Key information
Japanese developer Takashi Mochibe, currently creating the hardcore SRPG Dragon's Chronicles～双星のレギンレイヴ～, recently reported receiving an extortion email. The sender demanded 200 USD in Steam cards within 24 hours, threatening to use AI to clone his game and release it first to ruin its commercial value.
Mochibe noted that the email lacked the promised proof of a clone. He responded by challenging the sender to create a better game, offering to pay them 200 USD if they succeeded. He subsequently shared the incident on social media to warn other developers about this potential spam tactic.
Following media coverage, the game experienced a 38,400% increase in daily wishlist additions. Mochibe humorously credited the extortionist as a public relations assistant in his game credits and jokingly invited the sender to continue the threats to maintain the promotional momentum, though he received no further response.
The game, which features AI-translated English text, is currently available as a demo for the Steam Next Fest. The full version is scheduled for release in early 2027.
