BA-KU is an independent brand behind the visual novels Hira Hira Hihiru and BLACK SHEEP TOWN. As of August 2026, it is developing a new Steam title, Hyakubyaku, directed by Renya Setoguchi, with a teaser flyer available until September 3.
BA-KU first came to attention with Hira Hira Hihiru, published through Aniplex, and then self-published the visual novel BLACK SHEEP TOWN on Steam in September 2022. That game, set in a world of gangs and mutants, tells its story from multiple perspectives and deliberately withholds player agency, leading to tragedies the player cannot avert. Automaton's August 2026 column framed this lack of choice as the core of the work.
On August 8, 2026, BA-KU announced its next title, Hyakubyaku, its second self-published game after BLACK SHEEP TOWN. Renya Setoguchi, the writer of Hira Hira Hihiru, directs and writes the scenario. Karin Kanzaki handles character design and Hideyuki Babai composes the music. The game is planned for Steam, with a store page in preparation, and a teaser flyer is available at Seven-Eleven network printers until September 3.
BA-KU's output continues outside its Aniplex-published work, with the brand now developing its own titles independently. The new game signals a reunion with Setoguchi, whose previous collaboration with the brand was Hira Hira Hihiru, now paired with a fresh team.
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Automaton's column spotlights BA-KU's visual novel BLACK SHEEP TOWN, released on Steam in September 2022. The piece examines the game's gang and mutant setting, its multi-perspective storytelling, and the lack of player agency that leads to unavoidable tragedies, while noting the developer's next project, HYAKUHYAKU.
BA-KU, the brand behind Hira Hira Hihiru and BLACK SHEEP TOWN, announced development of its new title Hyakubyaku (Hyaku Byaku). Renya Setoguchi directs and writes the scenario, with Karin Kanzaki on character design and Hideyuki Babai on music. The game is planned for Steam, with a store page in preparation. A teaser flyer is available at Seven-Eleven network printers until September 3.
Baikun Interactive launched SpiritVale on Steam in early access on July 16. The game drew 15,000 concurrent players, but server congestion and bugs led to a 43% positive rating, earning a 'Mixed' status on Steam. Despite the technical issues, the classic MMORPG gameplay and low-polygon art have received praise. The developer plans a 6-to-12-month early access period with no price change upon full release.