//signal.
//signal. is an upcoming official derivative game based on the Serial Experiments Lain franchise. Developed by the doujin circle Team MJM, the game was originally scheduled for release on April 30, 2025, for Windows and macOS via Steam and itch.io. It has since been delayed to May 19. A digital copy will be sold for 1,000 JPY, while a limited CD-ROM edition will be priced at 1,700 JPY.
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Summary
Described as an "occult RPG", //signal. allows players to explore the Wired by collecting logs, emails, and diaries to piece together past events and restore broken connections. The game offers new insights into Lain Iwakura and invites players to consider why people form bonds and why those bonds sometimes fall apart.
The game features characters from both the anime and the 1998 PlayStation game and it was developed as a tribute to the anime's 30th anniversary.
Development
//signal. is a derivative work created under NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan's official "lainTTL" guidelines. These guidelines allow individuals in Japan to produce commercial and non-commercial fan works related to Lain until July 6, 2028, as long as they agree to the terms of use. The project has received support from key figures from the original series, including writer Chiaki J. Konaka, who contributed a recommendation, and Wasei "JJ" Chikada, who remixed the game's theme song. Artist Yoshitoshi ABe also promoted the game by sharing gameplay footage.
Development began in 2019, led by Makkura Yuno, a fan of the original Lain game. The game was created by volunteers who formed Team MJM with the goal of honoring the series' legacy. Although development paused at one point, it resumed with renewed energy for the 30th anniversary.
Release
The full release is planned for May 19, 2025. Initially, Team MJM intended to produce only 300 physical copies of the game. However, after pre-orders exceeded 5,000 within a month, the team launched a crowdfunding campaign on Campfire starting April 15, 2025, to fund additional copies and exclusive rewards.
The campaign's original goal was 1.5 million yen, which it surpassed quickly. By early May, over 12 million yen had been raised. Supporters can choose from multiple reward tiers, ranging from 1,000 to 100,000 yen. Each tier, labeled as a "Layer", includes different perks such as digital wallpapers, a soundtrack CD, stickers, a mini artbook, and a limited-edition figure.
All reward items, aside from the game itself, are exclusive to the campaign and are not planned for public sale. International supporters are encouraged to use forwarding services like Tenso.com, as direct overseas shipping is not available.
The project will go forward regardless of whether the funding goal is met. Reward shipments are expected to begin around June 2025.
A free trial version of the game was released on March 29, 2025. The developers continue to polish the game with final system adjustments and bug fixes. The crowdfunding campaign will run until the end of May 2025.
Gallery
Promotional image for the game.
Comment by Chiaki Konaka.
Comment by Chiaki Konaka (translated).
Main menu background (png).
Lain's NAVI desktop.
