Game – Manga – MyAnimeList.net

College student Nao Kanzaki has always adhered to her name’s meaning: “foolishly honest.” However, after opening an unsolicited package containing one hundred million yen, she inadvertently accepts an invitation for the “Liar Game.” In this tournament, contestants are encouraged to betray and deceive their opponents to gain a massive amount of cash; conversely, losing will incur a lifetime debt. With all hopes lost, her only option left is to seek help from a con artist. On that same day, the infamous swindler Shinichi Akiyama is finally released from jail. This former psychology student is known for single-handedly bankrupting an entire company, and Nao believes he is her only chance at escaping her dire situation. At first, Shinichi is hesitant to commit another crime, ignoring Nao and her request. But after seeing her desperation and persistence, he agrees to assist her. In this fraudulent world, Nao and Shinichi have their own motives. Yet, soon they see the true nature not only the game, but also everyone involved. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Themes:

Game, Psychological

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Young Jump

Ageha Yoshina is a self-confident high school student who helps others for a fee. On his way back from a job, he finds a strange calling card with the word “Psyren” imprinted left behind in a phone booth and decides to keep it, unaware of its purpose. The very next day, Ageha discovers that his classmate Sakurako Amamiya has the exact same calling card in her possession. When he questions her, Sakurako asks him to save her, signaling the day his troubles begin. Confused by the circumstances of this encounter, Ageha realizes something is wrong when Sakurako goes missing. In an attempt to figure out what is happening, he decides to call the number provided on the calling card and is asked a series of questions by a mysterious voice, ending with a final, cryptic question: “Would you like to go to Psyren?” Thus begins two teenagers’ participation in a game of life or death within a strange world inhabited by monsters called “Taboo.” Granted the ability to use psychic powers known as “PSI,” the duo fight to return to the place they call home. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Themes:

Game, Psychological, Super Power

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Shounen Jump (Weekly)

In the year 2022, gamers rejoice as Sword Art Online-a VRMMORPG (Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) like no other-opens its virtual doors, allowing players to take full advantage of the ultimate in gaming technology: NerveGear, a system that allows users to completely immerse themselves in the game world by manipulating their brain waves to create a wholly realistic gaming experience. But when the game goes live, the elation of the players quickly turns to horror as they discover that, for all its amazing features, SAO is missing one of the most basic functions of any MMORPG-a log-out button. Now trapped in the virtual world of Aincrad, their bodies held captive by NerveGear in the real world, users are issued a chilling ultimatum: conquer all one hundred floors of Aincrad to regain your freedom. But in the warped world of SAO, “game over” means certain death-both virtual and real… (Source: Yen Press)

Theme:

Game

The internet is home to countless urban legends, but the most prominent is the mysterious gamer known only as “Blank.” Behind breaking records in hundreds of games, Blank is just two shut-in NEET siblings: the manipulative 18-year-old Sora and the 11-year-old detached genius, Shiro. Together, they are an unbeatable duo with zero losses to their name. One day, the siblings receive an anonymous email challenging them to a chess game. Upon securing a flawless win, they are immediately summoned into a colorful alternate world. A playful boy named Tet, who introduces himself as the “One True God,” tells them that the world of Disboard has a unique system for resolving disputes—any and all disagreements are resolved through simple games. Furthermore, of the 16 races inhabiting the realm, humanity is ranked the lowest and least powerful, barely scraping by with a kingdom consisting of a single city. In a world that has yet to see war or bloodshed in centuries, Sora and Shiro quickly make a name for themselves as they set their eyes on an ambitious goal: to defeat Tet with their gaming wits and conquer this new world. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Theme:

