Granzella will delist manga creation software Manga Kakeru from PlayStation Store on March 31 at 17:00 JST, the company announced. Manga Yomeru, a website where works created in Manga Kakeru can be shared and viewed, will also shut down on the same day.
Manga Kakeru first launched for PlayStation Vita on January 26, 2018 in Japan, followed by PlayStation 4 on June 19, 2018.
According to Granzella, the delisting and website closure are due to factors including the transition between console generations and a change in industry by the company contracted to operate Manga Yomeru, which has made it difficult to continue services and release previously planned material additions such as fantasy-themed assets.
Since launch, more than 8,000 works have been submitted to Manga Yomeru—from humorous and memorable works, to those that utilize the software’s tools beyond the developer’s imagination.
Granzella also revealed that it had been planning and prototyping a sequel tentatively titled Manga Kakeru 2. However, citing major changes in the image creation process in recent years, the company determined it could no longer expand the role or value the original Manga Kakeru was able to provide.
While the game will be delisted, users who already Manga Kakeru will still be able to download and utilize the software to create new works. Users who want to purchase the game before it is delisted can do so via PlayStation Store for 815 yen. One purchase includes both the PlayStation 4 and PS Vita versions.