Red Entertainment
In 2005, Red Entertainment split from Sega after it bought back its majority share holding, although it continued to be involved in the "Sakura Wars" series. The next entry, "Sakura Wars V", formed part of a seven-game group dubbed "Sakura Wars World Project"; the aim was to release these games overseas. In the event, only "Sakura Wars V" was published overseas as "Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love", and only three of the other planned games were released. The remaining three titles were cancelled in 2008. Sega and Red Entertainment greenlit "Dramatic Dungeon: Sakura Wars" in an attempt to revitalise the franchise using a new gameplay genre. In August 2008, Sega decided to end the franchise, with the final "Sakura Wars"-themed event being a concert that month. Red Entertainment was bought by Chinese company UltaZen in 2011, with Sega retaining the "Sakura Wars" property. Fan demand eventually persuaded Sega to greenlight a new title in the series, which would both continue the narrative and feature a new cast.