# 8-4

> video game developer, publisher and localization company based in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

**Wikidata**: [Q4644252](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4644252)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8-4)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/8-4

## Summary
8-4 is a Japanese video game developer, publisher, and localization company headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo. Founded in 2005, the company specializes in adapting video games for different markets and is named after the "World 8-4" level from *Super Mario Bros.* In addition to its localization work, 8-4 produces the official podcast *8-4 Play* and has contributed to titles such as *Undertale*.

## Key Facts
- **Founded:** October 5, 2005.
- **Headquarters:** Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (coordinates: 35.6557, 139.6981).
- **Industry:** Video game industry.
- **Legal Form:** Yūgen gaisha (limited liability company).
- **Aliases:** 8-4, Ltd.; Yūgen Gaisha Hachi no Yon; 有限会社ハチノヨン.
- **Named After:** World 8-4 (from *Super Mario Bros.*).
- **Notable Work:** *Undertale*.
- **Official Podcast:** 8-4 Play.
- **Website:** http://8-4.jp (English: http://8-4.jp/blog/?lang=en; Japanese: http://8-4.jp/home/?lang=ja).
- **Twitter:** @84play (social media followers: 12,835 as of February 9, 2023).
- **Facebook:** hachinoyon.
- **Corporate Number (Japan):** 1011002033028.
- **Wikipedia Presence:** Article titled "8-4" with 8 language sitelinks (German, English, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Swedish).
- **Database IDs:** MobyGames (9948), GameFAQs (202059), GameSpot Developer (8-4-ltd-1), Nintendo Life (8-4), VideoGameGeek (44254), Giant Bomb (3010-6484), Media Arts Database (C45662), Lastdodo (4199437).
- **Freebase ID:** /m/0gyx2wn.

## FAQs
### Q: What services does 8-4 provide?
**A:** 8-4 operates as a video game developer, publisher, and localization specialist, focusing on adapting games for international markets.

### Q: What is the origin of the company's name?
**A:** The name "8-4" is derived from "World 8-4," a level in the video game *Super Mario Bros.*

### Q: Does 8-4 produce any media content?
**A:** Yes, the company produces *8-4 Play*, an official podcast covering video game topics.

### Q: Where is 8-4 located?
**A:** The company is based in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, with headquarters at coordinates 35.6557, 139.6981.

### Q: What are some notable projects associated with 8-4?
**A:** The company is credited with work on *Undertale*, among other titles.

## Why It Matters
8-4 plays a critical role in bridging cultural and linguistic gaps in the video game industry. By providing expert localization services, the company enables Japanese developers to reach global audiences and helps international titles succeed in the Japanese market. Their work ensures that games maintain narrative integrity and cultural relevance across languages, which is essential for commercial success in diverse regions. Additionally, 8-4 contributes to industry discourse through *8-4 Play*, offering insights into game development and localization. Their multidisciplinary approach—spanning development, publishing, and media—makes them a versatile entity in the video game ecosystem.

## Notable For
- **Multifaceted Role:** Operates simultaneously as a developer, publisher, and localization company.
- **Cultural Adaptation Expertise:** Specializes in adapting video games for different markets, ensuring cultural and linguistic accuracy.
- **Media Presence:** Hosts the official podcast *8-4 Play*, contributing to industry discussions.
- **Iconic Name Origin:** Named after a famous level from *Super Mario Bros.*, reflecting deep roots in gaming culture.
- **Global Reach:** Maintains a multilingual online presence (English and Japanese websites) and has a Wikipedia footprint in 8 languages.
- **Notable Collaboration:** Credited with work on *Undertale*, a critically acclaimed indie game.

## Body

### Company Overview
8-4 is a Japanese video game company headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, specializing in development, publishing, and localization. Founded on October 5, 2005, the company operates as a *yūgen gaisha* (limited liability company). Its primary industry is the video game sector, where it provides services to adapt and release games across different regions.

### History and Naming
The company was established in 2005 and named after "World 8-4," the final level of *Super Mario Bros.* This naming choice reflects the company's deep connection to gaming culture and history.

### Services and Operations
8-4 offers a combination of development, publishing, and localization services. Localization involves translating and culturally adapting video games for international markets, a critical step for global distribution. The company also engages in direct game development and publishing, as evidenced by its association with titles like *Undertale*.

### Media and Community Engagement
The company produces *8-4 Play*, an official podcast that discusses video game industry topics. This platform allows 8-4 to engage with the gaming community and share insights on development and localization.

### Online Presence and Social Media
8-4 maintains a multilingual website with English and Japanese sections. The company is active on social media platforms, including Twitter (@84play) and Facebook (hachinoyon). As of February 9, 2023, its Twitter account had 12,835 followers.

### Headquarters and Location
The company's headquarters are located in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, at coordinates 35.6557, 139.6981. This location places 8-4 in one of Tokyo's central business and entertainment districts.

### Identifiers and Database Listings
8-4 is indexed across multiple video game databases and knowledge bases, including:
- **MobyGames:** ID 9948
- **GameFAQs:** ID 202059
- **GameSpot Developer:** ID 8-4-ltd-1
- **Nintendo Life:** ID 8-4
- **VideoGameGeek:** ID 44254
- **Giant Bomb:** ID 3010-6484
- **Media Arts Database:** ID C45662
- **Lastdodo:** ID 4199437
- **Freebase:** ID /m/0gyx2wn
- **Corporate Number (Japan):** 1011002033028

### Wikipedia and Global Presence
The company has a Wikipedia article titled "8-4" with sitelinks in 8 languages: German, English, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, and Swedish. This multilingual presence underscores its international relevance.

### Legal and Corporate Structure
8-4 operates as a *yūgen gaisha*, a type of limited liability company in Japan. This structure is commonly used by small to medium-sized enterprises in the country.

## References

1. LastDodo
2. VideoGameGeek