Dotemu

Dotemu is a French video game developer and publisher based in Paris, founded in 2007 by Xavier Liard and Romain Tisserand. The company specializes in remasters, remakes, and modern sequels to classic game franchises, building a reputation as the leading publisher in the retro revival space. Focus Entertainment acquired Dotemu in 2021 for €38.5 million. Their catalog includes Streets of Rage 4, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, and Windjammers 2.

History and Growth

Dotemu began as a DRM-free digital distribution service for classic PC games before pivoting to publishing and development. The shift toward active publishing accelerated with Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap in 2017, a remake of the 1989 Sega Master System game that demonstrated the studio’s approach of modernizing classic games while preserving their original feel. In 2018 Dotemu launched The Arcade Crew, a separate publishing label focused on independent developers working in retro-inspired genres. The company was sold to a private investor in 2015 before Focus Entertainment acquired it in 2021, providing broader distribution resources while Dotemu maintained its publishing identity.

Streets of Rage 4 and the Beat-em-up Revival

Streets of Rage 4, developed by Dotemu, Lizardcube, and Guard Crush Games and released in April 2020, was the defining moment for the publisher. A sequel to the classic Sega beat-em-up trilogy after a 26-year gap, it received critical acclaim for respecting the original while adding modern hand-drawn visuals, a new soundtrack, and expanded mechanics. It sold over four million copies and established Dotemu as the studio capable of bringing back dormant franchises without disappointing the fans who had been waiting for them.

TMNT, Marvel, and Licensed Beat-em-ups

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, developed by Tribute Games and released in June 2022, extended the Streets of Rage 4 model to the TMNT license and sold over four million copies. Marvel Cosmic Invasion, also developed by Tribute Games, released December 1, 2025, applying the same format to a Marvel universe beat-em-up. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, developed by The Game Kitchen, is a side-scrolling action game in the Ninja Gaiden series currently in development.

Original IP and Expansion

Alongside licensed work, Dotemu announced Absolum, its first original IP, a dark fantasy action game that marks the studio’s first major move into wholly original content. Metal Slug Tactics, a tactical RPG adaptation of SNK’s Metal Slug franchise developed by Leikir Studio, released in November 2024. Windjammers 2, a sequel to the 1994 cult arcade sports game, released in January 2022. The Arcade Crew publishing label continues to support independent developers working in retro-inspired styles alongside Dotemu’s own output.