Idolland PriPara, the highly anticipated smartphone game based on the popular PriPara franchise by TAKARA TOMY A.R.T.S and syn Sophia, has experienced a series of delays. However, fans can finally mark their calendars for the game’s release in August, as announced by the official Idolland PriPara Twitter account.
Originally scheduled to debut in spring 2021, the game faced numerous setbacks. It was first delayed to summer 2021, then to spring 2022, followed by summer or fall 2022. The fourth delay occurred in October 2022, and most recently, the release was rescheduled for spring. Unfortunately, it was once again delayed in April. Despite the challenges, the game has garnered significant attention, with 200,000 people pre-registering.
Accompanying the app is a new anime series, which will be available for streaming within the app itself. While the regular run of the anime has also experienced delays, viewers have been treated to online preview screenings of the prequel episode, “episode 0,” and the premiere episode in October 2021. Subsequent episodes, including episode 2 in January 2022 and episode 3 in May 2022, had their own preview screenings. In November 2022, these episodes were streamed again, this time with new audio commentary tracks.
Developed by syn Sophia, the “virtual idol life app” invites users to immerse themselves in the vibrant PriPara theme park, where they can create and customize their own idol characters.
Makoto Moriwaki, known for their involvement in various PriPara television anime series, will return to direct the in-app anime, collaborating with Tatsunoko Productions. Michihiro Tsuchiya will oversee the series scripts. Alongside the returning staff members, Avex Pictures will once again be responsible for producing the music, ensuring a captivating audio experience.
The PriPara franchise originated from syn Sophia’s Pretty Rhythm: Mini Skirt arcade game in 2010. Since then, it has expanded to include four television anime series, five anime films, and the successful King of Prism spinoff franchise. The sequel game, PriPara (Prism Paradise), launched in 2014 and inspired four television anime series, as well as four anime films.
Kiratto Pri☆Chan, another installment in the franchise, premiered its first season in Japan in April 2018, followed by the second season in April 2019. The third season aired from April 2020 to May 2021. The anime was simulcast on Crunchyroll.
To celebrate the franchise’s 10th anniversary, a new magic-themed television anime titled Waccha PriMagi! debuted in October 2021. The series concluded with its 51st episode in October 2022, marking an impressive 11-and-a-half years of uninterrupted television anime broadcast history. HIDIVE streamed the series, and Sentai Filmworks acquired the license for home video distribution.
Fans can now look forward to experiencing the world of PriPara in the upcoming smartphone game, as it finally hits the virtual shelves in August. Let the idol journey begin!
