Japanese studio BA-KU has announced Hyakubyaku – a brand-new title directed and written by Renya Setoguchi (note that the title is simply transcribed, not an official English title). The Steam store page is currently in preparation, while the release date remains under wraps for the time being.
Hyakubyaku will be BA-KU’s second self-published title, following 2022’s Black Sheep Town. In 2023, the studio also released the dark visual novel Hira Hira Hihiru with the support of publisher Aniplex. Both titles were penned by Setoguchi and have received positive reception, with Hira Hira Hihiru earning an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam.
Setoguchi’s past work includes classic bishojo visual novels like CARNIVAL, SWAN SONG and Kira☆Kira, which have earned him recognition for his nuanced psychological writing and thematically rich storytelling. Afte announcing his retirement in 2008, Setoguchi returned to the game industry in 2019 with the release of MUSICUS. Since then, he has been active with BA-KU.
Few details about Hyakubyaku have been revealed so far, but the game’s artwork will be handled by illustrator and animator Karin Kanzaki, while the music will be composed by Hideyuki Babai. Also known under the alias “BB,” this will be Babai’s first collaboration with Setoguchi since SWAN SONG.
Hyakubyaku is currently in development. Updates on the project are expected to be announced through BA-KU’s official X account.
