Uchikoshi reveals CRASH KEYS early after project cancelled
The ZERO ESCAPE writer says CRASH KEYS, announced on October 15, 2026, was meant to debut in 2027 but came forward when its first title fell through.
Game creator Kotaro Uchikoshi announced his new company CRASH KEYS on October 15, 2026, and said in an interview with gamespark.jp that the reveal came earlier than planned because the studio's first project was cancelled. The company had originally intended to introduce itself in 2027 alongside a new title.
According to Uchikoshi, the cancellation also removed funding that had been expected to arrive within a few months, prompting the decision to go public now rather than wait.
CRASH KEYS' staff includes Uchikoshi alongside Akira Mine and Muri Sasaki. Uchikoshi remains employed at Too Kyo Games while running the new company.
The name CRASH KEYS refers to an organization founded by Akane Kurashiki in the ZERO ESCAPE series. Uchikoshi has worked on that series as well as the AI: The Somnium Files games.
Founded around HUNDRED LINE's completion
CRASH KEYS was founded in March 2025, around the time development of HUNDRED LINE -Last Defense Academy- finished. That game was released in April 2025.
Quick answers
When was CRASH KEYS announced?
Kotaro Uchikoshi announced the company on October 15, 2026.
Who is on CRASH KEYS' staff?
The staff includes Kotaro Uchikoshi, Akira Mine and Muri Sasaki.
Is Uchikoshi leaving Too Kyo Games?
No. He remains employed at Too Kyo Games while running CRASH KEYS.