Ahead of the game’s launch, Final Weapon had the opportunity to interview the KAIJU NO. 8: THE GAME general producer from Akatsuki Games to learn about the game’s development. The KAIJU NO. 8: THE GAME producer discusses the development team’s outlook, various in-game elements, the turn-based combat system, future updates, and much more in our exclusive interview.
Get the full interview below:
Can you introduce yourselves to our readers and tell us about your development roles for KAIJU NO. 8: THE GAME?
Producer: I serve as the producer for KAIJU NO. 8: THE GAME at Akatsuki Games. Until now, my career has focused mainly on developing mobile RPGs and character-driven games. For this project, I have overseen the entire production while working closely with the anime team and partner companies, with the goal of creating a gameplay experience that maximizes the appeal of both the original manga and the anime adaptation.
How did Akatsuki Games approach the creation of KAIJU NO. 8: THE GAME, and what was the development team’s initial reaction to adapting Kaiju No. 8 into its first game?
Producer: To ensure players can fully experience the intensity and atmosphere of Kaiju No. 8, we developed the game in close collaboration with the anime production team. When we were first approached about the possibility of a game adaptation, our entire team felt both excitement and a sense of challenge in figuring out how to bring such a grand-scale story to life in an interactive format. We’ve carried that passion through every stage of development, putting our full efforts into the August 31 release.
What were some elements from the Kaiju No. 8 anime and manga that you were really looking forward to adapting into the game?
Producer: What I was especially looking forward to was bringing the squad members’ coordination and the kaiju battle sequences to life. We recreated the striking battle compositions and dynamic camera work seen in the anime, while also adapting them into gameplay mechanics where players directly control the action. This way, players can personally feel the same sense of intensity that defines Kaiju No. 8.
KAIJU NO. 8: THE GAME features a turn-based combat system that lets players control their favorite characters and battle against colossal Kaiju. Did the team draw inspiration from any other turn-based RPGs to help create the systems and features of KAIJU NO. 8: THE GAME?
Producer: The turn-based battle system was designed to emphasize the tension of facing off against colossal kaiju as well as the exhilaration of reversing the tide of battle through teamwork. Depending on the order of attacks and combinations of skills, the outcome of each encounter can change dramatically. With impactful visual direction and camera work, we aimed to give players a true sense of achievement. Our goal was to deliver an experience that blends both the intensity and strategic depth that fans expect from Kaiju No. 8.
What are some standout features from KAIJU NO. 8: THE GAME that fans of the anime series should look forward to?
Producer: For anime fans, I hope they’ll enjoy reliving the memorable combat sequences from the anime, as well as experiencing the everyday lives and interactions of squad members that were not depicted in the original story. By adding original characters and storylines, the game further expands the Kaiju No. 8 universe, allowing fans to enjoy moving seamlessly between the anime and the game.
KAIJU NO. 8: THE GAME features original and untold stories for characters from the anime. Was creator Naoya Matsumoto involved in the writing of this new content?
Producer: Mr. Naoya Matsumoto has provided valuable input to ensure that the original storylines and characters created for the game remain consistent with the established world of the manga. Drawing on his advice and feedback, along with the guidance shared by the anime production team, we have been able to craft new narratives that fans can naturally embrace.
© Akatsuki Games Inc./TOHO CO., LTD./Production I.G
What can players expect from post-launch updates for KAIJU NO. 8: THE GAME?
Producer: To ensure players can enjoy the game long after release, we are planning to add new kaiju, squad members, and story events. There will also be limited-time content aligned with the anime and manga developments, along with original episodes exclusive to the game, rolled out on an ongoing basis.
Is there anything else you would like to share with fans of Kaiju No. 8 ahead of KAIJU NO. 8: THE GAME’s launch?
Producer: This project has allowed us to create a work where players can step directly into the world of Kaiju No. 8. Whether you are a fan of the manga and anime or discovering the franchise for the first time, we believe you will find something to enjoy. Please look forward to the August 31 release—we truly hope to make this summer one to remember together with all of you through Kaiju No. 8.
Thank you so much for your time!
KAIJU NO. 8: THE GAME launches on August 31 for iOS via App Store, Android via Google Play, and a PC (Steam) version is coming soon. Since Kaiju No. 8: The Game exceeded 1 million pre-registrations, all players will receive 100,000 Credits, 1,000 Dimensional Crystals, and The Game Gacha Ticket x10, 4-star playable characters [Aiming for Greater Heights] Mina Ashiro and [Blade Specialist] Soshiro Hoshina, and a 5-star character of their choice at launch.
Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 is streaming with English dubs and subs on Crunchyroll. This is in addition to all 12 episodes of the first season and the side story episode “Hoshina’s Day Off.” Aurora performs the opening theme song “You Can’t Run From Yourself.” OneRepublic performs the ending theme song “Beautiful Colors.”
