The Japanese development team BA-KU has unveiled Hyakubyaku, a fresh project helmed by director and writer Renya Setoguchi (note that this is a transliteration, not an official English title). The Steam store listing is currently in the works, though a release window has not yet been disclosed.
Hyakubyaku marks BA-KU’s second self-published effort, following the 2022 release of Black Sheep Town. The studio also delivered the somber visual novel Hira Hira Hihiru in 2023, published by Aniplex. Both games were crafted by Setoguchi and have garnered favorable reviews, with Hira Hira Hihiru achieving an “Overwhelmingly Positive” Steam rating.
Setoguchi’s career includes notable bishojo visual novels such as CARNIVAL, SWAN SONG, and Kira☆Kira, which have established his reputation for intricate psychological narratives and thematically layered storytelling. After stepping away from the industry in 2008, Setoguchi made a comeback in 2019 with MUSICUS and has since collaborated with BA-KU.
Details regarding Hyakubyaku remain scarce at this stage, but the game’s visuals will be overseen by illustrator and animator Karin Kanzaki, with the soundtrack composed by Hideyuki Babai. Known by the alias “BB,” this marks Babai’s first partnership with Setoguchi since SWAN SONG.
Hyakubyaku is currently under development. Further information about the project is expected to be shared via BA-KU’s official X account.