Game

Yggdrasil is a virtual reality game renowned for the freedom it offers its players. After a simple tutorial, players are left to explore the world and can customize anything and everything, from their classes to their weapons. However, in the year 2138, the game sees its final hours as its servers shut down at midnight. Momonga, a devoted player of Yggdrasil, decides to spend the game’s last hours inside his guild, Ainz Ooal Gown. Strangely, at the stroke of midnight, the game does not log him out. Instead, Momonga finds himself transported to another world, one that is seemingly identical to that of Yggdrasil. Facing an already abnormal situation, he discovers that the NPCs have gained sentience. Trapped in his avatar’s skeletal body and desperate to uncover the cause of his predicament and find other players like him, Momonga sets out to take control of the new world with the help of his loyal subjects. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Theme:

Game

Rei Kiriyama is an extraordinary shogi player. Among the few elites to have gone professional as a middle school student, he is considered a genius. But what lies behind his prodigious facade is a teenage boy who suffers immense pressure from both his family, and from the high expectations from the shogi community. Rei moves out to live a more independent life away from his family, but his unorganized lifestyle and unsociable personality show no signs of improvement. However, in a twist of fate that will prove to be a turning point in his life, Rei then encounters the Kawamoto sisters—the motherly Akari, the passionate Hinata, and the energetic Momo—who take great care of him. 3-gatsu no Lion tells the story of Rei as he reshapes his melancholic life and picks up the courage to begin facing the problems he evaded during his past. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Young Animal

When Hikaru Shindou discovers an old go board in his grandfather’s attic, he is greeted by the spirit of an ancient go master, Sai Fujiwara no. Sai spent his life teaching the techniques of the board game to an emperor during the Heian era, and now in his ghostly state, he is eager to share his passion with the unsuspecting Hikaru. The only problem is that Hikaru is not all that interested in board games. But Sai is not easily dissuaded. Pressured by Sai’s unrelenting desire to pursue something he refers to as the “Divine Move,” Hikaru begrudgingly consents to playing the game, executing moves as dictated by Sai. But slowly, intrigued by the dedication of his peers, he begins to learn the basics of the game. As Hikaru enters into the world of go, guided by his intangible tutor and inspired by his rival, Akira Touya, he cannot help but be drawn into the complex game as he grows determined to prove his own abilities. In a coming-of-age story centering around an ancient board game, Hikaru no Go tells the story of a boy maturing through the pursuit of his newfound passion. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Shounen Jump (Weekly)

Momonga is an average salaryman who spends his free time playing Yggdrasil, a DMMO-RPG (Dive Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) well-known across Japan for its immense world and limitless customization. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, and Yggdrasil’s servers shut down in the year 2138. Wanting to witness the game’s final hours, Momonga, the leader of the guild Ainz Ooal Gown, logs in for the last time and heads toward the guild’s headquarters. After reminiscing about his comrades and adventures, Momonga prepares for the server to automatically log him out as the clock strikes midnight. However, he is not forcefully booted out of the game. Instead, he finds himself in a new world—now trapped in the body of his avatar and where non-player characters are aware of their feelings. Left with no other options, Momonga takes on the name of his guild in hopes that other players would recognize Ainz Ooal Gown. Determined to make sense of the bizarre situation, Momonga embarks on a journey to unravel the mysteries hidden in this uncharted world. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Comp Ace

Always deemed inferior to her elder sister, the strong-willed yet aimless Chihaya Ayase has no dream of her own. In contrast to her, Taichi Mashima, the son of a surgeon, is gifted yet insecure as he is burdened by the heavy expectations of his strict mother, who wants him to be perfect in everything. However, the lives of Chihaya and Taichi soon change as they encounter Arata Wataya, the new transfer student in their class. Inspired by Arata’s dream to become the best at competitive karuta—a card game based on the classic anthology of one hundred Japanese poets—Chihaya quickly falls in love with the game. Refusing to lose to the talented Arata, the prideful Taichi joins along and immerses himself in the game, aiming to one day surpass his fated rival. The three friends spend their childhood practicing karuta everyday, until certain circumstances force them to part with each other. A few years later, now in high school, the trio finds themselves reunited through the world of competitive karuta. Alongside their newfound comrades and rivals, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and romance. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Josei

Serialization:

