Kotaro Uchikoshi, creator of the "Zero Escape" and "AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES" series, has officially announced his new game studio, CRASH KEYS, and is seeking investment partners for original projects.
CRASH KEYS was established in March 2025 in Tokyo, Japan, with Kotaro Uchikoshi serving as CEO.
Kotaro Uchikoshi stated in a public announcement that a game the team had been developing for about a year and a half was suddenly canceled. He had originally planned to reveal his studio alongside a new title in 2027, but has now decided to announce the company early and seek new work commissions, collaborations, and investment opportunities.
Kotaro Uchikoshi is known for complex branching narratives, plot twists, and sci-fi and philosophical themes. His representative works include "Ever17," the "Zero Escape" series, and the "AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES" series. He is also one of the founding members of Too Kyo Games and served as scenario director for "Hundred Days - Final Defense Academy," released in 2025.
The team also includes writer Akira Mine and Muri Sasaki. The former's credits include "Hundred Days - Final Defense Academy" and "Super Danganronpa 2x2," while the latter contributed to gameplay planning for the "Zero Escape" and "AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES" series.
The studio's tagline is "There is a lock that can only be opened by a broken key."