Japanese publisher Marvelous rethinks their global strategy...

In saddening news, acclaimed Japanese publisher Marvelous Entertainment has announced its plans to revise its worldwide strategy, cutting back their global distribution commitments.

Marvelous previously worked alongside global partners to release their games in the west. For future releases, publishers will now have to bid for the rights to distribute their titles overseas, as the company looks towards a licensing model to cure their less-than-hoped-for success in the western market.

European gamers could be affected most, as the company also announced it will sell its 50% share in European publisher Rising Star Games. Rising Star have been revered by Wii gamers for releasing such Marvelous-labelled games as No More Heroes, Muramasa: The Demon Blade and Little King's Story on our humble shores. If any silver lining is to be found in the news, it is that the company Rising Star was sold to - Intergrow - has had experience in bringing Japanese-originating games over to Europe.

There's no word on whether Rising Star's upcoming Wii titles No More Heroes 2 or Fragile will be affected by the move. We'll keep you posted on any developments.

Update! Great news for European gamers, as MCV confirms that Rising Star will continue to publish future Marvelous titles in the region, despite now being part-owned by Intergrow. It means titles like No More Heroes 2 and Fragile are safe for their planned releases.