Tribe Nine Creator Keeps the Flame Alive—Not Letting the Project Be Remembered as a Failure!
A Determined Effort to Finish the Story for Fans
The abrupt shutdown of online games is all too familiar—but Tribe Nine’s story takes an unexpected turn. Instead of fading into obscurity, the franchise’s original creator has chosen to carry it forward, without compensation, driven by respect for the game and its fans.
From Shutdown to a New Beginning
In May, Akatsuki Games announced that the free-to-play RPG Tribe Nine would end service on November 27. This came after just three months of operation and following a global download milestone of over 10 million. The announcement disappointed many fans—but it also sparked a new project under the banner Neoneon Tribe.
Introducing Neoneon Tribe: Passion, Not Profit
Founded by Too Kyo Games’ Kazutaka Kodaka—who conceived Tribe Nine—alongside former producer Shuhei Yamaguchi and writer Katsunori Suginaka, Neoneon Tribe has official permission from Akatsuki Games to continue the story. They plan to publish the unfinished narrative as non-profit doujin (fan-made) works, a move nearly unheard-of in the industry.
Completing the Unfinished for Legacy’s Sake
Kodaka—though not involved in the mobile version’s development—felt the shutdown’s suddenness didn’t do justice to the world and characters he created. He didn’t want Tribe Nine to be remembered as “that game that only lasted three months.” Instead, he’s committed to delivering a meaningful ending.
Yamaguchi, who left Akatsuki Games after the shutdown, shared this vision. He believes Tribe Nine still had untapped potential—storylines and characters that deserved proper closure, not dismissal.
Final Playthrough—and Then the Story Continues
Fans still have access to Tribe Nine on PC (Steam), iOS, and Android until the service ends on November 27. After that, the doujin continuation by Neoneon Tribe will pick up right where the game stops—guided by creative passion, not commercial goals.
Final Thought
This isn’t just about a game—it’s about legacy and the emotional bond between creators and fans. Neoneon Tribe’s decision to finish the story as a heartfelt, non-profit endeavor elevates Tribe Nine from a short-lived title to a tale with enduring resonance. It’s a rare, brave move that respects the fans and honors the creative spirit behind the project.
