Report on the Special Stage for "PROJECT ZIRCON," a Rogue-like Card Game Featuring Over 1,000 Characters, at [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/738/G073800/20250928021/
Editorial Department: Basho | 2025/09/28 04:46 (UTC)
At today’s (September 28, 2025) Tokyo Game Show 2025 KONAMI booth, the special stage for the co-creation project “PROJECT ZIRCON” took place.
This project allows users to experience the entire process of creating a brand-new game. Participants can earn “character appearance rights” by designing their own settings, and after the game is released, they will be able to contribute in various ways—such as suggesting ideas or participating in playtesting.
During this stage, founder Shiro, puzzle creator Nazo no Designer, and MC Aoi Fujikawa joined the event to share numerous new updates.
First, the project’s concept was reviewed and the game details were reintroduced. The game will be a roguelike card game centered around a story featuring over 1,000 characters created by players themselves, with an objective to develop four major nations. The team aims to release the PC version worldwide before the end of 2026.
The project’s development is contingent on reaching 20,000 followers on its official X account this year. Those interested should check out the official X page.
Next, media mix information was unveiled.
A work created during the co-hosted event with Sally, “The 2nd PROJECT ZIRCON Madamis Contest,” is now playable on the “Uzu” madamis communication app. A total of 20 works are available, including Shiro’s own creation: “Zircon Werewolf – The Hidden Identity Card Game.”
Additionally, the board game “The Great Disaster Dragon Turned Into a Slippery Pancake”, set in this project’s universe, has been completed. It is an innovative “improvisational comedy” game where players create stories using their own cards—whether the narrative becomes epic or humorous depends entirely on the players.
This board game will be available only through a lottery campaign: participants can enter by replying to posts on the official X account, with 10 winners selected. It is also scheduled to appear in various board game cafes; details about participating locations will be shared via the official X account.
Moreover, a super ultra-early access campaign is currently ongoing. Anyone who follows the official X account by 11:59 PM on December 31 will receive the digital card “Phase 3 Ready! Limited Edition Swimsuit Neon-chan” as a gift for use in the game.
An audition to select an official VTuber is also underway, with live-stream judging currently taking place. The top two scorers based on gifts received on NicoNico Live and one special jury award recipient will advance to the final round.
At this point, the game concept video (PV) was released.
This PV presents game concepts shaped by user feedback gathered through official X posts, visualized in a roguelike card game format. Upon close inspection of the video, familiar characters can be spotted.
The following characters were introduced as planned to appear in the game:
- Izumi Ito (Tokimeki Idol)
- Namiki Anai (Live Power Pro Baseball)
- Yae-chan (Goemon’s Great Adventure)
- Nazo no Designer (Puzzle Creator)
A collaboration with KONAMI’s “Hina Bita♪” has also been confirmed. The character Meu Mato will appear in the game, and a collaborative story campaign on official X will launch from mid-November. It was mentioned that something special will happen once the follower count reaches 20,000.
Nazo no Designer expressed a desire for the creature “Triangular Head” from the Silent Hill series to appear—should it do so, it would certainly be an unpredictable character.
Additionally, to commemorate Tokyo Game Show 2025, a sale for character appearance rights has begun. This time, the sale includes rights for 100 characters.
Finally, it was announced that an event titled “PROJECT ZIRCON – The Mystery of the Four Great Kingdoms Appears in Shibuya – supported by SHIBUYA QDAO” will be held from November 22, co-hosted with Tokyu Corporation. During the event period, puzzle kits will be distributed at various locations throughout Shibuya for free play.
This project will not progress to the next development phase unless its official X account reaches 20,000 followers. As of September 28, follower count stands at approximately 15,000—there is still ample opportunity for the game to be realized. With many more developments expected in the future, anticipation remains high.
【?Game PV Released?】
“Creating a brand-new KONAMI game together with everyone”We’ll organize and summarize all information announced at #TGS2025 into a thread! (1/9)
■ Character Appearance Campaign
Let us know your favorite characters in replies to this post!♪
→ 10 lucky winners will receive the new board game?
?Plus more!… pic.twitter.com/PKmFBnIYn8— Official @Project_Zircon for “PROJECT ZIRCON” (Creating a New Game Together) (@Project_Zircon) September 28, 2025