initial support as a publisher for select Prope titles, enabling the studio to focus on experimental game design. Under Naka's direction, Prope emphasized small-team development and playful, accessible gameplay mechanics, drawing from his experience with titles like and . He served as producer and designer on key projects, including the rhythm-based Let's Tap for , which utilized a unique tapping interface to innovate player interaction. Naka's philosophy prioritized "fun" over commercial success, leading to experimental releases like Ivy the Kiwi? on , where he oversaw the integration of touch-based puzzle elements to create a whimsical adventure. This approach reflected his desire to return to the "finer details" of game creation, fostering a creative environment that produced several -published titles. Naka remained at the helm of Prope until 2018, when he transitioned to as a , marking the end of his direct involvement with the studio. During his tenure, Prope released around a dozen games across platforms, with Naka's leadership credited for its emphasis on originality and collaboration with . His departure coincided with Prope's downsizing, though the studio continued limited operations thereafter, including Naka's solo development of the mobile title SHOT2048 in 2021.

Other contributors

Prope's development efforts relied on a small but skilled team of contributors, many of whom had prior experience at and brought expertise in innovative gameplay and design to the studio's projects. Shunsuke Kawarazuka directed the studio's inaugural Wii title Let's Tap (2008) and served as a planner for Let's Catch (2009), overseeing the integration of novel motion controls using everyday surfaces. Tetsuo Shinyu, another veteran from Sega's early 1990s projects including , co-directed Let's Tap alongside Kawarazuka, focusing on the game's rhythmic minigames and accessibility features. Hiroyuki Yamamoto served as for Let's Tap, handling visual design and also composing sound elements, while contributing as a designer on Let's Catch to shape its colorful, Mii-integrated catch mechanics. Producer Hiroyuki collaborated with on Let's Tap, managing production aspects during the studio's early Sega-supported phase. Additional key roles were filled by programmers such as Masakazu Miura, who handled main programming for Let's Tap, and designers like Chika Kawaguchi, who assisted in crafting interactive elements across both launch titles. These contributors exemplified Prope's emphasis on compact teams driving experimental ideas, though the studio's staff dwindled over time, focusing on select mobile projects in its later years.

Development philosophy

Core principles

Prope's core principles were established by founder to foster a creative distinct from large-scale , emphasizing hands-on involvement in game creation over managerial oversight. Naka, drawing from his experiences at , sought to return to direct programming and design work, believing that game creators must continually produce to stay relevant in the industry. This philosophy underpinned Prope's formation under Sega's Creator Independence Support Program, which provided partial funding while allowing operational autonomy. Central to Prope's approach was the commitment to developing original games that innovate through novel mechanics and accessible gameplay, rather than relying on sequels, ports, or established franchises. The studio aimed to surprise and entertain a broad audience, including players of all ages and abilities, by prioritizing bright, enjoyable worldviews over hyper-realistic graphics. For instance, titles like Let's Tap exemplified this by experimenting with vibrations to enable "analog" input methods, making the game playable even for young children or individuals with disabilities. Prope's recruitment and development guidelines highlighted flexibility in genres and styles—spanning 2D/3D graphics and various platforms—to leverage small team strengths in collaboration. The studio balanced small-scale, experimental projects with aspirations for larger, high-impact titles, viewing as essential to revitalizing the game . Naka expressed a desire to create unique experiences that reward players with fun and creativity, often targeting emerging hardware like the or smartphones to explore untapped potential. This principle of independence and originality guided Prope's output, even as it navigated challenges like project cancellations, ensuring a focus on quality and player enjoyment over commercial scale.

