Close to the launch of CTW’s new The Apothecary Diaries Palace Chronicles game on G123 this past June, Final Weapon had the opportunity to interview CTW Game Product Manager Yuiko Otomo and discuss more about the game’s planning and development, potential in-game events that coincide with The Apothecary Diaries Season 3, and much more.
Get the full interview below:
Could you introduce yourself and your role in the development of The Apothecary
Diaries Palace Chronicles?
CTW Game Product Manager Yuiko Otomo: In regard to The Apothecary Diaries: Palace Chronicles, I am primarily in charge of planning and being the liaison between the development team and the stakeholders to determine how best to translate the charm and world of The Apothecary Diaries into a game. I also coordinate the efforts to incorporate elements that ensure the game has long-term appeal while preserving the atmosphere and vibe of the original novels and anime.
The Apothecary Diaries Palace Chronicles is the first-ever game adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries. How did the idea for The Apothecary Diaries Palace Chronicles come about? Was it always planned to be a simulation and management game?
Otomo: To me, The Apothecary Diaries has many elements that could be expanded within a game, such as the imperial palace, medicine and pharmacology, mystery-solving, and of course, the interpersonal relationships between all the characters.
From the very early stages of planning, the goal was to create a game that isn’t just about
gathering characters, but actually developing a medical clinic within the Imperial Palace and being involved in various events. To that effect, simulation and management elements were established early in the development cycle. Nurturing allies and relationships, utilizing medicinal herbs and knowledge, and solving mysteries all align well with the world of The Apothecary Diaries. In particular, we made a conscious effort to incorporate the fun of solving problems using observation and knowledge – as seen in the series via Maomao – into the game’s progression and growth mechanics.
What has the experience been like working with the staff of The Apothecary Diaries?
Otomo: It has been a very informative experience. The Apothecary Diaries is a franchise where the world-building is carefully constructed, down to the finest details. This includes everything from the characters’ distinct speech patterns and interpersonal dynamics to their positions within the Imperial Palace, the harem, and the depictions of pharmacology. When creating elements for the game, we proceeded by painstakingly researching and verifying character interactions – constantly asking ourselves, “Is this how this character would react in this instance?” “Does this expression come organically given their relationship?” and “Does this fit the atmosphere of the imperial palace?”
Through the feedback from the production committee and everyone involved, I learned many essential perspectives on how to preserve the atmosphere of the source material. The most important factor is striking a balance between engaging gameplay and the organic feel of the story.
Players will be able to recruit popular characters from the anime, develop the medical office, and solve cases. Could you explain more details about the progression systems of The Apothecary Diaries Palace Chronicles?
Otomo: Players will manage and develop the medical office within the imperial palace while gathering and training allies through various in-game events. This management aspect is central to the experience; by upgrading your office, you can acquire essential items, unlock new content, and expand your reach. Additionally, players can recruit familiar faces from the anime and enhance their abilities to gain tactical advantages. The game also features a community hub that allows players to interact with both other users and senior consorts. Ultimately, our objective is to create a dynamic experience that feels like it’s constantly evolving through the growth of your medical office, the training of your allies, and your connections with the community.
Can players expect new fully-voiced content and scenes featuring the cast of The
Apothecary Diaries?
Otomo: The game features familiar characters from the anime, but we’ve also created exclusive scenes and special elements that only a gaming medium can provide. Given that our players are already acquainted with the voices of Maomao and Jinshi, we believe that providing fully voiced content is essential for allowing everyone to experience the unique charm of the series more deeply. Although the implementation will take some time, we are working diligently to deliver engaging content to the best of our ability.
Will there be collaborations or incentives that coincide with the airing of The
Apothecary Diaries Season 3?
Otomo: Fans are eagerly anticipating the premiere of the show’s third season. Thus, we are exploring ways to enhance the player experience in tandem with the anime’s release. While we cannot share specific details yet, we are preparing in-game initiatives that will allow players to enjoy the game alongside the series’ growing momentum.
What can players expect from post-launch updates?
Otomo: We intend to continue adding new features and content following the game’s launch. This will include new characters, expanded development opportunities, limited-time events, and reward campaigns, as we envision this as a title players can enjoy for a long time. Furthermore, we take player feedback very seriously; rolling out quality-of-life improvements and balance adjustments is a key priority to ensure the most enjoyable experience possible. Our goal is to consistently enhance the content so that players can remain immersed in the world of The Apothecary Diaries for years to come.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Otomo: CTW is developing The Apothecary Diaries: Palace Chronicles with the goal of offering fans a new way to experience the story through gaming. Our team is dedicated to bringing the series’ unique charms to life, from the intricate relationships within the imperial palace to pharmacology-centered events and beloved characters like Maomao. We hope to create an experience that resonates with both newcomers and longtime fans alike. We invite you to step into this world and experience these events firsthand.
The Apothecary Diaries Palace Chronicles is available now to play for free on G123 via web browsers—no installation required. Fans can also look forward to The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 this October, followed by the new movie premiering this December in Japan.
Hyuganatsu writes the original light novel series with illustrations by Toko Shino. Nekokurage launched the manga adaptation in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan magazine in May 2017.
