Danganronpa Writer Loans Big for New Game Last Defense Academy

Danganronpa writer Kazutaka Kodaka and his new studio, Too Kyo Games, had to take out a loan to fund their next project, The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy. Initially facing difficulties with their first publisher, the team restarted the project, transforming it from an indie-scale game to a larger endeavor. With support from Aniplex, Media Vision, and Jet Studio, the team overcame financial and mental struggles, striving to deliver a unique tactical role-playing experience. The game centers around protagonist Takumi Sumino who must protect the Last Defense Academy from mysterious enemies over 100 days while uncovering the school's enigmatic truths. The announcement of the game was part of a major Nintendo Direct showcase in June 2024, which also featured titles like a new Zelda game, Mario & Luigi: Brotherhood, and the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

Unlike most game development projects traditionally funded by publishers, Too Kyo Games had to take the unusual step of securing a loan to continue developing The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy due to initial setbacks with their first publisher.

The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy, created by the writer of Danganronpa, keeps fans in familiar territory by setting the story in a captivating high school environment filled with despair. The protagonist is Takumi Sumino, who faces the daunting task of defending the school against the School Invaders for 100 days using tactical role-playing elements. This game aligns with the thematic essence of Danganronpa, maintaining Kodaka's signature style of storytelling and tension-filled gameplay.