Danganronpa creator Kazutaka Kodaka recently revealed that a sequel to the high school killing game was initially turned down by studio Spike (now known as Spike Chunsoft) due to poor release sales.
Quick Facts
- Developer/Publisher: Spike Chunsoft (then known as Spike)
- Original Platform: PlayStation Portable (PSP)
- Key Source: Kazutaka Kodaka via Twitter and GamesRadar+ translation
- Upcoming Project: Danganronpa 2x2 arriving in 2027 with an alternative timeline
How Low Launch Sales Nearly Killed the Sequel
Writing on Twitter, Kodaka recalled that because the original visual novel launched as a PlayStation Portable exclusive, it struggled to make its development budget back. Following the game's launch, the team was told a sequel was off the table.
"After Danganronpa launched it didn't generate much revenue, so at that time we were told something like, 'we're not making 2,'" Kodaka stated. The development team was subsequently assigned to separate projects and spread out across the company.
Saving the Franchise Through Danganronpa Zero
Unwilling to work on other projects after discovering the joy of creating original games, Kodaka even considered quitting his job. However, the opportunity to keep working in the universe arose when talk of a Danganronpa Zero light novel began.
Working on the prequel novel gave the first game time to generate steady sales. Writing the novel also allowed Kodaka to revisit the series' vague setting, making the foundation for the sequel's story easy to craft once the second game was finally greenlit.
Kodaka noted that he shifted from the "gloomy, claustrophobic" atmosphere of the first title to "shonen manga-esque steamy plotlines" for the sequel. Despite nearly never existing, Danganronpa 2 became a favorite entry for many fans, and the series is set to receive an alternative timeline in Danganronpa 2x2 in 2027.