Be-Love

The stage is set. The preparations are complete. A grand battle royale known as “The Sekirei Project” is about to take the streets of Shintou Teito by storm. For this event, the shadowy corporation known as MBI has developed 108 “Sekirei”—advanced humanoid beings with extraordinary combat skills. Set free into the city, these Sekirei must search for their “Ashikabi,” masters who can unlock and control their fighting potential through kissing. Once all the Sekirei are paired, they must battle until one team emerges victorious and claims the enigmatic grand prize. Enter Minato Sahashi, a ronin whose life is as bleak as it gets. Weak-willed and unconfident by nature, his circumstances become even more hopeless when he fails his college entrance exams for the second time. However, when he encounters a Sekirei called Musubi, a bond sparks between them, and he finds himself becoming her Ashikabi. Although he begins to enjoy his life with Musubi and the other Sekirei he bonded with, he consequently finds himself increasingly embroiled in The Sekirei Project. If Minato wants to protect his newfound life, he will need to step up and participate in this demanding, high-stakes battle. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Themes:

Game, Harem, Super Power

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Young Gangan

When Feng Lan’s brother encouraged her to play the virtual reality game Second Life, he told her that as a girl, she’d be doted upon. To prove that she could be a better player than him even without a handicap, she was granted her special request for a male avatar. Her adventures in this online RPG begin, as she discovers both the game and what it’s like to be thought of as a boy.

Themes:

Game, Gender Bender

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Dragon Youth

High school student Yuugi Mutou spends his days being bullied between classes and his nights playing board games and solving puzzles in his bedroom. Yuugi’s penchant for gameplay comes from his grandfather, whose game shop also serves as a house for the two. One night, Yuugi manages to solve the Millennium Puzzle, a seemingly impossible challenge that awakens his inner darkness and converts it into an alternate persona: Yami Yuugi. Transforming into the more bold and dangerous persona against his will in moments of great distress, Yuugi begins to moonlight as a vengeful vigilante, challenging bullies and evil-doers to risky games where failure results in fates worse than death. Yuugi and his alter ego befriend some of the very students who once bullied him, forming unbreakable companionships with them. But the group must contend with villains far deadlier than the high school punks they originally rallied against, enemies who use games for nefarious purposes and threaten Yuugi and his friends’ very lives. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Themes:

Game, Historical, School

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Shounen Jump (Weekly)

The internet is full of rumors about the NEET and hikikomori genius gamer siblings Sora and Shiro. The two go as far as to refer to the world as a “shit game,” but then one day a young man calling himself “God” summons them to a parallel universe. There, God has forbidden war, and “everything is to be settled with games.” Yes, even the national borders. Driven into a corner by other species, the “human species” is down to its last city. Can Sora and Shiro, these related failures of society, become the saviors of humankind in this parallel world? (Source: MU)

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Comic Alive

“This game is impossible to clear. It’s just a matter of when, where and how you die.” Kayaba Akihiko’s death game has been up for one month. This incredibly difficult VRMMO has already claimed 2000 victims. It’s the day of the 1st floor boss strategy meeting. The solo player Kirito, who’s decided to only strengthen himself, meets a rare female player on the current front lines, while heading to the meeting around noon. Fighting alone against the strong monsters, she was like a meteor cutting the night sky. A compilation of Aria in the Starless Night, where Kirito becomes known as the Black Swordsman, the events concerning the 2nd floor boss clearing, and Rondo of the Transient Blade, the sad tale of a young male blacksmith. (Source: Volume 1 description)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Dengeki Bunko Magazine

Katagiri Yuuichi believes that friends are more important than money, but he also knows the hardships of not having enough funds. He works hard to save up in order to go on the high school trip, because he has promised his four best friends that they will all go together. However, after the class’ money is all collected, it’s stolen! Suspicion falls on two of Yuuichi’s friends, Sawaragi Shiho and Shibe Makoto. Soon afterwards, the five of them are kidnapped, and wake up in a strange room with a character from a short-lived anime. Apparently, one of them has entered them into a “friendship game” in order to take care of their massive debt. But who was it, and why did they have such a debt? Could they have stolen the money from class to pay for entry into the game? Yuuichi and his best friends will have to succeed in psychological games that will test or destroy their faith in one another. (Source: MangaHelpers)