Innovations in gameplay

Prope's approach to gameplay innovations emphasized novel input methods and simplified mechanics to enhance accessibility and fun, diverging from conventional controller-based interactions. A core tenet was creating experiences that prioritized intuitive, physical engagement over complex button inputs, often leveraging hardware capabilities in unexpected ways. This philosophy stemmed from Yuji Naka's vision for "small but wonderful games" that could appeal to broad audiences, including non-gamers, by focusing on core ideas that deliver joy through simplicity and surprise. One seminal innovation appeared in Let's Tap (2008), where revolved around tapping a flat surface beside the placed face-down, utilizing its built-in to detect impacts and translate them into on-screen actions. This hands-free system enabled multiplayer minigames like races and rhythm challenges without direct controller manipulation, making it playable even for those with limited dexterity or in group settings without passing hardware. The mechanic not only reduced but also introduced a tactile, communal element, as players could use everyday objects like as "drums," fostering emergent social play. Reviews praised this as a fresh departure from motion controls, highlighting its potential for . In Ivy the Kiwi? (2009), Prope inverted traditional platformer dynamics by granting the protagonist, a flightless bird named Ivy, autonomous forward movement, while players intervened via touch-screen drawing on the Nintendo DS or Wii Remote gestures. Users sketched vines or paths to propel, swing, or shield Ivy from hazards across over 100 levels, emphasizing environmental manipulation over direct character control. This support-oriented gameplay encouraged creative problem-solving and rhythmic timing, with the bird's momentum creating tension in spike-filled stages. The approach was lauded for its elegant reversal of player agency, blending puzzle and action elements into a storybook aesthetic that felt fresh for handheld platforms.

Games

Wii titles

Prope's initial forays into Wii game development emphasized innovative motion controls and accessible gameplay, aligning with the studio's philosophy of creating simple yet engaging experiences. The studio's first Wii title, released in 2008, showcased this approach through rhythm and party mechanics that minimized direct controller interaction. Let's Tap is a rhythm-based collection where players tap on a flat surface adjacent to the placed to generate inputs, simulating vibrations detected by the controller's sensors. Developed and published by , it features modes like Tap Runner, where light and heavy taps control a character's speed and jumps, and , supporting up to four players in synchronized tapping to music tracks. The game's novel control scheme earned praise for its inclusivity, though some criticized its limited depth; it holds a score of 70. Released as a digital title in , Let's Catch expands on companion interaction themes with a virtual game of catch using motions to throw and catch a ball. Players progress through a story mode meeting neighbors or compete in modes like Speed Catch and Bomber Catch, where obstacles add challenge. Owners of Let's Tap could unlock bonus content via connectivity. Reviews noted its relaxing appeal but faulted repetitive , resulting in a average of 63. Published by , it exemplified Prope's focus on casual, motion-driven party play. In 2010, Prope released Ivy the Kiwi?, a 2D platformer on Wii in Japan on April 22, North America on August 24, and Europe on October 29, where players use the Wii Remote's pointer to draw and manipulate vines as slingshots or platforms to guide a flightless baby kiwi bird through 50 stages in search of her mother. The mechanics emphasize puzzle-solving and precise timing, with vines stretching to propel Ivy or create paths amid whimsical, storybook environments. Published by Marvelous Entertainment in Japan and XSEED Games internationally, it received acclaim for its charming art and unique vine-based controls, though its limited marketing restricted wider impact. Prope contributed to Nintendo's 2011 party compilation by developing the Trigger Twist mini-game, in which players point and "twist" the to aim and fire at targets like balloons, UFOs, and enemies in a shooting gallery setup. This segment highlighted the studio's knack for intuitive motion integration within a broader collection of 12 activities. The full game, bundled with , was published by . Fishing Resort, Prope's most expansive project, launched in 2011 as an open-world set on a tropical island paradise. Players explore diverse locales—from ocean depths to icy mountaintops—using and Nunchuk motions to cast lines, reel in over 100 fish species, and engage in secondary activities like or biking. Time-of-day cycles and weather affect catches, adding realism. Published by in (as Family Fishing! in by Namco Bandai), it was lauded for its serene atmosphere and depth but critiqued for pacing, earning a Metacritic score of 69. Rodea the Sky Soldier, originally developed for by Prope starting in , is a high-speed action-adventure featuring robotic Rodea, who uses mechanical arms for flight, punching, and grappling in 3D environments. Players dash through , battling enemies and solving puzzles with momentum-based controls optimized for the . Delayed multiple times due to publishing issues, the and versions finally released in 2015 via America, receiving positive notes for its fluid motion controls and Sonic-like speed, despite narrative simplicity; it contrasts with less favorably reviewed ports on other platforms.

