TV Tokyo revealed on Wednesday a fresh live-action series, inspired by the work of CyberConnect2 President and CEO Hiroshi Matsuyama. The series, named Chaser Game W Pawahara Jōshi wa Watashi no Moto-Kano (Chaser Game W: My Abusive Boss is My Ex-Girlfriend), offers a unique twist compared to its manga counterpart, Chaser Game. This new adaptation will introduce original narratives and characters, primarily focusing on the lives of two lesbian characters in the gaming industry. The premiere is scheduled on TV Tokyo and TV Osaka for January 8.
In a remarkable casting choice, Yūka Sugai takes on the role of Itsuki Harumoto, a 27-year-old navigating through her complicated emotions towards her former partner, portrayed by Yurika Nakamura. Adding to the drama, Itsuki finds herself working under Fuyu Hayashi, her ex-girlfriend who now becomes her boss.
The series is brought to life under the direction of Yū Ohta, Masayuki Yamaguchi, and Yoshikazu Igi. Ohta also joins forces with Atsushi Asada for scriptwriting duties, while Miho Iida supervises the overall series production.
Adding to the excitement, Famitsu.com announced on Monday the release of two new compiled book volumes of Matsuyama’s original manga, set to be released simultaneously on January 30. These releases include the eighth volume featuring short manga pieces created during the first season of the live-action series, and the ninth volume compiling chapters from the manga’s “second season,” which commenced on April 6 this year. The announcement was complemented with a link to the Famitsu website for further details.
The live-action adaptation’s first season made its debut in September 2022.
Matsuyama originally introduced the manga on Kadokawa‘s Famitsu.com in December 2018. The manga features a fascinating storyline set in Matsuyama’s real-life company CyberConnect2, though the live-action adaptation is set in the fictional “DynamicDream.”
The manga concluded with the seventh volume released on January 18.
Known for its .hack// game franchise, CyberConnect2 has seen Matsuyama at the helm as director. The franchise has inspired several anime and manga adaptations. The company’s repertoire also includes the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja game series, and the development of games like Asura’s Wrath and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven. Its recent tactical RPG, Fuga: Melodies of Steel, revives the company’s earlier worlds seen in Tail Concerto and Solatorobo: Red the Hunter.
