About Shokuho
Bringing the Sengoku Era to Life
Our Vision
Shokuho represents the culmination of years of passion for both Japanese history and the Mount & Blade series. Our vision is to create the most authentic and immersive Sengoku period experience possible within the Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord framework. We believe that the tumultuous era of warring states, with its complex politics, evolving warfare, and rich cultural traditions, deserves a detailed and respectful representation in gaming.
Named after Oda Nobunaga's castle, Shokuho embodies the spirit of transformation and ambition that defined the Sengoku period. Just as Nobunaga revolutionized warfare and politics in 16th century Japan, we aim to revolutionize the Mount & Blade experience by transporting players to one of history's most dynamic periods.
Development History
The Shokuho project began in 2021 when a group of dedicated modders and Japanese history enthusiasts came together with a shared vision. Frustrated by the lack of comprehensive Japanese historical mods in the Mount & Blade community, we set out to create something truly special.
Our development process has been meticulous, focusing on historical accuracy without sacrificing gameplay enjoyment. We've spent countless hours researching everything from samurai armor variations to castle architecture, naval battle tactics to economic systems of the period. Every weapon, every piece of armor, every architectural detail has been carefully crafted to reflect the reality of 1568 Japan.
The project reached a major milestone in 2024 with the release of our 1.0 version, featuring a complete overhaul of the game with over 56 towns, 181 castles, and an entirely new gameplay experience. The positive reception from the community, with ratings consistently above 9.5/10, has validated our approach and motivated us to continue expanding and refining the mod.
Our Team
Shokuho is developed by a passionate international team of volunteers who share a deep appreciation for Japanese history and culture. Our core team includes:
- Historical Researchers: Scholars and enthusiasts who ensure every detail is historically accurate
- 3D Artists: Talented modelers who bring authentic Japanese armor, weapons, and architecture to life
- Programmers: Skilled coders who implement complex systems like naval combat and diplomatic mechanics
- Game Designers: Creative minds who balance historical authenticity with engaging gameplay
- Community Managers: Dedicated volunteers who provide support and maintain our growing community
- Translators: Native speakers who help make Shokuho accessible to players worldwide
While we maintain anonymity to focus on the work rather than individual recognition, our team represents diverse backgrounds from across the globe, united by our shared passion for bringing the Sengoku period to interactive life.
What Makes Shokuho Special
Shokuho stands apart from other historical mods through our commitment to comprehensive authenticity and innovative gameplay features:
Historical Depth
Every element is grounded in extensive historical research, from battle formations to political structures, ensuring an authentic Sengoku experience.
Naval Innovation
We've pioneered naval combat systems that capture the maritime aspects of Japanese warfare often overlooked in other games.
Community-Driven
Our development is guided by community feedback, with regular updates based on player experiences and suggestions.
Cultural Authenticity
From language and customs to architectural styles and social hierarchies, we strive for cultural accuracy in every detail.
Our Community
The Shokuho community has grown into a vibrant international family of history enthusiasts, gamers, and creative contributors. Our Discord server hosts thousands of active members who share strategies, discuss historical details, create fan art, and help newcomers get started.
We're particularly proud of our community's collaborative spirit. Players regularly contribute bug reports, balance suggestions, and even historical research that improves the mod. Some community members have become official contributors, helping with translation, testing, and content creation.
Beyond just playing the mod, our community engages in deep discussions about Sengoku history, shares historical documentaries and books, and even organizes virtual events celebrating Japanese culture. We've created more than just a mod – we've built a learning community passionate about this fascinating period of history.
Future Goals
While Shokuho 1.0 represents a major achievement, we see it as just the beginning of our journey. Our roadmap includes:
- Expanded campaign scenarios covering different Sengoku periods
- Enhanced diplomatic systems reflecting period-accurate political complexity
- Additional cultural elements including festivals, tea ceremonies, and religious practices
- Improved AI behaviors that better represent historical tactical approaches
- More detailed economic systems including trade routes and crafting mechanics
- Potential expansion to other Japanese historical periods based on community interest
We're also exploring partnerships with educational institutions to create versions of Shokuho that could serve as interactive learning tools for Japanese history students.
Acknowledgments
Shokuho wouldn't exist without the incredible support of the Mount & Blade modding community, TaleWorlds Entertainment for creating such a moddable platform, and the countless historians and cultural preservationists who have documented the Sengoku period.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to the players who have embraced Shokuho, provided feedback, and helped us create something truly special. Your passion and support drive us to continually improve and expand this labor of love.
Most importantly, we honor the real samurai, farmers, merchants, and common people of the Sengoku era whose stories we strive to tell with respect and authenticity. Through Shokuho, we hope to preserve and share the rich heritage of this remarkable period in Japanese history.