Gameloft and GungHo strike up new mobile partnership

Gameloft and GungHo Online, of Modern Combat and Puzzle & Dragons fame, have entered into a "strategic operational relationship" that will see both companies work together to create and publish a number of mobile games domestically and globally.

Paris-based social game outfit Gameloft, and GungHo, headquartered in Tokyo, are two of the biggest players on mobile, and it seems the partnership is an attempt by both companies to enhance their presence in foreign markets. 

The first stage of the partnership will see Gameloft hand over the exclusive Japanese distribution rights for Disney Magic Kingdoms to GungHo, which worked with Gameloft to "create a version [of the game] that will reach the renowned high expectations of Japanese players."

Gameloft will also publish some of its major titles on Playphone; a mobile gaming platform under the control of GungHo. 

This isn't the first time Gameloft has made headlines this year, with the company recently announcing the shuttering of its New Zealand studio - a move that landed it in hot water with the New Zealand government agency, who are now attempting to "claw back" a $3 million grant it gave Gameloft back in 2014.