"Hundred Line’s structure allows limitless possibilities." — Kazutaka Kodaka on adding new characters, collaborations, Darumi in Danganronpa, and more

RPG Site: How was it working with Uchikoshi-san on this project?

Kazutaka Kodaka: I was reminded once again that he really writes interesting scenarios. I had never experienced having him bring to life characters that I created, so it left a strong impression on me. I’d love to read another “Uchikoshi-style” Hundred Line scenario in the DLC.

RPG Site: A lot has been said already about how you had to take a loan to finish The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy-. How has the game been doing post-launch as more people played it and reviews started appearing online.

Kazutaka Kodaka: I believe the game has received extremely high praise. It offers a narrative experience that can only be found in this title, and I think people have embraced that uniqueness. It’s a game that can’t be replaced by anything else, so I’m glad I went into debt to make it. I hope Hundred Line continues to sell for a long time.

RPG Site: I'm curious about the help you had from Aniplex and XSEED Games on this release beyond just publishing. Can you go into detail for when you decided to work with both publishers and how the experience has been?

Kazutaka Kodaka: We entrusted Aniplex with all promotion and publishing, and each put up half the funding, forming a strong partnership. They also handled communication with overseas publishers. We chose them because they understood our style and tried to spread it widely.

RPG Site: Speaking of Aniplex, are there any plans to do an anime for the game? I know you've said you have many more stories to tell in this world and I'm curious if that means more through other forms of media.

Kazutaka Kodaka: Of course, I want to pursue more multimedia expansions and expand the world through DLC and other formats.

RPG Site: At any point during the development, did everyone else working on the game try to tell you to cut down scope or make the game smaller?

Kazutaka Kodaka: Yes, some people at Too Kyo Games suggested it early on, but they also recognized that the volume was part of the appeal.

RPG Site: You are very active on social media replying to fans and answering questions. Since you are directly involved with this, how do you feel about the feedback to the game online?

Kazutaka Kodaka: It’s all part of trying to sell even one more copy. While I interact with fans often, I don’t incorporate their opinions directly into the games.

RPG Site: When starting work on a new IP like this or even Master Detective Archives: Rain Code, do you worry about player expectations for those who just want more Danganronpa? 

Kazutaka Kodaka: No, I see them as separate works. Danganronpa continues on its own, while I take on new challenges. Some stylistic similarities naturally occur.

RPG Site: When looking at Hundred Line and your past work, my three favorite characters are Ibuki Mioda, Miu Iruma, and Darumi Amemiya. I'm curious who your top 3 characters are from games you've created.

Kazutaka Kodaka: I’m attached to all of them, but Monokuma is undeniably great. Sumino was the first Hundred Line character concept that solidified, so I’m fond of him.

RPG Site: Speaking of Darumi, I love how she keeps poking fun at the killing game trope and all her dialogue in general. Did you always want to have someone keep pushing this to play with player expectations?

Kazutaka Kodaka: She’d be too troublesome in Danganronpa, but she fits perfectly in this game, which only appears like a death game.

RPG Site: You've mentioned DLC before on social and while nothing has been officially announced, would you prefer doing individual route DLC with other authors?

Kazutaka Kodaka: Routes expanding lore or adding characters, and even collaborations with other writers. Hundred Line’s structure allows limitless possibilities.

RPG Site: In the Archipel interview (linked above), Uchikoshi-san said something like "whenever Kodaka-san has his mind set on something, he will do it". Has that always been your philosophy with games?

Kazutaka Kodaka: My philosophy is to make the best game possible. I stick to what’s needed, but overturn decisions if needed for quality.

RPG Site: A friend of mine was recently in Japan for a holiday and he bought a lot of The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- merchandise. I see some of it on Amazon Japan as well. This isn't a question per-say, but I hope you and the team consider doing a proper artbook and soundtrack release in the future. The licensed song might cause some problems, but I hope we see the rest of the soundtrack released. 

Kazutaka Kodaka: Understood. We’ll consider it positively!

RPG Site: It made sense to prioritize Switch and Steam for this one. Are there any plans for a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade like we just saw for Shuten Order? I ask this because the game is a bit rough on Switch compared to PC and it would benefit a lot from faster loading with better visuals and performance on Switch 2.

Kazutaka Kodaka: We’d like to consider that as well.

RPG Site: When I played The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- on PC and Switch pre-release, I was very impressed with the PC port. I'm currently still playing it on Steam Deck trying to get all the endings. How do you feel about the international Steam release as your last major title launched exclusively on Nintendo Switch with Rain Code.

Kazutaka Kodaka: The market is dominated by PC now. Releasing worldwide on Steam is essential.

RPG Site: Speaking of platforms, I know you have mentioned it before, but has there been any movement on potential PS5 or Xbox ports?

Kazutaka Kodaka: Not considering anything at the moment.

RPG Site: What have you been playing this year that you enjoyed?

Kazutaka Kodaka: Ghost of Yotei.

RPG Site: What are your aspirations for 2026?

Kazutaka Kodaka: 2025 was exciting, but in 2026 I want to focus calmly on game development.

RPG Site: How do you like your coffee? Go into as much detail as possible. If you don't like coffee, what is your favorite beverage?

Kazutaka Kodaka: I love iced coffee, even in winter. If I want to warm up, I drink hot coffee.

Kotaro Uchikoshi: "Damn it, why can't we get a lead on the suspect..." I grumble, then chug a paper cup of black coffee, mash the cup flat like a UFO shot down over Roswell, and chuck it into the trash with all the grace of a toddler throwing a tantrum. That hard-boiled-detective act is exactly how I like to drink my coffee.

[Editor's Note: Stay tuned for a special feature going up later in the year to find out why I included Kotaro Uchikoshi's response here.]