VISUAL ARTS has announced that its founder, Jun Maeda, is changing his focus for ongoing projects as a result of a pharyngeal cancer diagnosis. He is currently working on Heaven Burns Red and a new music project on YouTube, though will focus on completing in progress works as he undergoes palliative care.
VISUAL ARTS shared the information through this post on X (formerly Twitter):
Maeda is best known for creating Angel Beats, Clannad, and Charlotte. VISUAL ARTS shared an email ([email protected]) and an address (Park Tower 17F, 2-10-70 Nambanaka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka 556-0011, Japan, VISUAL ARTS Co., Ltd. / ATTN: Jun Maeda) where well wishers can send Maeda messages of support. Maeda has requested no gifts be sent. He will be foregoing treatment in favor of palliative care in order to complete his creative work.
Heaven Burns Red tells the story of humanity’s struggle against a mysterious life forms known as “the Phage”. Humanity’s weapons are ineffective against the Phage, and the enemies eventually drive them to the brink of extinction. Their last hope is placed in Seraph, newly developed weapons that a group of girls may use to defeat the Phage in battle. Players control protagonist Ruka Kayamori as she leads a Seraph Corps squad into battle against the Phage. Maeda has finished writing the first half of Chapter 6 and planned the whole thing, as well as writing the music, though he may be unable to be involved further. Heaven Burns Red is available now for Android, iOS and PC.
Maeda was also working on an original music project for YouTube. He will focus on completing songs he has started work on, to be released over time.