Themes:

Game, Psychological

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Bessatsu Shounen Magazine

“This game is impossible to clear. It’s just a matter of when, where and how you die.” Kayaba Akihiko’s death game has been up for one month. This incredibly difficult VRMMO has already claimed 2000 victims. It’s the day of the 1st floor boss strategy meeting. The solo player Kirito, who’s decided to only strengthen himself, meets a rare female player on the current front lines, while heading to the meeting around noon. Fighting alone against the strong monsters, she was like a meteor cutting the night sky.

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Dengeki G’s magazine

In the year 2022, gamers rejoice as Sword Art Online—a VRMMORPG (Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) like no other—opens its virtual doors, allowing players to take full advantage of the ultimate in gaming technology: NerveGear, a system that allows users to completely immerse themselves in the game world by manipulating their brain waves to create a wholly realistic gaming experience. But when the game goes live, the elation of the players quickly turns to horror as they discover that, for all its amazing features, SAO is missing one of the most basic functions of any MMORPG—a log-out button. Now trapped in the virtual world of Aincrad, their bodies held captive by NerveGear in the real world, users are issued a chilling ultimatum: conquer all one hundred floors of Aincrad to regain your freedom. But in the warped world of SAO, “game over” means certain death-both virtual and real… (Source: Yen Press)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Dengeki Bunko Magazine

Welcome to The World, the most advanced online game ever created. In The World you can be anyone you want to be, act out your adventure fantasies and through teamwork and determination, you can even become a hero. 14-year-old twins Shuugo and Rena just won a contest that lets them play as the legendary avatars ‘Kite’ and ‘Black Rose.’ Armed with the power of the Twilight Bracelet, the two must discover what is causing rogue monsters to infect The World and carry on the legend of the .hackers. (Source: Tokyopop)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Comptiq

The story is set at Shishidou, a school attended by rich and elite people. Tom Shirasagi, a gambler, is a mysterious new transfer student who has come from a public school (instead of a prestigious private one) and faces the elitist environment. There, he declares a challenge toward any student and claims he will bring to the ruin the whole school through a series of gambling matches. Nobody knows why he has come to that school or what the real motivations behind his actions are. During any match, Tom shows off all of his unique coolness and ability. He employs a wide range of tricks, both psychological and physical, to ensure his victory. In any game, you will constantly ask how he’s planning to win, why he’s really doing certain things, and what’s really going on. At the end of the matches, the tricks are revealed, and they all work in real life, even if they do require one to be highly skilled or lucky in order to perform them. The story centers around the various matches he undertakes and the interactions between the various characters, like Mika Shishidou, the beautiful granddaughter of the school headmaster, who is highly intelligent but contemptuous and superb, or Abidani, the vampiric looking dorm superintendent and main villain (for now) in the series, who has a sadistic personality and whose goal is to make Tom leave his school (or to get him killed). As the story unfolds, more about Tom’s past is revealed, leading to unpredictable turns of events. (Source: MU)

Themes:

Game, Harem, Psychological, School

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Shounen Champion (Weekly)

In the future, the most popular game in the world is Angelic Layer. Contestants must raise and train their own ‘Angels’ (or fighting dolls) to compete in tournaments. Enter Misaki Suzuhara, sixth grade Angelic Layer prodigy. With her speed-type angel, Hikaru, many people think Misaki stands a chance at winning the championship. She’ll have a lot of help along the way, but the road to victory will be not be an easy route, especially for someone as young as Misaki. (Source: Tokyopop)

