The president of Visual Arts, Genki Tenkumo, released a statement today indicating that Jun Maeda, co-founder of visual novel studio Key, has been hospitalized with pharyngeal cancer and has opted to receive palliative care. He made this choice because he wishes to focus on his creative work in his final days, rather than using his energy for active treatment.
Maeda has several projects in the works, including Heaven Burns Red, a turn-based, free-to-play JRPG co-developed by Key and Wright Flyer Studios, the company behind this fall’s Another Eden Begins. Maeda is providing writing and music for the game, and he has completed work up through the first half Chapter 6, as well as outlining the remainder of the chapter. It is uncertain whether he will be able to complete any further work on the project.
Additionally, Maeda has planned a YouTube music project. He has decided to focus on finishing the songs currently in production as quickly as he can. He plans to release the tracks as they are ready.
Words of encouragement can be sent to Mr. Maeda via the following email address: maedajun_message@visual-arts.jp
We wish Mr. Maeda and his loved ones the best as they navigate this extremely difficult time.
The entire statement can be viewed below.
Source: Visual Arts EN Twitter
