Because Nippon Ichi translates to something like "Japan's Number One".

Hmm they haven't released any good quality title since Disgaea 3 on stationary consoles, and their PSP titles have extremly bad availability coupled together with some really unfriendly pricing on PSN no suprise they are in trouble.

Plus from what i heard Last Rebellion is candidate for worst game of 2010 already.

*bump*

Their president (Tomohiro Sato) announced his resignation last week.  Not looking good... I think we're headed for a buyout or merger or (eventually) bankruptcy.

Let's see if they'd do better with a bit of shuffling at the top ranks.

"Update: Tomohiro Sato is actually the company's head of Sales and Marketing. The current president, Sohei Shinkawa, is not stepping down. We apologize for the mix-up."

That means they are continuing to head for the iceberg.

Ack!  That's what I get for not reading through the article and posting it late. :/

I wonder when NIS is going to finally get around to using that 360 license they secured?

A buyout or merger is imminent.

If they go bankrupt, it'll be a sad day.

'twould be nice if Sony bought them.

Eh, I don't see it.  Disgaea's their only marketable property, and it's still a super niche, low tech SRPG.  Why would Sony want to buy them?  They'd be an awful fit in the SCEWWS structure. :/

Ditto for Microsoft, or Nintendo, or most large 3rd party publishers honestly.  Maybe I could see Koei or Atlus or someone being interested.  A merger with Marvelous or Idea Factory or Falcom or someone could work too, and NIS could be more attractive there since they have a western publishing outfit already.