Nintendo handheld titles

Prope's contributions to Nintendo handheld gaming were primarily centered on the and its variants, with a focus on innovative puzzle-platformer mechanics that leveraged the touch screen capabilities of these devices. The studio, founded by in 2006, emphasized accessible yet challenging gameplay in its handheld titles, drawing from Naka's experience in fast-paced action games but shifting toward more deliberate, creative interactions. These releases showcased Prope's philosophy of "simple but deep" design, where intuitive controls allowed players to manipulate the environment in novel ways. The studio's first major handheld title was Ivy the Kiwi?, released for the Nintendo DS in North America on August 24, 2010, after an initial Windows Mobile version in Japan in 2009. Developed by Prope and published by XSEED Games, the game follows a flightless kiwi bird named Ivy as she navigates over 50 stages across four chapters, using vines drawn by the player via the DS stylus to climb, swing, and propel herself past obstacles like enemies and pitfalls. This touch-based vine mechanic encouraged creative problem-solving, with players able to combine multiple vines for complex paths or slingshot launches, while a time-attack mode added replayability for speedruns. The game's whimsical art style and storybook narrative, inspired by children's tales, earned praise for its charm and accessibility, though some critics noted occasional control frustrations in precise sections; it received a Metacritic score of 74/100 based on 12 reviews. A digital counterpart, Ivy the Kiwi? Mini, followed exclusively for the Nintendo DSiWare service on November 19, 2010, in , serving as a condensed version of the DS title with 12 stages drawn from the original. Also developed by Prope and published by , it retained the core vine-drawing gameplay but adapted it for the DSi's smaller download format, emphasizing quick puzzle sessions suitable for on-the-go play. The title highlighted Prope's versatility in scaling experiences for , maintaining the intuitive stylus controls while introducing minor tweaks for shorter playthroughs. Reception was positive, with Nintendo Life awarding it 9/10 for its polished execution and value at 500 Nintendo Points. Prope also developed two minigames for the 3DS's application, released as part of the system's in 2011 and 2013. (known as Feed Mii internationally) is a cooking simulation where players collect ingredients from StreetPassed Miis to prepare meals requested by puzzle-solving guests in a Find Mii-inspired world. (Ultimate Angler in ) is a multiplayer game where players compete or cooperate using StreetPass data to catch fish in shared tournaments, emphasizing relaxed, social gameplay. Both titles integrated seamlessly with the 3DS's StreetPass feature, showcasing Prope's ability to create bite-sized, connectivity-driven experiences. Prope's final Nintendo handheld project was Rodea the Sky Soldier, released for the on November 10, 2015, in as part of a multi-platform launch that included and versions. Originally conceived by Prope for in 2010, the 3DS adaptation was handled in collaboration with publisher Kadokawa Games, with serving as producer to incorporate stereoscopic effects and touch controls for aerial combat. Players control Rodea, a robotic who flies through sky-based levels using arm-mounted energy blades to dash, attack enemies, and collect items in a story about reclaiming a lost kingdom from invading forces. The game's flight mechanics emphasized momentum and exploration in expansive environments, though the handheld version faced criticism for camera issues and less fluid controls compared to its console counterparts. It garnered mixed reviews, with Nintendo Life scoring it 6/10 and noting its ambitious scope but technical shortcomings. These handheld titles represented Prope's exploration of touch-driven innovation on platforms, prioritizing environmental manipulation over traditional platforming speed, and collectively demonstrated the studio's ability to adapt its creative vision to portable hardware despite varying commercial success.

