Gaming News
Shibuya Scramble Stories Funding and Development Timeline
No new developments since Sep 3
Cover: GenZHype original graphic. All clips and posts below are embedded from their original sources.
By the numbers: this timeline documents 13 events from Apr 30, 2025 to Sep 3, 2026, drawn from 6 sources.
“I suppose I was acting under the assumption that people were inherently good,”
via games.gg
Background
Shibuya Scramble Stories is the planned sequel to the cult Japanese visual novel 428: Shibuya Scramble. The original title is recognized as one of the most beloved visual novels of the 2000s, specifically noted for its unique implementation of live-action photography and a narrative that serves as a time capsule of the Shibuya district during its original development period.
The sequel is designed as an ensemble piece that follows five characters from diverse backgrounds who become entangled in a plot that threatens the city of Tokyo, maintaining the blend of dramatic and absurd elements found in the first game.
The development process of the sequel has become a case study in the perils and insecurities associated with crowdfunding. Despite these hurdles, the project has survived through repeated waves of fan support and strategic partnerships, as the development team continues to seek legal compensation for lost funds while simultaneously expanding the game's scope and cast.
In 2026, the project was reportedly first revealed to the Japanese public, generating a flurry of excitement. This initial phase of funding took place on the Japanese crowdfunding platform Ugboe, where the project reportedly earned 55 million yen, which is approximately $340,000, to begin the development of the sequel.
In 2026, Following the successful Ugboe campaign, the development team was reportedly informed that the raised funds had been sent to the wrong account by accident. This alleged administrative error reportedly resulted in the loss of half of the promised funding, creating a significant financial deficit for the project.
In 2026, in response to the reported loss of half of the initial crowdfunding capital, a legal case was reportedly initiated to recover the missing funds. As of September 2026, this legal case regarding the allegedly withheld money reportedly remains ongoing.
In 2026, To mitigate the fallout from the reportedly lost Ugboe funds and ensure development could continue, the team launched a second crowdfunding campaign. This campaign requested 10 million yen in additional backing and was reportedly highly successful, earning 436 percent of its goal, totaling 43 million yen (approximately $260,000), according to kotaku.com.
In August 2026, the project's lead director, Jiro Ishii, was reportedly rushed to the hospital for emergency admission.
The timeline
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Crowdfunding Campaign Launched on Ubugoe
Jirō Ishii reportedly launches a crowdfunding campaign on the Japanese website Ubugoe for a new live-action adventure game set in Shibuya, according to Article 2.[2]
Screenshot of animenewsnetwork.com, captured Sep 15, 2026. Source [2] -
Official Start of Crowdfunding Campaign
The crowdfunding campaign for the new live-action adventure game allegedly officially begins, as stated in Article 2.[2]
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Title Reveal and Crowdfunding Success Announcement
Jiro Ishii reportedly announces the title Shibuya Scramble Stories and reveals the campaign achieved 670 percent of its funding goal (Article 1).[3]
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Release Window and Production Partners Announced
Jiro Ishii reportedly announced the game is planned for a 2028 release with Tokyu Land Corporation and Skeleton Crew Studio as production partners.[5]
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Conclusion of Initial Crowdfunding Campaign
The crowdfunding campaign for the new live-action adventure game reportedly ends (Article 2).[2]
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Crowdfunding Transfer Deadline
Ubgoe was allegedly contractually required to transfer the full amount of raised funds by this date.[6]
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Repayment Deadline for Missing Funds
Ubgoe CEO Kazua Okada signed a memorandum allegedly guaranteeing full repayment by this date, though only a fraction was transferred according to reports.[6]
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Project Presentation Event
Jiro Ishii reportedly attends a presentation event where a gameplay demo and two new characters are revealed according to Article 3.[4]
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Funding Milestone and Financial Update
Jiro Ishii allegedly announces total crowdfunding has surpassed 100 million JPY and states his company, Storytelling, will reportedly temporarily cover unpaid funds from the Ubugoe fiasco per Article 3.[4]
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Gameplay Reveal and Project Revival Presentation
A talk event was held in Shibuya where the team showcased fresh gameplay footage, suggesting that the project appears to be back on track. The presentation indicated that the new title will reportedly remain in 'familiar territory' for fans of the original 428: Shibuya Scramble, focusing on the ensemble cast and the Tokyo setting.[1]
Screenshot of kotaku.com, captured Sep 12, 2026. Source [1] -
Expansion of Game Cast
The team announced the addition of two new characters to the game's cast. Influencer Namae wa Mada Nai will reportedly play a college student who aspires to be a journalist, and professional wrestler Unagi Sayaka will reportedly portray a member of a group referred to as the 'Banana Cult.'[1]
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Tokyu Building Partnership Established
According to 4Gamer, the development team partnered with the owners of the Tokyu building located on the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. This partnership provided the team with full access and support for the shoot of the footage shown at the event, and the owners will continue as official supporters of the full game.[1]
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Launch of Additional Character Crowdfunding
Coinciding with the gameplay reveal, the team launched further crowdfunding efforts specifically to add more characters to the game. During this announcement, the team provided a breakdown of how the currently attained funds are being spent while they continue to seek the recovery of the reportedly withheld funds.[1]
Who is involved
Frequently asked
How much funding was lost during the Shibuya Scramble Stories crisis?
Half of the initial 55 million yen (approximately $340,000) raised on the Ugboe platform was lost after being sent to the wrong account by accident.
Who is the lead director of the game and what happened to him?
The lead director is Jiro Ishii, who was admitted to the hospital for an emergency stay in late August 2026.
What is the current status of the game's development?
The game is reportedly back on track, with new gameplay recently showcased at a Shibuya event and new cast members added to the project.
Who are the new cast members announced for the sequel?
The new cast includes influencer Namae wa Mada Nai, playing an aspiring journalist, and professional wrestler Unagi Sayaka, playing a member of the Banana Cult.
More related drama (4)
Sources (6)
Cite this timeline
This timeline compiles 13 dated events from 6 sources. If it helped your reporting, cite it:
GenZHype. “Shibuya Scramble Stories Funding and Development Timeline.”
GenZHype, 16 September 2026,
https://genzhype.com/gaming/shibuya-scramble-stories-funding-and-development-timeline/.