Major Japanese game publisher DMM Games has announced that it may change character designs featured in Girls Creation: Geijutsu Kitan, a museum-themed TRPG developed by Studio Kumasan. This comes in response to Gaou, a guest artist behind some of the game’s character designs, facing serious allegations involving a minor (as reported by Game*Spark).
Gaou is a Japanese illustrator and comic artist who has worked on card games like Rage of Bahamut and Cardfight!! Vanguard, numerous light novel illustrations and high-profile VTuber designs. As reported by ITmedia, On June 29, a prominent Japanese streamer accused Gaou (40 years old) of committing lewd acts with a minor (14 at the time, now 17), citing testimony from the victim herself. Allegedly, Gaou himself admitted to the accusations via phone during the stream, but there is currently no official written statement from Gaou that confirms this.
The scandal escalated on X and other social media, which likely led to users sending inquiries about projects Gaou is associated with. DMM Games was quick to announce that as of June 30, the artist is no longer involved in the development of Girls Creation. Furthermore, the publisher is considering changing the designs contributed by him so far. As Gaou is known for drawing young-looking female characters and explicit comics, it’s possible DMM Games is trying to address discomfort expressed by players over the potential implications.
Separate art from artists, the art has done nothing wrong.