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Shounen Ace

Itou Kaiji is a bum who steals car emblems and slashes tires on what seems to be a regular basis. This routine changes one day when he is paid a visit by a man in a trench-coat. Once the two get talking, it seems that the visitor (Calling himself Endou) is a debt collector. The reason for his visit is an unpaid loan which kaiji had previously co-signed for a work-mate (Furuhata Takeshi). The original loan was 30000 yen and once Takeshi had disappeared, the loan then fell on Kaiji. Kaiji is then told of a way to clear the interest compounded debt (which stood at 3,850,000 yen), which involved getting on a boat with others in his position. Once on the boat the debtors would then have to gamble with loaned money, which would end with a few winning, and others getting into deeper debt and having to work to pay of their debts. After some coercing kaiji accepts a position on the boat, in order to clear himself and make a bit of money as well… (Source: AniDB)

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Young Magazine (Weekly)

There are gamblers out there who even bet their lives as ante. But to secure the integrity of these life-threatening gambles, a violent and powerful organization by the name of “Kagerou” referees these games as a neutral party. Follow Baku Madarame a.k.a. Usogui (The Lie Eater) as he gambles against maniacal opponents at games—such as Escape the Abandoned Building, Old Maid, and Hangman—to ultimately “out-gamble” and control the neutral organization of Kagerou itself. (Source: Easy Going Scans) Included one-shots: Volumes 12–15: Igyou Tobakusha Usokui Volume 25: Yakou-san

Themes:

Game, Psychological

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Young Jump

History isn’t Tokidoki’s strong subject. He’s even forced to do make-up work at a high-tech history museum to bring up his failing grades. After losing an eye to a virtual reality monster in an Edo period simulation, he finds himself unable to leave the game. Could it be real? (Source: Easy Going Scans)

Themes:

Game, Historical

Demographic:

Josei

Serialization:

Comic ZERO-SUM

Typical company employee Tanaka Daichi (38-years-old, single) loves games and plays a new type of VRMMO called “One More Free Life Online” under the username “Earth.” Inside this free world he chose several skills that are generally regarded as useless. Be it wasting time crafting potions, cooking up pointlessly tasty food, or hunting monsters with some absurd weapon he crafted, he simply enjoys playing the game. (Source: MU)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

AlphaPolis Web Manga

The year is 1998. Hajime Kanou is a junior high student enthralled with the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering—dubbed “Magic” for short—playing with his classmates every day during breaks. His loud group often catches the attention of Emi Sawatari, the top student who berates Hajime’s group for bringing such games to school. Hajime sees Emi as his self-proclaimed rival and challenges her to academic battles, which frequently result in his defeat. One day, Hajime pays a visit to a card shop that specializes in Magic. Much to his surprise, not only does he find Emi inside, but he also discovers that she is the undisputed best Magic player in the store. This meeting sparks a slow but steady change in their relationship, as they grow to know each other better through various Magic duels. With the turn of the millennium drawing close, the saga of two youth begins. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Themes:

Game, School

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Shounen Ace

Yotsuya Yuusuke along with his classmates Shindou Iu and Hakozaki Kusue have been transported to a strange and unknown world inhabited by mythological creatures. As soon as they arrive, they meet somebody calling himself the Game Master who then grants them a time-limited quest. To aid them in this quest, he also bestows Shindou and Hakozaki with the roles of a Magician and a Warrior while Yotsuya is randomly granted the role of… a Farmer?! This is how a hectic life of adventuring began for three students who now have no choice, but to complete random quests for several phases in the fantasy world if they want to stay alive and protect the real world from the demons and monsters they encounter. (Source: MU)

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Bessatsu Shounen Magazine

While mahjong is a game that is often played with family and friends, it is also a game that is played in the darkest corners of society. Nangou is a compulsive gambler who has accumulated debt over three million yen. In a last ditch attempt to clear his record, he decides to wager his life on a game of mahjong with the mafia. Unfortunately, as the game progresses, Nangou only moves further from the prize and closer to death. When all hope seems lost, the game parlor is suddenly intruded upon by Shigeru Akagi, a young boy on the run from the police. Desperate to turn the game around, Nangou hands the game over to Akagi after teaching him a few of the rules. The mafia can only smirk as Akagi sits down to play. However, they soon come to learn that Akagi is a natural born gambler. An imposing figure who does not fear death. One who is destined to become a legend. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Themes:

Game, Psychological

Serialization:

Kindai Mahjong

Itou Kaiji, now free of debt but without a penny is leeching himself in Mr.Sakazaki’s new house, despite all the flirtings (extreme torment for Kaiji) from Sakazaki’s daughter, Mikoko. Sakazaki attempts to kick Kaiji out, even by offering a farewell ‘we never knew each other’ money of 3000000 yen. While Kaiji ponders himself on the decision, he is visited by Miyoshi and Maeda, two of his ‘allies’ he had saved from the last part of the series.

Themes:

Game, Psychological

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Young Magazine (Weekly)

In real life, Roto, Boromid and Ah-Dol are average kids with average problems, but in the virtual world of Lost Saga, they’re heroes. They might even become legends…if they can stop bickering long enough to level up. Whether it’s werewolves running rampant or a gorgeous pair of troublesome thieves, our boys must be ready for anything, because in Lost Saga nothing is what it seems and murder can happen with a click of a mouse. (Source: Tokyopop)

Theme:

Game

No matter what age it is, the “Bullied Child” will never disappear. The overweight, middle school student, Haruyuki, was one such kid. The only time he could relax completely, was when he would play a squash game on the local network the school had set up. He loved playing this simple game as he can forget painful times while immersed in it. It was fall. He was passing his time like this until one day, he had an encounter with the school’s most beautiful, refined girl, “Shiroyukihime,” which changed his life abruptly. Introduced to the software she transmitted, Haruyuki learned about “Accel World.” A program that enhances one’s mind capabilities… with certain side-effects. It was the moment the guy on the lowest rung at school became “Burst Linker,” protecting the Princess as her knight. (Source: MU)

Themes:

Game, School

After Kaiji’s showdown with Chairman Hyoudou at Starside Hotel, Kaiji is forced into labor at an underground mine. With meager wages each day, he will work for decades unless he doesn’t do something. Now Kaiji must wager his earnings in underground Chinchirorin gambles for a ticket to the rest of the world. But even if he surfaces, he only has one chance to pay back his enormous debt, and that is by challenging the “unbeatable” Pachinko machine, The Bog. (Source: MU)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Young Magazine (Weekly)

Utilizing a system called “Sense,” each player aims to create their unique character in the VRMMORPG “Only Sense Online.” Joining this realm is Yun, an absolute beginner in the world of gaming, equipped with some of the worst customized “Sense” ever. While his two sisters, both veterans in this world, criticize his choices of equipment, he continues to delve into the skill sets he has acquired. Along his way, he meets the art of “production” and people that have mastered this art. Watch as a total novice creates a revolution in the gaming world and create the “ultimate” support class. (Source: MangaHelpers)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Dragon Age

Global political figures such as The Pope, Kim Jong Il, George W. Bush and recent Japanese Prime Ministers play riichi mahjong against each other. Included one-shots: Volume 3: Ritz Season.1 Volume 4: Oretachi Kenou Shineitai Volume 11: Ritz Season.2 Volume 12: Lacross Shoujo Katagiri Ririn-san wa Totemo Moteru Volume 13: Ritz Season.3

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Kindai Mahjong

The virtual world of OZ has taken Japan by storm. Constructing an avatar in this real-world simulation grants users access to a wide range of features—from playing games to processing legal documents. Due to its overall convenience, OZ’s popularity has skyrocketed since its inception and has been deemed the world’s greatest communication tool. Introverted OZ moderator Kenji Koiso had decided to devote his summer vacation to overseeing the system’s maintenance. However, he changes his mind after being invited to accompany fellow student Natsuki Shinohara to her family’s residence, where the Jinnouchi clan is gathering for the impending 90th birthday celebration of her great-grandmother. Upon their arrival, Natsuki introduces Kenji as her fiancé, which comes as a shock to both himself and her great-grandmother. While struggling to keep up with the actions of his crush, he receives an anonymous text. Enticed by the complexity of its encryption, he decodes the message and sends a response—unknowingly bringing about a great catastrophe for OZ that will have dire consequences. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Young Ace

