During Anime Expo 2025, we got to sit down with Spike Chunsoft and talk about No Sleep For Kaname Date from AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES. It’s the latest entry in the visual novel series. Director Kazuya Yamada and localization producer Alex Flagg answered our questions about certain game mechanics and how they came up with the game’s name.
A new element of No Sleep for Kaname Date is the escape rooms, similar to the ones in the Zero Escape series. Can you tell me about why you decided to include them?
Kazuya YAMADA: This time, Kōtarō Uchikoshi isn’t the main writer. We both worked on the Zero Escape series, so that’s why we thought of adding the escape room part to this game. We talked a lot with Uchikoshi, and there were a lot of options for what we would do, but it’s just because of Zero Escape.
© Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Since Uchikoshi isn’t the main writer this time, what would you personally say is the biggest difference between his style versus yours?
YAMADA: I think I am funnier when it comes to jokes [laughs]. I try to follow Uchikoshi and his writing style and try to trace as much as possible so it wouldn’t feel weird for players when they play No Sleep For Kaname Date from AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES after playing the previous entries.
The name, No Sleep For Kaname Date from AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES, what does that mean? How did you choose that name?
YAMADA: It’s because in the second entry, AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – nirvanA Initiative, Date wasn’t the main character. But we’re bringing him back for this new entry. We wanted to make it clear that he’s not sleeping and he’s reprising his role.
Alex FLAGG: I’d say for the localization, a very literal translation would just be “Kaname Date Doesn’t Sleep,” or “Kaname Date Isn’t Sleeping.” That felt a little too dry, so we decided to focus on something that had a little more implication and insight into what the game’s themes and story would be about. So “No Sleep for Kaname Date” was a good way to imply that.
Date will be active on the hunt, pursuing leads as a detective who is getting no sleep out of obsession with a case. There’s also a little bit of the phrase, “no rest for the wicked.” We considered “No Rest for Kaname Date” as an option. But “No Sleep” fit better, and it was very close to the Japanese phrasing, so that’s why we chose that.
© Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
No Sleep For Kaname Date from AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES is set between the events of the first game and the second game. Why that time frame in particular?
YAMADA: First, if we had set the game’s timeline to after the second title, there would have been a lot of things that we would have had to consider.
I didn’t want to create any type of new scenarios after the AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – nirvanA Initiative. We chose the time between the first game and the second game because there was more depth to dig into in terms of stories. If the story continues after the Nirvana Initiative, we would want Uchikoshi to write something new.
If the opportunity presents itself, Uchikoshi asks you to direct the proper third entry coming after AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – nirvanA Initiative. Would you take it?
YAMADA: No, I am tired, and I would like to rest [laughs].
© Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
The previous AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES series games were released on all platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. However, No Sleep For Kaname Date from AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES is only on Switch and PC. Will we see other platform releases in the future for No Sleep For Kaname Date from AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES? This is also going to be the first game in the series for Switch 2, so are you thinking about maybe doing Switch 2 upgrades for the previous games?
YAMADA: The possibilities are endless, so [more platforms] are possible. I’m not the person who can make that decision [for upgrades]. If the higher-ups and producers think it’s a good opportunity to make more money, then that’s a possibility.
Hi, I’m Raju Rastogi, and I run RJ BLOG. Here, I share anime reviews, news, and explainer articles in Hindi. It’s a fun space for anime lovers!