The anime world is exciting as the beloved Spy x Family series expands its universe into the gaming world. Recently, fans of the series were thrilled to hear the announcement of its first console game, “Spy x Family Operation Diary,” launched alongside a gripping trailer and captivating official snapshots. This marks a significant milestone for the series, known for its intriguing blend of espionage, action, and family dynamics.
“Spy x Family Operation Diary” debuted on the Nintendo Switch on December 21, 2023, with promises of PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions set to release in 2024. The game’s storyline is engaging and accurate to the series’ spirit: “Anya has been assigned to keep a picture diary for a school project at Eden Academy. During the day, she attends school and spends evenings with her family. On days off, she goes with her family to places like the beach and aquarium to collect material to write about in her diary. Will Anya be able to complete the illustrated diary?” Players are transported into Anya’s world, where they can experience mini-games and utilize her telepathic abilities to progress through the game. With over 80 clothing, accessory, and hairstyle options, fans can personalize Anya’s character.
The game’s launch closely follows the theatrical release of the “Spy x Family Code: White” film, which premiered on December 22, 2023. This film quickly soared to success, surpassing Disney’s “Wish” for the top spot at the Japanese box office, grossing approximately 1.2 billion yen (around 8.4 million dollars) during its opening weekend. The film’s popularity was anticipated, given the series’ previous collaboration with “Wish” in special-themed posters. “Code: White” screened in 432 theatres initially, capitalizing on the lucrative Christmas season.
Spy x Family’s foray into gaming is a growing trend among anime series. “Tokyo Revengers” recently announced its console game “Last Mission,” and “Hunter x Hunter” is expected to release details of its full-fledged fighting game next year.
Crunchyroll, a significant player in distributing anime content, will bring “Spy x Family Code: White” to U.S. theatres and continue to stream all series episodes. The anime is celebrated for its unique storyline: “World peace is at stake, and secret agent Twilight must undergo his most difficult mission yet—pretend to be a family man. Posing as a loving husband and father, he’ll infiltrate an elite school to get close to a high-profile politician. He has the perfect cover, except his wife’s a deadly assassin, and neither knows the other’s identity. But someone does, his adopted daughter who’s a telepath.”
The release of “Spy x Family Operation Diary” is not just a new chapter for the franchise but a testament to the evolving landscape of anime entertainment. The game and the film’s success highlight the series’ growing popularity and its potential to captivate audiences across various mediums continually.