JISOGI 1.5 Press Release
“JISOGI: ANIME STUDIO TYCOON” board game reprint gathers more than 1500 backers in the first week of the new Kickstarter campaign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tokyo, Japan — February 12, 2026
Tokyo-based independent board game studio Esper Game Studio is proud to announce the return of their hit board game, JISOGI: Anime Studio Tycoon. Following a sold-out global debut, a new "Edition 1.5" reprint campaign launched on Kickstarter on February 3rd, 2026, and successfully reached its funding goal in less than two hours.
After selling out more than 8,000 copies worldwide, JISOGI returns with Edition 1.5. This updated version features a refined UI, streamlined rules for smoother play, and a more accessible price point for newcomers.
In JISOGI: Anime Studio Tycoon, players step into the shoes of a manager tasked with reviving a struggling anime studio. This "tight-economy" worker-placement game challenges players to navigate the authentic highs and lows of the Japanese animation industry. To reach the top, managers must hire the right talent, aim for trending genres, and balance creative ambition with financial survival.
"The inspiration for JISOGI came directly from our team's connections within the Tokyo anime scene”, says game designer Rodrigo Esper. "We wanted to capture the wild stories, the burnout, and the ultimate triumph of creating a masterpiece that we heard from real producers and artists."
The original 2024 Kickstarter for the “Founders Edition” gathered funding in under two hours and concluded at a staggering 1,336% of its goal. The momentum continued into the following year, where the game sold out on the first day of Spiel Essen 2025, the world’s largest board game exhibition. Praised by top-tier critics such as The Dice Tower and Shut Up & Sit Down, JISOGI has been celebrated for its striking art and deep thematic integration.
What’s New in Edition 1.5:
Streamlined Rules: Clearer gameplay flow.
Enhanced UI: Improved iconography and board legibility.
Affordable Pricing: A new JPY 8,000 (~$51 USD) price point for Kickstarter backers.
(Owners of the Founders Edition will be able to enjoy the new rules with an upgrade pack available from 2026 Q2 on the Esper Games website.)
Global Retail & Localization Expansion:
In a major step for the franchise, Esper Game Studio is officially announcing a partnership with Good Games Publishing (Australia), which will serve as the global English-language distributor for JISOGI 1.5. A wide retail release is anticipated for Q3–Q4 2026.
Furthermore, JISOGI 1.5 will reach a broader international audience through new localization partnerships: French (Don’t Panic Games), Korean (Asmodee Korea), Spanish (Synergic Games), Thai (Siam Board Games).
Note: The current Kickstarter campaign is for the English-language version only. Players and retailers interested in localized editions are encouraged to follow the respective partners’ social media channels for regional release details.
Product Summary
Title: JISOGI: ANIME STUDIO TYCOON (Edition 1.5)
Players: 1–4
Playtime: 60–90 minutes
Ages: 14+
Mechanisms: Worker Placement, Shared Market, Risk Management
Kickstarter Price: JPY 8,000 / USD 51 / EUR 43
Estimated Delivery: Q2–Q3 2026
Game Design: Rodrigo Esper
Lead Artists: Eisuke Gou, Senkawa Teien
About Esper Game Studio
Esper Game Studio is based in Tokyo, Japan, where our core team of artists and project managers operates. Yet our reach extends far beyond. We take great pride in bridging Japan’s brilliant but often hard-to-access creator community with a talented group of international game developers and graphic designers. Every part of this multicultural collaboration adds to our unique identity, where creativity is born from diversity.
Media Contact: Anne FERRERO (contact@esper.games)
Press Kit: Here
Website: https://www.esper.games