Idea Factory (Japan), the company behind the popular Otomate and Compile Heart, has announced the launch of a new adventure game brand, IFChronicle. The brand’s first title, ICONOLOGY, is a crime suspense adventure game currently in development for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and PC via Steam. This title will support Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese languages.
IFChronicle TEASER
The “IF” in IFChronicle comes from the abbreviation of Idea Factory, while also evoking the idea of “what if” scenarios found throughout the branching stories. Meanwhile, “Chronicle” refers to a record or account of events arranged in chronological order. By combining “IF” and “Chronicle,” the brand aims to emphasize the breadth and possibilities of different stories and worlds, exploring a wide variety of narratives and worldviews.
The new brand, IFChronicle, will not be limited to the domestic Japanese market. Through conversational adventure games, including visual novels and other narrative-driven titles, Idea Factory aims to establish IFChronicle as a global brand from Japan reaching audiences around the world.
ABOUT ICONOLOGY
The first title under the IFChronicle brand, ICONOLOGY, features character designs by Teita, who has worked on character designs and illustrations for various titles, including Fate/Grand Order, NORN9 and Charade Maniacs. The scenario for ICONOLOGY is written by Makoto Fukami, known for his work on anime series such as PSYCHO-PASS, as well as Resident Evil: Vendetta and Resident Evil: Death Island.
Further updates will be announced on ICONOLOGY’s official website and official social media accounts. Prior to the game’s release, the world of ICONOLOGY will begin serialization in Ichijinsha’s comic HOWL on October 14, 2026.The manga adaptation will be illustrated by Saya Ichi, who is also known for their work on the manga adaptation of Ensemble Stars!
ICONOLOGY TEASER TRAILER
STORY
(From ICONOLOGY’s official Website)
In a not so distant future…
In order to combat the rapid rise of increasingly complex and brutal criminal activity, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department established a special, top-secret division known as the Experimental Task Force. Their secret weapon: a cutting-edge apparatus, the White Cube, capable of rendering a suspect’s thoughts in the form of cognitive paintings.
However, deciphering the truth from abstract mental landscapes requires special talent…
Haruho Tsubakiya is an Art School university student whose parents were brutally murdered ten years ago in a crime which remains unsolved to this day. Her burning desire to find the truth and get revenge driving her forward, she is recognized for her talent in deciphering cognitive paintings, and is recruited by the Task Force as a Special Investigator.
Thus the investigation begins on a second crime scene—the suspect’s own subconscious.
CHARACTERS
Haruho Tsubakiya
A Special Investigator employed by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Experimental Task Force.
She was an Art School university student, but was recruited to the Task Force for her talent in deciphering the cognitive paintings outputted by the White Cube, an apparatus which produces graphical renderings of people’s thoughts.
Her goal is to find the culprit in her parents’ unsolved murder and get revenge, a desire which burns quiet and hot inside her.
Akito Hagino
A young detective employed at the Task Force.
Though he is as honest and kind as one who’s never learned to distrust others, he is incredibly athletic, and dives into danger without a second thought whenever the occasion calls for it.
Shuichiro Toki
A detective employed at the Task Force.
His sarcastic attitude and rough manner of speaking stand out, but at his core lies a strong sense of justice and ambition. At first, he is openly hostile and guarded against Haruho.
Koki Enami
The Task Force’s scientific investigator.
An engineer well-versed in a number of scientific fields of inquiry, including medicine and psychology.
In charge of operating the White Cube.
Daichi Hongo
The chief of the top-secret police department known as the Experimental Task Force. He immediately noticed Haruho’s talent, and arranged for her to join the Task Force as a Special Investigator.
Natsuki Mikogami
A police officer in charge of communications and administrative support within the Task Force.
Easygoing and a bit of a trend-follower, she keeps the mood light in the Task Force, as it tends to get quite heavy.
KEY FEATURES
- The White Cube—The Brain Wave Visualization Apparatus.
In investigation mode, you’ll analyze beautifully twisted cognitive paintings outputted from the suspects’ brains and use your knowledge of art to uncover the meaning hidden within. The White Cube exposes the truth lurking deep in the suspect’s mind. Not even they can falsify it. Decode the suspect’s motives and trauma from these strange images, and delve deep into their psychology. Your discoveries will lead to a partial confession, and thus to tangible evidence to solve the crime.
- Multiple Endings – Your choices warp fate.
Partner up with the other investigators, spend time with them, and in time deepen your bond. Your choices determine the ending. Misread a painting, make the wrong choice, and the twists of fate will be merciless. Remember, unsolved crimes and cruel bad endings are always lurking over your shoulder, so choose wisely.
- A detective thriller story of madness and truth – Expose a connection ten years in the making.
A bizarre serial killer obsessed with mutilating the backs of his victims’ corpses has remained at large for ten years. This dark figure might be connected to the brutal murder of Haruho’s parents.
Her quest for revenge never ends. You must decode the culprit’s psyche hidden in the painting—but what revelations and choices wait for you at the end of it all?
| Title: | ICONOLOGY |
| Compatible Devices: | Nintendo Switch™ / Nintendo Switch™ Lite / Steam® |
| Genre | Crime suspense, ADV Game |
| Languages | Japanese / English / Simplified Chinese / Traditional Chinese |
| Release Date | TBA |
| Price | TBA |
| Illustrator | Teita |
| Scenario | Makoto Fukami |
| Director | Asami Saito |
Note: ICONOLOGY is NOT an otome game.
For more information about this announcement, as well as future updates and news about ICONOLOGY and Idea Factory’s IFChronicle brand, be sure to follow their official social media accounts below:
IFChronicle Official X Account
IFChronicle Official Youtube Page
