Kotaro Uchikoshi, the creator behind IP such as Zero Escape and AI: The Somnium Files, has launched a new development studio called Crash Keys and is serving as its representative director and CEO.

It's early days yet (sort of – keep reading), but the studio is looking to create original projects "unbound by conventional formulas" and is currently seeking investment partners to help bring its vision to life. Uchikoshi-san also co-founded Too Kyo Games alongside Kazutaka Kodaka, co-directing titles such as World's End Club and The Hundred Line - Last Defense Academy.

We suspect, then, that he won't have too much trouble securing investment for his future projects, but then it's hard to predict anything in this day and age.

Here's a look at the studio's official tagline from the PR release:

Some locks can only be opened with broken keys.

All creation begins with destruction.
Crash your rusty old keys. Beyond the door lies a world yet unseen.
We are CRASH KEYS. Shattering conventions to unlock the unknown.

Uchikoshi has, however, taken to X to discuss the announcement further, stating that the studio was actually formed in March 2025, with the team working on a new game for roughly a year and a half before it was unceremoniously cancelled.

He reiterates the request for investment, stating "at this rate, our company might literally CRASH into a million pieces". We wish all the best to Kotaro Uchikoshi and the team at Crash Keys, and we sincerely hope it is able to secure a solid project in the near future.

What kind of games are you hoping to see from Crash Keys? Let us know your thoughts with a comment down below.