A majority of modern anime are adapted from manga, but occasionally a few titles are adapted from light novels. These are young adult novels which often feature illustrations interwoven into the work, and they typically run for around 200 pages on average per volume.
No Game No Life began publication in 2012 under the MF Bunko J imprint at Media Factory. The novels are written and illustrated by Yuu Kamiya. The story’s thrilling puzzles and exciting narrative captured the minds of thousands of anime fans in spring 2014.
Studio Madhouse, one of the most highly regarded studios in the industry, produced the show with vivid detail and care. the United States publisher Yen Press has acquired the light novels for the English translation, Seven Seas Entertainment acquired the manga, and Sentai Filmworks has North America distribution rights for the anime.
Since the anime concluded on June 2014, fans have been wondering for years when they can expect a second season.
What is No Game No Life about?
No Game No Life is the story of Sora and Shiro, a pair of siblings who spend every single waking moment playing video games at home. The pair is considered a legend by their fellow gamers and peers for never losing a single game. They have the top rank across countless games under the name Blank.
One day they are challenged to chess by a mysterious existence whom they do not recognize. Sora and Shiro win the game and are offered the chance of a lifetime to travel to another world. They accept the offer and are plunged into an alternate reality named Disboard.
This is a world where everything is decided by a game. There are only 10 rules that must be followed, which boil down two key components: all wagers must be honored and cheating is allowed as long you are not caught.
As game masters, Sora and Shiro bend these rules to their needs during each encounter. The goal is to beat the system at its own game. They must navigate the political and personal turmoils that exist between races and countries to unite this foreign world under one rule, with hopes of challenging the god to a game of chess once more at the very end.
The high stakes nature of the battles, combined with the absurd wagers, put viewers on the edge of their seats to see how Blank will overcome the newest threat.
Any Newly Released Content?
Despite the anime has come and gone in the spring of 2014, the light novels have continued onward. No Game No Life currently has 10 volumes released. In addition to various merchandise and a manga spin-off. Studio Madhouse produced an animated prequel movie titled “No Game No Life Zero” in 2017.
The story covers the sixth light novel volume in which Sora and Shiro take a complete backseat to the story. This movie follows a very similar, but yet substantially different pair, named Riku and Schwi. These two have a dynamic that will remind viewers of the main duo Blank.
The movie serves to expand the universe and show viewers what life was like before the start of the television series. It adds character depth to the god and the side characters we grew to know, while also propping up Sora and Shiro as the individuals who have the power to save the world.
The movie performed well at the box office in Japan, and just like the TV series, it has acquired for North America distribution by Sentai Filmworks. Madhouse showed the same level of love and care they put into the TV series. The movie is a must-see for all No Game No Life fans.
Has the Cast or Staff Changed?
No Game No Life has had no cast changes between the original TV anime airing and the movie in 2017. The cast and staff will likely remain unchanged for a second season. The full list can be found below:
- Director – Atsuko Ishizuka
- Series Composition – Jukki Hanada
- Character Design – Kouji Oodate
- Art Director: Eiji Iwase
- Chief Animation Director: Kouji Oodate
- Ai Kayano – Shiro
- Yoshitsugu Matsuoka – Sora
- Jun Fukushima – Former King
- Mamiko Noto – Feel Nilvalen
- Miyuki Sawashiro – Izuna Hatsuse
- Mugihito – Ino Hatsuse
- Naomi Shindoh – Miko
- Rie Kugimiya – Teto
- Yōko Hikasa – Stephanie Dora
- Yuka Iguchi – Clammy Zell
- Yukari Tamura – Jibril
No Game No Life is a beloved title by many anime fans around the world. There were countless people were in complete shock at seeing the TV series end on a cliffhanger. The staff chooses to jump ahead a little bit to give the classic “read the source material” ending. The anime did boost the light novel sells considerably.
In addition, the adaption of volume six as a movie in 2017 shows that there is interest from all parties to continue the story. There is plenty of new content to cover and its been several years now. Fans should expect a second season to be revealed in the near future. Studio Madhouse current production line-up does show a possible opening for a new No Game No Life series.
The core animation staff does not appear to be very busy at the moment. Sora and Shiro did have a long ways to go to conqueror this new world, and the fan would happy to watch.
