Following the launch of the "NJR", Hasbro licensed Zoids for release in North America and South-East Asia in 2001. Like the "NJR", the line was divided into Republic and Empire factions, with the Anime providing the backstory. Initially, the Hasbro line consisted of just re-releases of Zoids from the "NJR". However, they later began developing their own Zoid designs, as well as co-developing others with TOMY. Additionally, Hasbro had planned to re-release several "OJR" Zoids that had not been released in the "NJR".