# Index Corporation

> Legal entity — legal form W2NK, registered in GR

**Wikidata**: [Q17193803](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17193803)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/index-corporation

## Summary
Index Corporation is a Japanese video game developer and publisher founded on September 1, 1995, in Tokyo, Japan. The company is known for titles such as the *Doki Doki Literature Club* and *Etrian Odyssey* series. It operated as a kabushiki gaisha until its closure in 2014, leaving a notable legacy in the visual novel and role-playing game genres.

## Key Facts
- Founded on September 1, 1995, in Tokyo, Japan.
- Legal form: kabushiki gaisha (Japanese joint-stock company).
- Industry: Video game development and publishing.
- Notable aliases: Index Holdings Corporation, 株式会社インデックス.
- Corporate Number (Japan): 5010901013458.
- VIAF ID: 258507527; website: http://index-corp.jp/.
- Merged with Atlus in 2013; operations ceased in 2014.
- Developed the critically acclaimed *Doki Doki Literature Club* (2007).
- Published the *Etrian Odyssey* series for Nintendo DS.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Index Corporation founded?
A: Index Corporation was founded on September 1, 1995.

### Q: What is Index Corporation known for?
A: The company is best known for developing visual novels like *Doki Doki Literature Club* and publishing RPGs such as the *Etrian Odyssey* series.

### Q: Is Index Corporation still active?
A: No, the company ceased operations in 2014 following a merger with Atlus in 2013.

## Why It Matters
Index Corporation played a significant role in shaping Japan’s visual novel and RPG markets. Its titles, such as *Doki Doki Literature Club*, gained international recognition for their narrative depth and emotional resonance, contributing to the global popularity of the visual novel genre. The company’s merger with Atlus and subsequent closure reflect broader industry trends, while its catalog remains influential among gamers and developers. Index Corporation’s work also highlights the cultural and commercial impact of Japanese gaming, particularly in niche genres that emphasize storytelling and player choice.

## Notable For
- **Cult Classic Visual Novels**: Developed *Doki Doki Literature Club*, praised for its meta-narrative and psychological themes.
- **Etrian Odyssey Series**: Revived classic dungeon-crawling RPG mechanics with modern twists.
- **Corporate Legacy**: Merged with Atlus in 2013, leading to the formation of Sega Dream Corporation.
- **Cross-Genre Innovation**: Blended visual novel storytelling with interactive gameplay elements.

## Body
### History
Index Corporation was established in Tokyo on September 1, 1995, as a kabushiki gaisha. It operated primarily in video game development and publishing, with a focus on niche genres. In 2013, the company merged with Atlus, another notable Japanese developer, under the parent company Sega Sammy Holdings. Index Corporation ceased operations in 2014, with its assets and intellectual property absorbed into the new entity, Sega Dream Corporation.

### Notable Works
- **Doki Doki Literature Club** (2007): A visual novel renowned for its deconstructive storytelling and unexpected narrative shifts.
- **Etrian Odyssey Series** (2007–2016): A series of first-person dungeon crawlers for Nintendo DS, emphasizing map-drawing and strategic gameplay.
- **Other Titles**: Contributions to franchises like *Shin Megami Tensei* and *Persona* through partnerships with Atlus.

### Corporate Structure
- **Legal Form**: Operated as a kabushiki gaisha, a common Japanese corporate structure.
- **Headquarters**: Based in Tokyo, Japan, with the corporate number 5010901013458.
- **Mergers**: The 2013 merger with Atlus reflected financial challenges and industry consolidation trends.

### Legacy
Despite its closure, Index Corporation’s games remain culturally significant. *Doki Doki Literature Club* has inspired countless indie developers, while the *Etrian Odyssey* series maintains a dedicated fanbase. The company’s history also serves as a case study in Japan’s gaming industry dynamics, particularly the interplay between creative innovation and corporate restructuring.

## References

1. MusicBrainz