Cave (company)

Cave Co., Ltd. (株式会社ケイブ, Kabushiki-gaisha Keibu) is a Japanese video game company known primarily for its contributions to the bullet hell shoot 'em up (shmup) genre. Founded in May 1994, Cave's titles are characterized by their intricate bullet patterns, high difficulty, and innovative scoring systems.

Initially focused on developing arcade games, Cave quickly established itself as a major player in the shmup scene with titles such as DonPachi (1995) and DoDonPachi (1997). These games, and their sequels, set the standard for the bullet hell subgenre, pushing the technical limits of arcade hardware to display an overwhelming number of projectiles on screen.

Beyond the DonPachi and DoDonPachi series, Cave has developed numerous other acclaimed shmups including Espgaluda, Mushihimesama, and Deathsmiles. Many of these games have seen ports to home consoles, mobile devices, and PC, introducing them to a wider audience.

While primarily known for shmups, Cave has also developed games in other genres, including online games and pachinko machines. However, the company's reputation remains firmly rooted in its contribution to the arcade shoot 'em up scene.

In recent years, Cave has diversified its business, focusing more on mobile game development and other ventures. Despite this shift, its legacy as a pioneer in the bullet hell genre endures.