Idoly Pride Game Service Concludes, Offline Version Incoming
The Idoly Pride multimedia project is set to undergo a significant change as its mobile game will conclude live service operations on March 1. This announcement, made via the official Idoly Pride X/Twitter account, brings news of an end to the active online experience for fans. However, the project also revealed a silver lining: an offline version of the game will be made available, ensuring players can continue to enjoy the idol-raising experience even after the online service ceases.
A Look Back at the Idoly Pride Mobile Game Journey
The Idoly Pride game originally launched in June 2021, making it a relatively new entry into the competitive mobile idol game market for both iOS and Android platforms. For nearly three years, players have immersed themselves in the world of up-and-coming idols, managing their careers and interacting with the unique cast of characters. The decision to end live service operations marks a new chapter for the game, transitioning it from an active online title to a persistent offline experience. This move is often seen in mobile games as a way to preserve the game's core content for its dedicated fanbase.
The Broader Idoly Pride Multimedia Project
The Idoly Pride game was just one facet of a larger, interconnected multimedia endeavor. The project aimed to tell a comprehensive story across various forms of media.
The Idoly Pride anime series premiered earlier than the game, launching on Tokyo MX and other channels in January 2021. It concluded its run in March of the same year, providing a compelling animated narrative that introduced audiences to the idol world. Funimation played a crucial role in bringing the anime to a global audience, streaming it as it aired in Japan. Notably, this anime marked the inaugural project for CAAnimation, a label established by CyberAgent in October 2018. CyberAgent is the parent company behind major entities like game developer Cygames and the streaming service AbemaTV, highlighting the significant backing behind the project.
Another key component of the Idoly Pride universe was the Idoly Pride: Stage of Asterism manga. Hiroki Haruse penned this adaptation, which began serialization in Comic Newtype in June 2020. The manga ran for a period, concluding with its third volume in January 2022. These various media offerings allowed fans to engage with the Idoly Pride narrative from multiple perspectives, building a rich and detailed world for its characters.
The Creative Forces Behind Idoly Pride
The Idoly Pride project was a collaborative effort involving several prominent companies, pooling their expertise to bring this idol story to life. CyberAgent subsidiary QualiArts, alongside Straight Edge and Music Ray'n, spearheaded the multimedia initiative.
The visual identity of the project was shaped by QP:flapper, known for their work on titles like Girlish Number and Girl Friend BETA, who provided the original character designs. The foundational concept for Idoly Pride was a joint credit to Yoshiki MIZUSUMI of QualiArts, Kaoru Adachi of Straight Edge (a producer known for the Love Live! School idol project), and Jukki Hanada of SATZ (celebrated for his scriptwriting on series such as Love Live! School idol project and Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!). Furthermore, Music Ray'n and QualiArts were responsible for crafting the project's music, a critical element for any idol-centric franchise. This blend of creative talent underscored the ambition and scope of the Idoly Pride multimedia vision.
What Comes Next for Idoly Pride Fans
While the live service for the Idoly Pride mobile game is ending on March 1, the announcement of an offline version offers comfort to players who have invested their time and affection into the game. This transition allows the spirit of Idoly Pride to live on, providing continued access to the game's story, characters, and gameplay mechanics. Fans can look forward to preserving their connection with the idols they've grown to love, ensuring the Idoly Pride legacy endures in this new format.
