Sohei Niikawa Discusses 'Demon’s Night Fever' at Anime Expo 2026

Former Nippon Ichi Software CEO Sohei Niikawa discussed his new independent title, Demon’s Night Fever, during an in-person interview at Anime Expo 2026. Production on the game began approximately two and a half years ago, with Niikawa serving as writer, director, and marketer due to his lack of programming or artistic skills. The narrative centers on Killshiro Katanaka, an overworked programmer, and Mary Haley, an internationally known idol who was his middle school classmate. Both protagonists are now around thirty years old.

The gameplay features a unique progression system where players face multiple game overs and time limits. Success requires strategic sacrifice of minions and smart leveling choices rather than automatic power boosts. Niikawa expects the campaign to take between twenty and twenty-five hours to complete, with different endings determined by clear times. He also noted that he is developing novels and comics for both this title and his previous release, Etrange Overlord.