According to Dragami Games, a new Lollipop Chainsaw sequel and a companion anime adaptation are in development, slated for a world-premiere playable debut at Tokyo Game Show. The untitled project arrives more than a decade after the 2012 original and follows the 2024 RePOP remaster, though original creative leads like Suda51 are not involved in this new installment.
Playable World Premiere at Tokyo Game Show
The upcoming Lollipop Chainsaw game will make its first public appearance with a playable demo at the Sega and Atlus booth, according to official announcements from Dragami Games. Four demo stations will operate within the Sega Partners area during the event at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. Visitors who play the demo will receive an original keychain while supplies last, alongside event logo stickers distributed at the booth. Official cosplayer PeachMilky will appear at the venue dressed as protagonist Juliet Starling in her new outfit, which features a more conservative letterman jacket according to promotional artwork. Distribution for the title in Japan and Southeast Asia is managed by Sega.
https://x.com/Dragami_Games/status/2095316092822704601
Did you know? The upcoming sequel follows the commercial performance of Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP, a remaster released in 2024 that Dragami Games indicated surpassed sales expectations and paved the way for a brand-new entry.
Development Shift and Studio Involvement
JP Universe, a game technology company founded by Hajime Tabata, is developing the new Lollipop Chainsaw game. Tabata is widely recognized for directing Final Fantasy XV and Final Fantasy Type-0. Founded in 2022, JP Universe has focused on its proprietary AI-driven RPG engine, OwnWorld, designed to accelerate high-end development and assist creators in building worlds, characters, and narratives. However, neither Tabata’s specific role nor whether he is acting as the game’s director has been officially confirmed by the studio yet.
Unlike the 2012 original, which was developed by Grasshopper Manufacture with direction from Suda51 and Tomo Ikeda alongside co-writer James Gunn, none of those leading figures are attached to this sequel. Dragami Games has assured fans that some developers from the first game remain involved, but no specific names have been disclosed.
Marketing Stance and Cultural Context
Dragami Games has positioned the new project around creative independence. When the partnership between NADA Holdings and Dragami Games was announced, the developer stated that the game would honor the spirit of the original while avoiding excessive creative restrictions in the name of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This stance drew varied reactions across the gaming community, sparking online debates regarding creative freedom versus culture-war messaging in game marketing.
| Release Era | Key Developers | Project Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Original | Grasshopper Manufacture, Suda51, James Gunn | Cult classic zombie action game for PS3 and Xbox 360 |
| 2024 Remaster | Dragami Games | Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP for modern hardware |
| Upcoming Sequel | JP Universe, Hajime Tabata, Dragami Games | Brand-new game and companion anime adaptation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is developing the new Lollipop Chainsaw game?
JP Universe, the studio founded by Hajime Tabata, is developing the new title in partnership with Dragami Games.
Will original creators like Suda51 be involved?
No leading figures from the original 2012 game, including director Suda51 and developer Grasshopper Manufacture, are listed as participants in the new sequel.
When can players try the new game?
The game makes its world-premiere playable debut at Tokyo Game Show, featured at the Sega and Atlus booth with four demo stations.
Is an anime also planned?
Yes, Dragami Games confirmed a companion anime adaptation alongside the announcement of the new video game project.
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