The Idolmaster is a series of raising simulation and rhythm video games created by Bandai Namco Games (formerly Namco). Its first game premiered in Japan in 2005 as an arcade game, and the series has grown to numerous ports, sequels and spin-offs across multiple video game consoles. Each game in the main series deals with the training of prospective pop idols on their way to stardom. The main talent agency featured in the series is 765 Production, and other studios introduced in later games include 876 Production featured in The Idolmaster Dearly Stars, and 961 Production originally introduced in The Idolmaster SP, but which later returns in The Idolmaster 2.
The games in the series feature a variety of music sung by the idols, many of which are featured in multiple games either initially or as downloadable content (DLC). As of the release of The Idolmaster One For All in May 2014, the series includes an initial setlist of 73 songs, and each game initially contains a limited number of these songs. For example, the arcade version of The Idolmaster contains 10 of these songs, and this is increased to 16 with its Xbox 360 port.[1] Songs initially released on various music albums and singles for the series have also been featured in the games. Starting with The Idolmaster Live For You! in 2008, DLC packs have been released which add to a game's initial setlist of songs. As of June 2015, 66 of the 73 songs have also been released in DLC packs. In addition, there are 43 more songs that are only available in DLC packs, which brings the total number of songs featured in the series to 116 songs. Aside from a few exceptions, none of the songs have set singers—almost all of the songs can be sung by any one of the idols in a given game.