Years after Yuugi’s legendary battles, the game is so popular that special institutions dedicated to the art of the Duel have sprung up all over the world. Join Juudai Yuuki and his pals at the Academy for the adventures of the next generation of Yu☆Gi☆Oh!

Themes:

Game, School

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

V-Jump

Set in 2100 A.D., where video games feel 99% like real life. Follow Feng Lan in her adventure as the first player to play as the opposite sex in the VRMMO “Second Life” to prove to her brother that she can beat the game without using the “female benefits.” But after she offends her family in a pvp match and even meets her real life friends and acquaintances in-game, can she continue to keep herself out of trouble by keeping her identity a secret?

Themes:

Game, Gender Bender, Martial Arts, Parody

A story set in the near future, about a middle-aged loser whose only refuge is a virtual bishoujo game. Takurou, the main character, is a stereotyped, low self esteem, adult male in a dead end job. Because he feels he has nothing to live for, he let himself go, becoming fat, miserable, and lonely. The only shining thing he lives for is the occasional visit to a brothel where his savings will allow him to at least not be completely sexless. This is when, through a real life friend of his, he is introduced to the virtual reality world of “The Unreal.” Where, after spending $6000+ on equipment, you can purchase a virtual girlfriend who only thinks of you. Only the girl, Tsukiko, that Takurou purchases, seems to have come with a few defects. (Source: MU)

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Big Comic Spirits

Kirito awakens in a vast, fantastical forest filled with towering trees. In his search for clues to the truth of his surroundings, he encounters a young boy who seems to know him. He ought to be a simple NPC, but the depth of his emotions seem no different than a human. As they search for the boy’s parents, Kirito finds a peculiar memory returning to him. A memory from his own childhood, of this boy and a girl, too, with golden hair, and a name he should have never forgotten—Alice. (Source: Yen Press)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Web DenPlay Comic

The highly virulent C-virus became a global disaster, but where did the outbreak start? In this prequel to the hit Resident Evil 6 game, the terrifying origins are revealed. At the prestigious and elite Marhawa High School in Singapore, a female student suffers a horrifying transformation. Called in to investigate, Professor Doug Wright and his nephew Ricky find themselves caught up in a deadly and growing tragedy. As things get rapidly out of hand, Chris Redfield and his team from the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance arrive on the scene, while behind it all a mysterious figure looms. (Source: VIZ)

Themes:

Game, Military

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Shounen Champion (Weekly)

A direct sequel to Tobaku Datenroku Kaiji, picking up immediately after Part 3. After his tremendous victory in 2-Player Mahjong against the villainous President, Muraoka Takashi, Kaiji is being driven home by Kazuya, the son of Chairman Hyoudou. However, in the car, Kazuya asks Kaiji if he would be interested in one more gamble that night, and Kaiji accepts. What surprises lie in store for our dear Kaiji, and what will the gamble be?! (Source: Batoto)

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Young Magazine (Weekly)

After her boyfriend cheats on her with another girl he met in-game, Akane Kinoshita learns the hard way that gamer boyfriends can be just as bad as the offline variety. As she vents her anger by beating mob monsters to a pulp, she has a chance encounter with Akito Yamada, a guildmate with an afro and Noh mask. Yamada is unsociable and curt, hardly the type of person to make Akane swoon. However, while his gaming stats might be maxed out, Yamada is inexperienced in matters of the heart, and against all odds, she finds herself moved by him. Making new friends along the way, can Akane shake the heart of Yamada, a final boss-level high school boy? [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Ganma!

