The hit Japanese visual novel game Needy Streamer Overload just got exciting news – an anime adaptation set to premiere in April 2026. However, things don’t seem to be going so well behind the scenes. On the day of the anime’s announcement, Nyalra, the game’s main scenario writer, announced that he was one-sidedly removed from the project, without being fully compensated for his work. In response, the game’s publisher, Why So Serious (WSS) Playground, released a statement with its own take on what happened.
Although Nyalra was involved in the anime’s production and creative supervision from day one, he says that at some point, discord emerged between him and WSS Playground. As a result, the publisher unilaterally removed Nyalra from the project’s management. During this period, the creator was diagnosed with adjustment disorder and depression, but continued working as screenwriter and supervising creator for the anime out of dedication to the staff and fans.
However, as the anime neared announcement, Nyalra was informed that he was no longer to participate in promotional activities. He also reported that he has not received full payment for the work done; an issue that is now being handled through lawyers. Further problems would arise in October 2025, when WSS allegedly stated that anime production would be halted unless Nyalra was publicly removed. This led to the writer being completely excluded from events and interviews just before the anime’s public reveal.
On the other hand, WSS Playground’s response alleges that Nyalra’s announcement contains several factual inaccuracies and omissions, such as failing to mention his supposed request to withdraw from the project in April 2025 – a request that the publisher accepted. Additionally, both parties have been in talks through their respective legal counsels for an amicable solution since August 2025. WSS Playground also claims to have properly paid Nyalra for his work.
While talks between Nyalra and WSS Playground have yet to conclude, developer Xemono announced that it would no longer be involved with the Needy Streamer Overload IP starting November 2025. The studio cited unfair demands by WSS Playground’s Daichi Saito and requests by the publisher to fix bugs despite Xemono not receiving revenue from the game for a period that began in May 2023. The payments were eventually made, but not without Xemono getting lawyers involved. Even then, Xemono notes that several suspicious expenses were deducted from the payments. Following the termination of WSS Playground and Xemono’s contract on July 1, 2025, all Needy Streamer Overload revenue for the latter has ceased completely.
Needy Streamer Overload, known as “Needy Girl Overdose” in Japan, is acclaimed for its psychological horror aspects and has even spawned a weird typing spin-off. Though the anime is still a-go, it’s sad to see the relationship between the development studio and publisher get so strained.
The Needy Streamer Overload anime is set to air in April 2026. The game is available for PC via Steam.
