Oath of the Abyss creator reports death threats amid refund backlash
The delayed crowdfunded game’s creator says he has received threats as criticism grows over refunds, development setbacks and an uncertain release.
The creator of Oath of the Abyss (誓いノ淵) says he has received death threats and a threat to bomb his home, as criticism grows around the crowdfunding-backed game's long delay, refund plans and uncertain development future. The report comes after a new video explaining how the project lost key development staff and what may happen next. 1
The dark-fantasy action game was announced through a CAMPFIRE campaign in 2023. The project reached its 30 million yen target within four days and ultimately raised more than 50 million yen, with a 2024 release originally planned. That launch did not happen, and the game remains undated. 12
Why the project is in trouble
According to AUTOMATON, the game's director and programmer left the project, leaving development at a standstill. The creator later said that building the original vision in full would require roughly ten times the available budget, prompting a rethink around which elements were essential. 1
The latest update is not entirely negative. The creator says discussions have been under way with a game company about development support and have reached a final deliberation stage. Veteran creator Chika Nagai, whose credits include The Night of the Kamaitachi ×3 and 428: Shibuya Scramble, is also set to supervise the scenario, according to the report. Those developments suggest a more realistic route forward, but they are not the same as a confirmed release plan. 1
Refunds remain the immediate issue
The creator also addressed backers who want their money back. He said the project's funds had already been used for development, meaning he cannot return every contribution immediately. His stated plan is to put personal money into the company each month and use it for refunds, although he said the amount available would be limited to 50,000 yen per month. The eventual timetable therefore depends on how many backers request refunds. 1
That explanation triggered further criticism. Backers were particularly unhappy with comments that appeared to characterise people seeking refunds as overly self-sacrificing or too willing to help others. The dispute is now about more than a late game: it concerns how a creator communicates responsibility to people who funded the project and whether the proposed repayment process is credible. 1
Threat reports add a serious new dimension
The creator subsequently posted that he had received threats against his life and home. He said he would consult a lawyer and report the matter to police. The threats are separate from legitimate criticism of a delayed crowdfunded project and should not be treated as an acceptable form of consumer complaint. 1
The campaign page shows what backers were originally promised, including a Steam version and rewards tied to the game's development. It does not provide a new release date, so Oath of the Abyss should still be considered a project in development rather than an imminent launch. 2
Our opinion
The most important distinction here is between a possible development recovery and a completed obligation to backers. Talks with an outside company and a scenario supervisor may improve the game's prospects, but they do not resolve the refund question or establish when anyone will receive a finished product. The responsible next step is clear, regular reporting: confirm the development partner if a deal is signed, publish a realistic production schedule, explain the refund queue and provide updates that do not ask disappointed backers to carry the emotional burden of the project's delay.
Threats should be condemned without qualification. At the same time, condemning threats does not erase the legitimate questions raised by years of delay, spent funds and an uncertain repayment timetable. Until those questions receive concrete answers, the game's future remains promising in theory but unproven in practice.