Ahead of the launch of BLEACH Mirrors High on October 28, Final Weapon had the chance to interview the producers of the game to learn more about its development and the role of BLEACH creator Tite Kubo. The BLEACH Mirrors High producers also discussed the goals they and Kubo-sensei had in mind for the game, along with the inception of the card-based combat system and what players can soon expect from post-launch updates.
BLEACH Mirrors High is the next BLEACH video game title following the release of 2025’s BLEACH Rebirth of Souls. One of the game’s most notable features is an original story, which was supervised and given direction by Kubo himself. The game is releasing at an interesting point in the BLEACH franchise’s history, as its the first new release following the conclusion of the BLEACH Thousand-Year Blood War anime. The 22-year journey of the BLEACH anime may have reached a stopping point, but a new tale will be charted with all-new original characters in BLEACH Mirrors High.
Get the full interview with the BLEACH Mirrors High producers below:
Editor’s note: This interview was conducted before the reveal of the release date for BLEACH Mirrors High. The producers also wished to remain anonymous for this interview.
Could you tell us about your role in the development of BLEACH Mirrors High?
As the producers of BLEACH Mirrors High, we have a hand in every aspect of the game’s production, from development to management and strategic planning.
When did development of BLEACH Mirrors High begin? Was series creator Tite Kubo-sensei involved from the very start?
Development planning for the game began several years ago. Tite Kubo-sensei became involved once the game’s overall concept and design direction had been established internally. Notably, he provided supervision and reviewed the story direction as we mapped out the plot of the main scenario. In addition, Kubo-sensei created the character settings and designs for a total of 15 new characters: the two male and female protagonists and 13 new Squad members.
What were some goals that you and Kubo-sensei set out to achieve with BLEACH Mirrors High?
During the game’s planning and production, our team aimed to focus on the concept of a “Protagonist Soul Reaper Experience”, allowing players to experience what it would be like to live as a Soul Reaper. We believe that this game offers a new, unique BLEACH experience while staying faithful to the world of BLEACH, and we hope you’re looking forward to seeing what that looks like.
What’s the story behind the creation of the game’s protagonists, Shirin Migishima and Shirane Sanari?
With BLEACH Mirrors High, our goal is to give players a chance to both grow as Soul Reapers living in Soul Society, and play the role of the main character in a whole new story rather than living vicariously through the original protagonist, Ichigo Kurosaki. As such, in addition to his supervisory role in the creation of the main scenario, we also asked Kubo-sensei to come up with the character designs for the game’s protagonists, and that’s how Shirin Migishima and Shirane Sanari were born.
BLEACH Mirrors High’s combat is stylish and slightly reminiscent of BLEACH Rebirth of Souls. How did the Action Card system come about? Were there any other concepts or ideas that the team had in mind for the combat system?
During the initial stages of development, we actually designed a full action combat system that didn’t involve the use of cards. But, as development continued, we decided to focus on ensuring that combat was intuitive and user friendly to suit its nature as a mobile game. So, we improved and iterated upon the card system until we arrived at our current combat system.
A BLEACH Mirrors High closed beta test was held this past July, giving fans their first opportunity to try out the game. What are some improvements and adjustments that the team have worked on since then?
We received very positive feedback from many players who participated in our recent closed beta test regarding the game’s core concept of being able to step into the world of BLEACH and experience the life of a Soul Reaper.
Conversely, we also received reports of the game crashing on some devices, as well as feedback relating to the character training system and the UI. In response, we are implementing bug fixes and graphics settings will now automatically adjust based on device specs, which should help prevent crashes. We’re also reevaluating how difficult it is to obtain Training Items, and making improvements to app usability, starting with the UI. We believe these improvements should create a more intuitive and enjoyable player experience, so please try out the game and see for yourselves.
What can players expect from post-launch updates?
We will be adding new characters and holding corresponding events in the game. In addition to introducing characters from the original series and anime, we’re also planning to release all-new original outfits and animations, so we hope you’re looking forward to what we have in store for you all.
We’re also working on new chapters of the main scenario along with new features for the game, so please stay tuned for further information regarding those updates.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Thank you for reading and for your support. Everyone on the team is excited to finally share BLEACH Mirrors High with players around the world. In this game, you’ll step into the role of a Soul Reaper, wield your own Zanpakuto, and experience a completely original story set in the world of BLEACH. We hope you’ll enjoy carving your own future. We can’t wait for you to begin your journey in BLEACH Mirrors High.
Thank you so much for your time!
BLEACH Mirrors High is available now worldwide for Android and iOS.
Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War Part 4 – The Calamity is currently streaming on Hulu and Disney+ (internationally).
