Danganronpa and Zero Escape creators’ new tactical RPG was “extremely difficult” to fund: “We […] ended up with a lot of debt”

The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is merely days away from its April 24 launch, which may seem like an eternity to the title’s co-directors Kazutaka Kodaka and Kotaro Uchikoshi, who describe the strategic RPG as a considerable financial strain.

Kodaka, renowned for developing the Danganronpa mystery series, mentioned in a recent translated interview that “securing the finances” for Hundred Line “was tremendously challenging,” since it represented the first original intellectual property from Too Kyo Games, his and Uchikoshi’s studio. Uchikoshi is notably recognized for the Zero Escape franchise.

Although “we divided the expenses equally with [publisher] Aniplex,” Kodaka reflects, “every time new features were incorporated [into production], I thought, ‘Oh no, this is going to increase our costs.’ Nevertheless, we persevered and finalized everything.”

With the release date approaching, The Hundred Line seems to be an enticing investment from afar – the sophisticated high school narrative reportedly boasts 100 intricate endings, and initial reviews commend the game for its vibrant energy, visual novel vibes, and wit.

However, as the saying goes, achieving excellence demands sacrifice, or rather, funds. Kodaka further elaborates in the interview that while Too Kyo committed to creating The Hundred Line, the studio has “found itself in considerable debt.”

Amidst this struggle, rays of hope emerge. Brightening Kodaka’s depiction of The Hundred Line’s development, Uchikoshi recalls that “at the outset of the project, Kodaka proclaimed, ‘I aspire to create a game with 100 endings.'”

“That bold, self-assured grin he wore in that instant – I will cherish it forever,” Uchikoshi states, sharing a moment far more priceless than currency.

Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai only has a “hazy understanding” of what Danganronpa creator’s new strategic RPG entails, as he has such “high anticipations” that he’s been steering clear of all insights.