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Illumination has announced that their upcoming VR title, VR-Kanojo, will now be released exclusively as an adults-only version, marking a departure from their initial plans for an all-ages release on Steam.
The development team revealed that despite extensive negotiations with Steam regarding content standards, they were unable to reach an agreement that would accommodate an all-ages version of the game. Rather than compromise their creative vision, Illumination has opted to proceed with a full adults-only release.
“This new direction will be a big step towards delivering a deeper, more special experience,” stated the development team in their announcement. “The transition to an adult-rated version will allow greater freedom of expression and enable us to bring out the appeal of the characters and story more deeply than ever before.”
VR-Kanojo, distinct from its predecessor VR Kanojo (2018), is being developed by Illumination, a studio formed by former staff members of Illusion, including producer Yunayuna. The project has seen substantial community support through its crowdfunding campaign on Campfire, raising approximately 16.95 million yen ($113,650) – more than eight times its initial goal.
While this change in release format represents a significant shift from the original plan, Illumination has expressed their commitment to delivering an enhanced gaming experience that takes full advantage of the new direction. The game remains scheduled for a PC release in February 2025.
The development team concluded their announcement by expressing gratitude for their community’s continued support, emphasizing that VR-Kanojo will “continue to evolve together with you all.”
