Zero Escape creator says third game currently “difficult to realize” due to lack of funds, not giving up hope
The third game in Spike Chunsoft’s Zero Escape series appears to have been put on hold. Series creator Kotaro Uchikoshi took to Twitter earlier today and confirmed that the game will be “difficult to realize” at the moment.
“A lot of budget is needed to make ZE series. We have to persuade the managers in order to obtain it,” Uchikoshi explained. Some “managers” at the company understand the franchise’s importance in the west, but the first two titles “are in the red” in Japan and did not meet sales expectations.
Despite all of this, Uchikoshi isn’t giving up. “For example, if the title which I make next bring about a good result, the wind might shift to another direction,” he said. “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.”
Uchikoshi concluded with the following words for fans:
“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!”
You can find Uchikoshi’s full tweets after the break.
Well… I guess you have been curious about ZE3.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
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.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
If possible, I'd not like to inform you of the news like this. But I decided to reveal it honestly.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
A lot of budget is needed to make ZE series. We have to persuade the managers in order to obtain it.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
The managers know that ZE series is especially valued by many users outside Japan.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
Some of them think that they want to make a sequel just as we wish.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
But, "in Japan", 999 and VLR are in the red. They are not selling more than people think.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
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.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
We were not able to present a convincing reasonable basis to the managers.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
Of course, I can declare with confidence, "The next title will certainly get into the black!"
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
However, it's not considered that the word have credibility. It does not become the cause of green light.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
I am very sorry to all the users who are expecting ZE3. I feel ashamed of my own inadequacies.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
BUT! please remember. I wrote "at this stage". If the situation changes, ZE3 might be capable of being realized!
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
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.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
Or, if someone with executive ability (financer, producer, publisher or millionaire!) propose the investment, everything could go well.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
If there is an great investor who thinks "Virtue is its own reward", I wish him/her to send me a message.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
If you know such a wonderful person, please induce him/her to cooperate.
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
By using Facebook, you can send a direct message to me. My account name is "Kotaro Uchikoshi". https://t.co/4MhoON6Fxc
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
(Although we also examined crowd-funding like Kick Starter, we figured the idea is not quite persuasive enough…)
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
I believe there is still hope. ZE3 will definitely be released somehow, someday!
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
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!
— Kotaro Uchikoshi Eng (@Uchikoshi_Eng) February 13, 2014
