Following the announcement that production has commenced for its licensed crowdfunded tabletop game, Shin Megami Tensei: The Board Game, Tokyo-based developer ICREA has issued an apology for delays in addressing backer queries. In a Kickstarter update, the studio detailed new measures to enhance communication with supporters, along with a timeline for upcoming disclosures regarding payment and shipping.
On October 9, the project addressed concerns raised by backers about the absence of communication from Kickstarter or BackerKit concerning payments. ICREA clarified that this was due to the project’s initially intended payment platform (distinct from Kickstarter and BackerKit) becoming unavailable, prompting the studio to seek an alternative solution. As a result, the organizers stated they will engage directly with backers on this issue, bypassing automated notifications from Kickstarter or BackerKit systems.
ICREA expressed regret for the delay in responding to backer inquiries, acknowledging it failed to meet its commitment of providing answers within the promised timeframe. The post explained that this was caused by inquiries arriving through various channels, and that all future questions will be channeled through Kickstarter DMs to streamline communication.
The update concluded with a schedule outlining the next steps:
October 16: Announcement of shipping costs, customs fees, and new payment options
October 23: Commencement of payment collection
November 9: Final reminder for the payment deadline 48 hours in advance
November 11: Deadline for shipping payment and last quantity confirmation.
Shin Megami Tensei The Boardgame was first unveiled in 2024, with a prototype showcased at both Gen Con and Tokyo Game Show. ICREA subsequently launched a Kickstarter campaign that ran from November 12 to December 13, ultimately securing 98.96 million JPY after surpassing its initial 30 million JPY goal in just three hours.
Positioned as a “super heavyweight” strategy game for two to four participants, Shin Megami Tensei: The Board Game integrates the franchise’s hallmark Demon Negotiation mechanic, enabling players to interact with and enlist demons as allies, alongside Demon Fusion, which allows players to merge demons into more formidable entities. The game’s promotional material prominently featured the inclusion of 72 intricately crafted demon miniatures. Mass production commenced on September 24, with the game reportedly still on schedule for an November shipment.
The game has faced at least two significant schedule setbacks since its Kickstarter campaign, with manufacturing and shipping timelines initially shifted to 2025 and later to 2026. On both occasions, ICREA attributed the delays to “additional time required for rule adjustments and component refinements.”
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