The developer of some of the most well-known visual novels in the business, Mages, has filed for bankruptcy after declaring significant losses on its financial statements. Originally known as 5pb., Mages is most known for the Science Adventure series of visual novels, which includes titles such as Chaos; Head and Steins; Gate, as well as a half-dozen anime adaptations, comics, drama CDs, and more. The future of the Science Adventure series and other Mages initiatives may now be jeopardised.
Mages have a convoluted history that dates back 17 years. It is centred on Chiyomaru Shikura, the company’s founder and executive director. Shikura’s involvement in the firm is diverse, as he is a composer, writer, producer, and main planner for Mages’ games as well as associated anime and audio works. Shikura sold Mages to Colopl, a business renowned for mobile gacha games, in 2020, while Shikura and his initiatives were mostly unaffected.
However, everything looks to be on the verge of a big upheaval at Mages. Mages has revealed financial losses of 613,000 million (about $4.6 million), forcing the firm into bankruptcy. Given Mages’ complicated structure and numerous companies and interests, specific specifics about where Mages’ loans originated are unknown. Mages, on the other hand, published games such as Phantom Breaker: Omnia, The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie adaption, and Science Adventure visual novel Anonymous; Code in 2022.
It’s unclear what will happen next. Mages might declare bankruptcy, dividing their assets and selling them individually or in bulk to the highest bidder. Mages’ parent business, Colopl, could, presumably, settle Mages’ obligations as well. Shikura could possibly repurchase Mages from Colopl, considering that he has done so before. But they are all positive results. Mages and Science Adventure might potentially go away, but there’s no sign that’s happening just yet.
The most pressing issue is where Mages’ debt originated. It’s certainly feasible that Mages’ visual novel venture will be a success. This would turn it into a valuable asset, ensuring Science Adventure’s continuous growth in 2023 and beyond. However, the visual novels might be the cause of the debt, putting Science Adventure’s visual novels in jeopardy.
Aside from the financial issues, this has to be a really sad situation for what has become an extraordinarily dedicated group of admirers. Mages’ player base adores Steins; Gate, Chaos; Head, Robotics; Notes and their countless spin-offs, sequels, and follow-ups. Shikura even live-streamed earlier this month, disclosing information on three upcoming Science Adventure projects. Shikura and Mages are still hoping to be able to share such games with Science Adventure gamers.
