# Milestone

> Japanese video game developer company

**Wikidata**: [Q1849951](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1849951)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MileStone_Inc.)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/milestone

## Summary
Milestone was a Japanese video game developer company founded in 2003, known for creating shoot 'em up titles like *Mushihimesama* and *Deathsmiles*. The company dissolved in 2013. It operated as a kabushiki gaisha (Japanese stock company) and was based in Suginami, Tokyo.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 2003 and dissolved on March 21, 2013.
- Developed notable arcade shooters, including *Mushihimesama* (2004), *Shikigami no Shiro* series, and *Deathsmiles* (2007).
- Headquartered in Suginami, Tokyo, Japan.
- Legally classified as a kabushiki gaisha (Japanese stock company).
- Differentiated from the Italian video game developer Milestone S.r.l.
- Held a Japanese corporate number: 6011301013023.
- Active on Twitter via the handle @msjpinfo (2009–2020).

## FAQs
### Q: When was Milestone founded and dissolved?
A: Milestone was founded in 2003 and dissolved on March 21, 2013.

### Q: What games is Milestone known for?
A: The company developed popular shoot 'em up titles such as *Mushihimesama*, *Shikigami no Shiro*, and *Deathsmiles*.

### Q: Why is Milestone notable in the gaming industry?
A: Milestone contributed to the shoot 'em up genre with critically acclaimed arcade games, maintaining a dedicated fanbase despite its short operational period.

## Why It Matters
Milestone played a significant role in preserving and innovating within the niche shoot 'em up genre during the 2000s. Its titles, such as *Mushihimesama* and *Deathsmiles*, are celebrated for their challenging gameplay, intricate bullet patterns, and distinctive art styles. The company’s dissolution in 2013 marked the end of an era for arcade-focused developers, highlighting the shifting landscape of the video game industry. For fans of the genre, Milestone’s work remains a benchmark for vertical-scrolling shooters, and its legacy continues through re-releases and community appreciation.

## Notable For
- Specialization in vertically scrolling shoot 'em up games with distinctive mechanics and art direction.
- Development of cult-classic titles like *Mushihimesama*, which received international acclaim and ports to modern platforms.
- Operation as a kabushiki gaisha, reflecting its structure as a Japanese stock company.
- Clear differentiation from the unrelated Italian developer Milestone S.r.l. (known for racing games).
- Active presence in Tokyo’s gaming scene during the 2000s, contributing to the local arcade culture.

## Body
### Founding and Dissolution
Milestone was established in 2003 and operated until its dissolution on March 21, 2013. The company’s lifespan coincided with the decline of traditional arcade gaming, a factor that likely influenced its closure.

### Headquarters and Legal Structure
The company was based in Suginami, a ward of Tokyo, and operated under the legal form of a kabushiki gaisha (Japanese stock company). Its corporate number in Japan was 6011301013023.

### Notable Works
- **Mushihimesama** (2004): A vertically scrolling shooter praised for its bullet hell gameplay and anime-inspired visuals.
- **Shikigami no Shiro** series (2001–2006): A franchise blending shoot 'em up mechanics with light RPG elements.
- **Deathsmiles** (2007): A gothic-themed shooter noted for its dark atmosphere and challenging difficulty.

### Differentiation
Milestone is distinct from the Italian video game developer Milestone S.r.l., which specializes in racing games. The Japanese company focused exclusively on shoot 'em up titles for arcades and consoles.

### Corporate Identifiers
- **VIAF ID**: 260852184
- **MusicBrainz Label ID**: c46dd5be-8a79-480c-9ce5-a91372a10fb5
- **MobyGames Company ID**: 8239

### Legacy
Despite its short existence, Milestone’s games remain influential in the shoot 'em up community. Titles like *Mushihimesama* have been re-released on modern platforms, introducing the genre to new audiences. The company’s focus on arcade-style gameplay helped preserve a niche but dedicated market for bullet hell shooters.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. MusicBrainz
3. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/MileStone_Inc.-9NBBPG)
4. VideoGameGeek