PlayStation and Xbox titles

Prope's contributions to and platforms were limited, primarily consisting of two titles tied to the franchise, reflecting the studio's occasional expansion beyond its Nintendo-centric focus during the early 2010s. These games marked Prope's entry into the competitive arena of and , leveraging founder Yuji Naka's expertise in fast-paced action mechanics while adapting to the demands of established IP. The first such title was , a game developed exclusively for the (PSP) and released in on January 17, 2013. Published by Bandai Namco Games, it faithfully adapts the storyline of the original 1999 , following seven children transported to the Digital World where they partner with to battle threats. emphasizes turn-based battles, Digimon evolution, and exploration of anime-inspired environments, with additional post-game content expanding on side stories and character development. As part of Digimon's 15th anniversary celebrations, the game received praise for its narrative fidelity and accessible RPG mechanics, though its Japan-only release limited its global impact.) Prope's sole Xbox 360 release, and its counterpart on , was , a multiplayer battle arena game launched on November 11, 2014, in (with PS3 version following on November 14). Also published by Bandai Namco Games, it serves as a to Digimon Rumble Arena 2 and features 14 playable in 4v4 arena battles reminiscent of Super Smash Bros., incorporating power-ups, environmental hazards, and Digivolution mechanics for dynamic combat. The game supports online and local multiplayer, emphasizing chaotic, party-style brawling over deep single-player progression. Critical reception was mixed, with reviewers noting its fun multiplayer potential but criticizing shallow depth and technical issues like frame rate drops. Sales were modest, contributing to its delisting from digital stores in 2018.

Mobile titles

Prope began developing mobile games shortly after its founding, targeting and platforms with innovative, accessible titles that emphasized touch-based controls and short play sessions. Early efforts included rhythm and puzzle games like Let's Tap: Tap Runner (2009), a mobile adaptation of the studio's title where players tap the screen to guide characters through rhythmic challenges, developed in collaboration with . Another 2009 release, 10 Count Boxer, featured a determined underdog boxer navigating knockouts via simple swipe mechanics, highlighting Prope's focus on narrative-driven mini-games. Fluffy Bear (2009) followed suit, offering a lighthearted puzzle experience with a cuddly protagonist, underscoring the studio's experimentation with casual mobile formats. In 2010, Prope released Ivy the Kiwi? for Windows Mobile, a touch-controlled platformer where players manipulate vines to guide a baby kiwi bird through storybook-inspired levels, emphasizing puzzle-solving over speed. The game was later ported to iOS in 2012 and Android in 2013, expanding its reach and earning praise for its charming visuals and intuitive controls, with an average user rating of 3.6 on Google Play from over 270 reviews. This title exemplified Prope's approach to adapting console ideas for mobile, prioritizing accessibility for younger audiences. Prope's 2011 iOS release, PD - Prope Discoverer, marked a technical milestone as one of the first iPhone games powered by Unreal Engine 3, delivering high-fidelity 3D graphics in a short escape-room adventure set in a mysterious castle. Players explored environments using virtual joysticks, solving puzzles to progress, though its brevity—under 10 minutes—drew mixed reviews focused on visual spectacle over depth. Later mobile efforts shifted toward free-to-play models, including Buddy Monster (2013), a social RPG for iOS, Android, and Mobage platforms where players bond with monster companions to battle foes and care for them in a fantasy world, blending combat with nurturing mechanics. Pirates of Coin (2016), a coin-pusher simulation with pirate battles where collected coins summon crew members to fight enemies, blending arcade mechanics with progression systems; it received a 3.8 rating on and was updated in February 2025 to modernize its engine. Legend of Coin (2017) combined coin-pushing with monster-catching elements, allowing players to collect and evolve creatures using earned coins in arcade-style sessions, released for and in December 2017. A standout in Prope's later mobile output was SHOT2048 (2021), developed entirely by as his first solo project after 37 years in the industry. This free hyper-casual puzzle game fused the merging mechanics of 2048 with dice-shooting gameplay, where players aim numbered dice to combine tiles and reach escalating scores, achieving a 4.4 rating on the from 144 reviews. Released for both and , it reflected Prope's evolution toward minimalist, addictive experiences amid the studio's downsizing. These titles collectively demonstrate Prope's commitment to small-scale innovation, often leveraging Naka's vision to create bite-sized games that prioritized fun and technical flair over blockbuster scope.

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