Cutie Girl Battler "Fated Trigger" Is Back at This Year's TGS! Report on Talk Session by Its 3-Developer Team [TGS2025] 【PR】
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/836/G083691/20250925100/
Editorial Department: Akasaka | 2025/09/27 01:00 (UTC)
Saroasis Studios is exhibiting at the Tokyo Game Show 2025, held from September 25 to 28 at Makuhari Messe, with a booth (HALL3-C03) showcasing its new title, Fate Trigger.
Following strong reception last year (related article), this year’s booth has been expanded in size. Attendees enjoyed immersive visuals displayed on large screens, and visitors were given TGS-exclusive merchandise.
This game is an anime-style shooting title featuring characters known as Awakeners. In the core battle royale mode, up to 100 players compete in teams of four, fighting for survival.
While male Awakeners appear in the game, it’s particularly notable for its diverse and charming female characters—such as Kiraa Inaba, voiced by Kanako Mitsuhashi, and Hakusuri, voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro. This title may be especially appealing to players who are interested in battle royale games but have been hesitant due to character design.
An early access version for PC is scheduled for release on Steam in early 2026—so keep an eye out!
Official Website for “Fate Trigger”
The following highlights from the talk session held on the first day of TGS 2025 are also featured. The discussion primarily focused on the closed beta test conducted globally from July 25 to August 26, sharing direct feedback and insights from players with the development team.
The panel included Producer/Director Mr. JH, Game Planner Terry, and Art Director Kun, who answered various questions from attendees.
— Could you explain why Saroasis Studios chose to participate in TGS again this year, following last year’s appearance?
JH:
Last year, we strongly felt the enthusiasm from Japanese players, which greatly boosted our confidence and motivation. Japan has always been a key market for us. Recently, shooting games have gained popularity here, with more players drawn toward competitive experiences. We’d be delighted if Fate Trigger becomes a new choice for fans of Japanese shooting games.
Terry:
TGS offers a rare opportunity to hear player feedback firsthand. Last year, we received an abundance of input. Over the past year, our game has evolved significantly—new modes, characters, weapons, and vehicles have been added. We truly hope players will try the latest version and share their thoughts once again.
Kun:
We’ve introduced three new characters: Shiryu, Ryokon, and Mindi, bringing the total to 10. Each has a distinct design, which I believe greatly expands the variety of gameplay experiences.
— What was the purpose behind conducting your first global closed beta test recently?
JH:
Improving a shooting game is impossible without player feedback. Through this large-scale closed beta, we wanted players to understand our designs, strategic depth, and tactical elements. It also provided an excellent opportunity to better understand Japanese players’ preferences and needs. We sincerely thank everyone who participated.
— Were there any feedback comments that particularly stood out to you?
Kun:
During the test, we were especially focused on whether our art style and character designs would resonate with Japanese players. We received many positive responses, which strengthened our confidence in our design direction.
Terry:
Compared to last year’s test, there was a noticeable increase in favorable feedback from Japan this time. However, we also received some critical comments—particularly regarding performance optimization and frame drops. These issues were highlighted by many players, so the development team has prioritized addressing them.
— Were there any other standout moments during the closed beta?
JH:
Despite the high participation barrier, over 40,000 Japanese players joined the test. Many were core gamers with an average playtime exceeding 180 minutes per day. At one point, Japanese players dominated the leaderboard on Asian servers—this was especially impressive given their skill level.
Terry:
I’ll never forget how many top-tier Japanese streamers covered the game live on Twitch during the first day—it even reached fifth place in the trending section!
Kun:
During the test period, over 100 fan art pieces scored above 100 points were posted on social media—each of our existing characters was drawn. I was deeply touched when Japanese players took the initiative to cosplay as them. For a designer, there’s no greater joy than that.
— Could you share your philosophy behind character design?
Kun:
Our core principle is pursuing professional-level character development. Fate Trigger has a fully realized world with rich backstories: each character has a defined history, personality, and narrative arc. We aim to deliver well-rounded, three-dimensional characters.
— Anime-style shooting games haven’t yet produced any globally standout titles. What aspects do you plan to deepen as you continue down this path?
JH:
The key element is compelling characters. We also place great importance on game modes—we envision Fate Trigger becoming a platform for shooting games in the future. To that end, we’ll keep introducing diverse gameplay modes to meet various player needs.
Terry:
Our development team consists entirely of otaku who love 2D art, so merging two-dimensional aesthetics with shooting mechanics is at the heart of this game. At the same time, to ensure long-term appeal, we’re fully committed to making it genuinely fun as a shooting game.
— What are your plans for the future?
JH:
One thing is certain: Japan will remain an essential region in our operations. We’ll continue investing in community building, esports tournaments, and IP collaborations.
Specifically, we plan to maintain regular communication with Japanese players through community channels, gather feedback, and share development updates. For esports, we aim to create engaging, impactful events.
As a first step, we’re planning exhibition matches during TGS—on September 27 and 28—with renowned streamers and professional players invited. Be sure to check them out!
Thumbnail image for Image Gallery No.020 / “Fate Trigger,” the girl-powered battle royale game, is back at TGS 2025! Report from a talk session with three members of the development team [TGS2025] 【PR】
Thumbnail image for Image Gallery No.023 / “Fate Trigger,” the girl-powered battle royale game, is back at TGS 2025! Report from a talk session with three members of the development team [TGS2025] 【PR】
Thumbnail image for Image Gallery No.021 / “Fate Trigger,” the girl-powered battle royale game, is back at TGS 2025! Report from a talk session with three members of the development team [TGS2025] 【PR】