Japanese crowdfunding site Ubgoe owes game designer Jiro Ishii and independent developer Skeleton Crew Studio over half of the 55 million yen – approximately $345,000 – they raised for new visual novel Shibuya Scramble Stories. CEO Kazuo Okada says the platform kinda, sorta lost it, or something.
Actually, it was a misunderstanding – Ishii says Okada told him the cash was unfortunately "mistakenly wired to a different client," according to an Automaton translation, and now Ubgoe can't hand over the missing $173,000 because they won't give it back. But Okada won't show Ishii proof of this transaction, and now Ishii and his lawyer are skeptical it ever occurred.
Shibuya Scramble Stories is an "an ensemble drama set in the heart of Shibuya," according to its website, and it'll be directed by Ishii – who executive produced the underrated 428: Shibuya Scramble in 2008. Ishii's latest venture seems like a promising return to that live-action Wii title, which modern fans still call "THE best game I have ever played", and its missing money thankfully shouldn't interrupt its production.
Real estate development company Tokyu Land Corporation is now helping sponsor the project, though Ugboe's terms and conditions also demand Ishii and Skeleton Crew honor all campaign obligations regardless of whether or not they receive the $345,000 they first raised.
While Ishii and his lawyer had Ubgoe sign a memorandum swearing it would fork over Shibuya Scramble's total campaign earnings by September 16, 2025, the platform managed to come up with only $38,000 – since the rest of the $173,000 was apparently still in its other client's possession.
The situation has devastated Ishii, who says, "I myself didn't realize that the project owner would bear the responsibility if the collection agency absconded with the funds. I suppose I was acting under the assumption that people are inherently good."
Find a happier story in the best visual novels that'll capture your imagination in 2026.
