Compile
From Sega Retro
Compile was a Japanese video game company founded in 1983. Founded by Masamitsu Niitani (otherwise simply known as 'Moo'), they were responsible for developing some of the most colourful and popular action and puzzle games ever made, including their signature franchise, Puyo Puyo. Some were designed for companies like Sega and Nintendo, though their initial games started on the MSX.
Compile created the Madoh Monogatari franchise, which blossomed into their most famous puzzle game, Puyo Puyo, as well as vertical shooters (such as the Zanac and Aleste series) and countless other less successful games. Although they specialised in shoot 'em up and puzzle games, Compile created games in many genres across many platforms. In 1998, Compile and Sega worked together on the development of Puyo Puyo-n, with the first release being seen on the Dreamcast before porting to the Nintendo 64 and PSX.
Compile filed for bankruptcy and disbanded in 2002, though its spirit lives on in Aiky, founded afterwards by several ex-employees. Another company that spun off from Compile was Milestone Inc., and the company focuses on arcade shoot 'em ups. Yet another company, Compile Heart, hopes to revive the Compile brand name with the assistance of former Compile employees like Puyo Puyo creator "Moo" Niitani. The rights to Puyo Puyo however, were acquired by and remain the property of Sega. New games in the franchise are produced by Sega's subsidiary Sonic Team.