Earlier today, Kotaro Uchikoshi, the man behind a number of visual novels, including 999 and Zero Escape, went to his Twitter and with a series of tweets, talked about the status of Zero Escape 3. He claims it’s simply not possible at the moment, citing a lack of resources “at this stage”, most likely referring to the lack of funding to begin developing it.
According to him, both 999 and Zero Escape are “in the red”–again, most likely referring to the apparent low sales in Japan. Adding to that “companies exist for profit-making purposes,” most likely also referring to Spike Chunsoft, as before the merger, Chunsoft funded both games. We all know the story; poor sales equals less chance of a sequel or even a new project all together.
Even with the new challenge, the man does not want the series to end here. He believes that if given the chance to see Zero Escape 3 come into fruition, with enough success, he can turn this around. Or if an investor in any form comes into the picture, things may look up. He even goes so far as to say that if such a person is out there, or if anyone just so happens to know such a person that may be interested or can be persuaded, he would like he or she to let him know by going to his Facebook and sending him a direct message.
He also mentions Kickstarter as another possible solution, but like many companies that have commented on it, he states, “not quite persuasive enough”. He concludes that “ZE3 will definitely be released somehow, someday!,” to which he also states, “I will continue to seek a way out in cooperation with allies. So, I would appreciate it if you could wait until then.”
Gotta give the man some props. He loves the series he made possible, full of optimism even at such a low point, and is well aware of the series having its own dedicated fanbase overseas itching to play the next installment. Here’s hoping he, possibly with the help of someone else, can make his dream a reality. For those interested, someone at NeoGAF was kind enough to put all the tweets together in one whole post. You can check it out below.
First, I appreciate from the bottom of my heart to the users who played 999 or VLR. Thank you very much! I have received the messages of encouragement or cheer from many users so far. I am really glad and happy. I offer my deepest thanks!
Well… I guess you have been curious about ZE3.
In conclusion, unfortunately, I have to say that it is difficult to realize it “at this stage” yet, although we have done all we can. If possible, I’d not like to inform you of the news like this. But I decided to reveal it honestly. A lot of budget is needed to make ZE series. We have to persuade the managers in order to obtain it. The managers know that ZE series is especially valued by many users outside Japan. Some of them think that they want to make a sequel just as we wish. But, “in Japan”, 999 and VLR are in the red. They are not selling more than people think.
I’m so sad, but all the companies exist for profit-making purposes. If the profits can’t be expected, naturally, the project isn’t approved. We were not able to present a convincing reasonable basis to the managers. Of course, I can declare with confidence, “The next title will certainly get into the black!” However, it’s not considered that the word have credibility. It does not become the cause of green light.
I am very sorry to all the users who are expecting ZE3. I feel ashamed of my own inadequacies. BUT! please remember. I wrote “at this stage”. If the situation changes, ZE3 might be capable of being realized! I still haven’t given up. For example, if the title which I make next bring about a good result, the wind might shift to another direction. Or, if someone with executive ability (financer, producer, publisher or millionaire!) propose the investment, everything could go well. If there is an great investor who thinks “Virtue is its own reward”, I wish him/her to send me a message. If you know such a wonderful person, please induce him/her to cooperate. By using Facebook, you can send a direct message to me (Although we also examined crowd-funding like Kick Starter, we figured the idea is not quite persuasive enough…) I believe there is still hope. ZE3 will definitely be released somehow, someday! I will continue to seek a way out in cooperation with Allies. So, I would appreciate it if you could wait until then. Thank you!