In the online Let’s Play community, the video game “The Ones Within – Genome” is infamous. No one has ever successfully completed it, and those who come close vanish without a trace. Akatsuki Iride is a popular streamer, well known for his amiable nature and the ability to befriend anyone. While playing The Ones Within – Genome, he discovers a hidden stage and is transported to a strange forest. There he meets others like himself: Karin Sarayashiki, a horror game enthusiast; Kaikoku Onigasaki, a Sengoku-themed uploader; nurturing-simulation lover Himiko Inaba; Anya Kuduo, a fighting game expert; puzzle specialist Yuzu Roromori; a master of stealth games, Zakuro Oshigiri; and romance game streamer Makino Aikawa. In order to escape, they must reach one hundred million concurrent views. Each must put their specialty to the test and entertain the global audience together in a never-ending livestream for their lives. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Gene pixiv

Ukai Zero saves three troubled teens from a Suicide Website, and together chooses to work as ‘Robin Hoods’ of society. However, one of Zero’s friends are caught by an organization he got in trouble with, and Zero is forced to enter a gambling competition hosted by a rich, rotten old man who is looking for talented gamblers to be his rep player. The reward money? ONE TRILLION YEN.

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Shounen Magazine (Weekly)

Naruse Kazuki and Koutake Haruki are on the advanced track of Seitoukou Academy.Though they are not connected by blood, these two whose faces are so similar coincidentally have their 16th birthdays on November 11th. However, on that fateful anniversary, the cogs of fate have begun to turn. A game involving both their destinies has now begun! (Source: Entropy)

Themes:

Game, School

Demographic:

Josei

Serialization:

Comic ZERO-SUM

In the aftermath of the disclosure game that won two Mahjong anomalies, the villainy “17 steps” game. Kazuya sets forth a gamble of 2,000,000,000 Yen! How will Kaiji survive?!

Themes:

Game, Psychological

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Young Magazine (Weekly)

It is the year 2017, and the stakes have gotten even higher in the massively multiplayer online game The World–now The World R:2, a dangerous place overrun by player killers, where lawlessness abounds. The PKK Haseo, known as “The Terror of Death,” is a fearsome foe who punishes those who want to slay other players. But things have gotten personal as Haseo tries to track down the killer Tri-Edge, who has threatened the real life of his friend Shino… (Source: Tokyopop)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

.hack//G.U. The World

In .hack//Legend of the Twilight, Shugo and Rena were given the avatars of the famous dot hackers, Kite and BlackRose… Now learn how their legend was born! While playing in The World,the most successful online game in history, a young boy suddenly loses consciousness and falls into a coma after taking a blow to protect his friend Kite from the deadly beams of a strange monster. To save his fallen friend, Kite must log back into this most dangerous game and begin to unravel the mysteries behind his friend’s affliction. But understanding the true power of The World may prove as dangerous as it is crucial! (Source: Tokyopop)

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

.hack//G.U. The World

The Communication Player (COMP) is a portable gaming system that can send and receive emails and surf the web. Kazuya Minegishi and his friends are each given a COMP by Kazuya’s ominous hacker cousin, Naoya, who tells them they will need the devices to survive. Confused, the three think nothing of Naoya’s warning and proceed to open up a strange “Laplace Email” in their inboxes. The email claims that someone will be brutally murdered, followed by a large explosion and a blackout that will take the entirety of Tokyo offline. They believe it to be a joke until the terrifying events unfold in front of their eyes. Shaken, the three soon learn that Naoya has loaded a demon summoning program onto their COMPs, which causes powerful demons to crawl out of their devices and attack them. When defeated, the same demons forge contracts with them and become their partners. Armed with the ability to summon demons and predict the future via email, the three friends fight to survive in their new, demon-infested reality. Along the way, they must uncover the truth behind the summoning program and what happens when they change their fates. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Themes:

Demons, Game

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Shounen Sirius

While Asuna, Leafa, Silica and Lisbeth were doing their homework in Kirito and Asuna’s Log House on the 22nd Floor of New Aincrad, