Trickcal developer Epid Games discussed new story content, anime adaptations, merchandise plans, and the game's rising popularity in Japan. Read on to learn more about the interview and its highlights.
Trickcal Devs Tease Anime, Confirm New Season 1 Story Content, and More
Trickcal Finds a Partner Studio for Adaptation
Trickcal: Chibi Go’s Vice CEO Sim Johnson confirmed the studio has long wanted an anime adaptation, something CEO Han Jung-hyun has pushed for since a short animated teaser aired during the game's half-anniversary celebration. According to Sim, funding an anime has been a persistent obstacle, but the studio has recently secured a partner company to make it happen.
In an interview with Famitsu, they detailed upcoming plans surrounding the franchise, though what remains undecided is the anime project’s direction. Their team is currently weighing a few different approaches, including an original story unconnected to the game, a lighter tone about the cast's cuteness, or an adaptation following the game's current scenario. Han added that a Japanese broadcast isn't confirmed yet, though they hope to bring it to audiences eventually.
New Interlude Story Added for Season 1
Trickcal is also adding new story content to Season 1, in the form of an interlude releasing simultaneously across all regions. Han explained this addition was made in regard to the reception of the game's first anniversary theater story in Korea. While that story performed well, some players noted it moved too abruptly, so the team developed the interlude to make the anniversary story easier to follow and more immersive.
Han also teased that three more theme theater stories are planned, giving their fans and players more to look forward to. These are slated to launch between the current Aya theme theater and Trickcal's upcoming global first anniversary, all of which he described as "genuinely interesting" scenarios.
Merchandise Collabs with Japan's Unique Fan Culture
Part of the interview had focused on Trickcal's unexpectedly strong merchandise presence and fandom in Japan. Sim noted that while the merchandise direction doesn't differ much between Korea and Japan, sales patterns do: Japan prefers offline purchases, unlike Korea, where top characters sell out first. Japanese players tend to purchase products more evenly across the cast, instead of sticking to one or a few favorites. Epid Games additionally confirmed they’re preparing collaborations with several major manufacturers ahead of Trickcal's first anniversary, alongside separate limited-time collaborations with local businesses in Akihabara, but further details on this are expected to be released later on.
The conversation also touched on memes, where the character's Korean voice work turned into viral fan-made videos in Japan. Han saw the trend as fascinating, noting that while the character saw some popularity in Korea initially, it didn't reach the same trending momentum there until its unexpected explosion in Japan reignited some interest back in their own home country.
Ongoing Investments and Projects
Asked about the noticeably larger voice cast in the Japanese version compared to Korean, Sim confirmed that Epid Games covers the full cost of in-game voice recording out of pocket, calling it a genuinely massive expense on finances and time. But to ensure such consistency, their studio stays closely involved in direction during recording sessions to maintain quality.
As for Trickcal Patima, a separate upcoming title briefly mentioned in the interview, Sim said the project is still in its early stages. Any further news is likely still years away, with no confirmed plans yet for a global or Japanese release.
Trickcal: Chibi Go is currently available on iOS and Android. For more information and insights on the game, check out the page below!
Source:
Famitsu | Trickcal Anime Adaptation Interview with Epid Games CEO and Vice CEO
