When was fgo released

Overview

Fate/Grand Order (FGO) is a free-to-play mobile role-playing game developed by Delightworks and published by Aniplex. It is part of the larger Fate franchise created by Type-Moon, which began with the visual novel Fate/stay night in 2004.

The game blends turn-based combat with narrative-driven gameplay, featuring characters known as 'Singularities' and 'Servants' drawn from history, myth, and legend. Since its debut, FGO has become one of the most successful gacha games globally, particularly in Japan and North America.

• Japan Launch: Fate/Grand Order officially launched in Japan on July 30, 2015, exclusively for iOS and Android devices.
• Global Expansion: The English-language version was released worldwide on August 1, 2017, marking a major milestone in its international growth.
• Developer: Originally developed by Delightworks, a subsidiary of Aniplex, before being transferred to Lasengle in 2022.
• Game Engine: Built using Unity, the game supports high-quality 2D animations and voice acting in multiple languages.
• Revenue Model: Operates on a gacha system, where players spend in-game currency to summon rare characters, contributing to over $1 billion in lifetime revenue.

How It Works

FGO combines narrative depth with strategic combat, allowing players to collect and upgrade 'Servants'—historical or mythological figures—through a card-based battle system.

• Servants: Playable characters ranked by rarity (1 to 5 stars), with over 300 unique Servants available as of 2023 through summons and events.
• NP (Noble Phantasm): A powerful special attack unique to each Servant, activated after filling a gauge through combat actions during battle rounds.
• Command Cards: Each turn, players select five cards from a random spread; three Attack cards, one Support, and one Buster determine damage and effects.
• CE (Craft Essence): Equipable items that enhance stats or provide passive skills, with rare CEs often tied to limited-time events and collaborations.
• AP (Action Points): Required to enter quests, regenerating over time at a rate of 1 AP every 5 minutes, capping at 120 points.
• Sanity System: Unique to FGO, players spend Saint Quartz to refill AP, a mechanic criticized but accepted as standard in gacha games.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key release and performance metrics across regional versions of Fate/Grand Order.

These regional variations highlight FGO’s global appeal, with Japan remaining the top market. Licensing partnerships with local publishers like Bilibili and Netmarble helped tailor content and marketing to regional audiences, boosting engagement and retention.

Why It Matters

Fate/Grand Order has significantly influenced the mobile gaming industry, particularly in the anime and gacha genres. Its success has inspired numerous narrative-driven RPGs and solidified Aniplex’s position in the global market.

• Helped popularize long-form storytelling in mobile games, with main story chapters exceeding 500,000 words.
• Spurred anime adaptations, including a 13-episode series in 2017 and a 2021 movie, Fate/Grand Order: Final Singularity - The Grand Temple of Time.
• Generated over $5 billion in lifetime revenue across all regions as of 2023, according to Sensor Tower.
• Hosts frequent collaboration events with franchises like Kingdom Hearts, Street Fighter, and Doctor Strange.
• Employs hundreds of voice actors, artists, and writers, supporting Japan’s creative economy.
• Won Google Play’s Best Game Award in Japan multiple times between 2016 and 2020.

With consistent updates and a dedicated fanbase, FGO remains a cornerstone of the Fate franchise and a benchmark for mobile RPGs worldwide.