Development History
On August 17, 2017, two years after the release of Rhythm Heaven Megamix, a rumor started that the series no longer has a future[1]. In an interview with Eurogamer on August 24, 2017, series co-producer Yoshio Sakamoto confirmed that the series was not over, and the possibility for a new entry is always open[2]. In the following years, series producer Tsunku♂ has also expressed interest in developing a new game. On May 7, 2019, he retweeted an article asking fans what they think is revolutionary about the series, saying he would do his best to connect the feedback in the article to the next game[3]. Later on April 9, 2020, he replied to a post regarding his interest in continuing the series, expressing ideas for what features a new or rereleased title on Nintendo Switch could have, such as multiplayer or online play[4]. On July 31, 2020, he retweeted a fan's post in celebration of the fifth anniversary of Rhythm Heaven Megamix, reaffirming a desire for a Switch title[5], and on August 3, 2021, he posted about the 15th anniversary of the series, expressing his desire to make a new game[6]. On June 16, 2022, he retweeted a fan request for a new title on Switch[7]. On August 3, 2023, he posted about the 17th anniversary of the series, showing appreciation for fan-made animations based on it, and sharing one that was made for Rhythm Tengoku Gold's 15th anniversary[8]. On April 6, 2024, Tsunku♂'s involvement as producer on the Rhythm Heaven Series was mentioned among his works during the 2024 Kindai University Entrance Ceremony[9].
Despite all this[10], it would take until the Nintendo Direct on March 27, 2025 for a new game to be announced, that being Rhythm Heaven Groove, slated for a 2026 release on Nintendo Switch[11]. On the same day, Tsunku♂ replied to a post on Twitter about the long-awaited game's announcement, citing how hard the staff had been working on the songs for the past few years, and are continuing to work hard with developing the game[12], and would post on his blog about the new game that same day[13].
References
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