The Curious Case of Digimon Survive.

Before I get started, let me just say that The Batman was impressive and I recommend seeing it. Now, onto today's topic. During this year's Digimon Con Online; there was a segment dedicated to upcoming games in the series. One of which is a title that's been a source of both intrigue and concern ever since it was first announced: Digimon Survive.

Courtesy: Bandai Namco

First announced in 2018; the game has seen numerous delays and changes in developers, with new information promised at the convention. While many of these details do show promise (such as the darker tone and the approach to the branching storylines); there's still the fact that the game has yet to see a release date beyond simply 2022. The statement from the developers and the request to be patient has done little to assuage these feelings; so today, I'm going to take a look at the curious case of Digimon Survive.

Let's start with the 2018 announcement. At the time, the game seemed like it was on track to release for the 20th anniversary of the brand in 2019. Even as someone who openly admitted to not having played many of the other games in the series, it showed potential. I was especially interested in the game including a permadeath feature for both Digimon and human party members. Time passed, and the game was delayed to 2020 because of production issues.

As you may recall, that date didn't see the game release either. Instead, the game was one of many titles impacted by Bandai Namco being reorganized as a result of the novel coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. Though games have arguably been one of the facets of pop culture that's flourished in this landscape, it hasn't been perfect. It emerged late in the year that the game would be restarting development with a new team; something that would happen more than once. The game would then be delayed to the year 2021.

Said year came and went, saw the project change developer hands again; and here we are in 2022. Though I haven't played the Complete Edition of the Cybersleuth games (looked interesting though, might pick them up sometime); the developers are now Hyde, primarily known for the Rune Factory series. They are succeeding Witchcraft, who were involved with the project as early as its initial announcement in 2018; and mainly developed mobile games before and since. Their staff were reorganized multiple times even before the lockdowns and work-from-home orders began; which typically isn't a good sign. 

This brings us to Digimon Con Online on February 26, 2022. Though producer Habu Kazumaza did outline many details about what Digimon Survive will contain (key ones being the main quest taking 40 hours, at least 80-100 hours for 100% completion and 113 Digimon to partner with), the fact that there still isn't a release date is a concern that hasn't been really dealt with. While Kazumaza did stress that it's good to be patient and keep waiting; I don't think that's the problem. The problem is that it's been delayed for nearly three years and has seen multiple changes in developers; with the project being restarted from scratch each time. I'm not the kind of person that makes decisions based on unconfirmed details; but when there's been this much upheaval in such a short time, it's definitely not surprising that Kazumaza's statement did not really reassure fans at all.

So, where do we go from here? Well, that still remains uncertain. Even as someone who's been low-key intrigued by the game; I'm not going to mince words when I say that the information coming out about development suggests a very troubled production. By the developers' own admission, the game largely resembles a visual novel in terms of story presentation with turn-based strategy gameplay; both of which I think should suit the project well. Those kinds of titles have done fine and have turned out good; with examples ranging from Fire Emblem to Final Fantasy Tactics; even arguably more niche titles like Disgaea. At the same time, the lack of concrete details or even a fine release window is concerning. I don't really pursue a topic of any kind unless I have something to contribute to the conversation; and I may not agree with every issue that's raised (I don't really agree with the complaints some have about Pokémon lately, for example); but even as someone who's been hoping for this game to be worthwhile (especially as someone who openly admits to not having played many other Digimon games), I can say I won't be surprised if they have to delay the game again.

This isn't the last Digimon article I have in mind for this year, nor will it likely be the last time I address this game. I will bring you any further information as it becomes available, but given the messaging so far, I don't expect to hear more for a while. That will be all for now. Later.