Danganronpa Creator Says Live‑Service Games Deserve Proper Endings

A Creator Who Cares About Closure
When a live‑service game is shut down, it’s not just a business ending—it’s often an unfinished story for players. Kazutaka Kodaka, the creator behind Danganronpa and member of Too Kyo Games, strongly believes that developers should plan for closure from the start to ensure players aren’t left hanging.
Making a Promise with Neoneon Tribe
After the free‑to‑play action RPG Tribe Nine was announced to be shutting down, Kodaka responded by helping launch a non-profit fan group called Neoneon Tribe. This group will complete the game’s narrative through a web novel and other creative works—offering fans a meaningful conclusion rather than a sudden silence.
Taking Creator Responsibility Seriously
Kodaka emphasized that while developers can’t foresee every outcome, they should at least prepare for the possibility that a live‑service title might fail. In his words, “When an IP you created inevitably fails as a business… we must find a way to offer players a sincere conclusion.” It’s a thoughtful stance that puts players’ emotional investment first.
Final Thought
In a market where live‑service games often vanish without a trace, Kodaka’s decision to see Tribe Nine through—even unofficially—is a powerful act of empathy. It’s a rare view of game development that values storytelling and closure just as much as profit. His approach is a reminder: endings matter, and developers owe their communities more than just an abrupt goodbye.