Japanese Publisher Spins Off <cite>Moe</cite> Game Brand

Japanese video game publisher Idea Factory, known for the Generation of Chaos and Spectral Souls series, as well as a handful of anime licensed games like Ouran High School Host Club, announced recently that they were starting a brand, "Lupinus," that would cater to the "moe" segment of the gamer market.

Moe is an otaku slang term that was coined to describe the feeling of
(ostensibly nonsexual, but come on) protection and affection towards cute, innocent, and generally young anime characters. It's usually used to describe the feelings of an older man towards a young girl, though not always.

Lupinus' first announced title is "Housekeeping Squadron Clean Keeper" for the Nintendo Wii. A description of the game below.

The press release, which was translated by user "Mandoric" at the NeoGAF forums, goes on to explain:

Until this date, our company has developed and collaborated in the development of male-targeted romantic games under the internal brand "I.F. Mate". From here on, in order to adapt to the variety of opportunities afforded by various hardware, adjust to the strengths of each system, and ambitiously answer male fans' requests with a realization of "moe," we've taken on the challenge of establishing a new brand.

Furthermore, we would like to announce Lupinus' first release.
We are developing the Nintendo Wii software "Housekeeping Squadron Clean Keeper" (2008-03-27, as yet unrated.)
This "Housekeeping Squadron Clean Keeper" will target the established fandoms for "beautiful fighting maidens," "transforming girls," and "squadron action shows," include a cast of famous voice actresses, and utiliize the Wii Remote in action sequences, becoming a "Housekeeping Adventure" game.

Maybe a "Housekeeping Adventure" game will encourage more Japanese guys to pitch in with housework.

Idea Factory Announces New Brand [Idea Factory]