Saudi Arabia’s Manga Productions has announced a major collaboration with Japan’s KOEI TECMO to publish the upcoming action role-playing game Nioh 3 across the Middle East and North Africa region. The announcement was shared via Saudi Press Agency, confirming that Nioh 3 will be released in early 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Steam platforms, with full Arabic localization.
Nioh 3 is the latest chapter in the globally acclaimed Nioh series, which has sold over 8 million copies worldwide. The franchise is recognized for its rich depiction of Japanese mythology, fast-paced combat mechanics, and dark, samurai-themed storyline. This new installment introduces players to an expansive open-world design and a revamped combat system that features real-time switching between “samurai” and “ninja” fighting techniques, enhancing gameplay depth and strategic versatility.
Through this partnership, Manga Productions will be responsible for the Arabic translation, regional publishing, and marketing of Nioh 3 across MENA territories. The company aims to deliver a product that resonates with local audiences by integrating cultural elements and engaging native creators in the localization process. Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, has increasingly positioned itself as a leading player in the region’s gaming and content industry.
Dr. Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, emphasized the significance of bringing Nioh 3 to Arabic-speaking gamers, saying it represents a step forward in providing world-class entertainment while empowering Saudi creatives. He noted that the trust placed in Manga Productions by global partners like KOEI TECMO demonstrates the company’s strength in content publishing and its ability to align global IPs with local culture.
Hisashi Koinuma, president and COO of KOEI TECMO, expressed confidence in the partnership, highlighting the success of their earlier collaboration on DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS. That project marked a successful foray into Arabic localization, which helped solidify the working relationship between the two companies. He stated that their shared commitment to quality and regional customization made Manga Productions an ideal publishing partner for Nioh 3 in MENA.
Abdulaziz Al-Naghmoush, head of business development and content licensing at Manga Productions, also welcomed the continued partnership. Referring to the successful rollout of DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, he said that the upcoming Nioh 3 will offer a similarly immersive experience, tailored for Arabic-speaking players. He added that the goal is to deliver a game that feels as if it was developed from the outset with the regional audience in mind.
The collaboration between Manga Productions and KOEI TECMO signifies growing momentum in the MENA gaming landscape, as regional studios take on greater roles in global publishing and localization projects. With this new partnership, Arabic-speaking gamers can expect a localized version of Nioh 3 that not only delivers on gameplay but also respects and reflects their cultural context.
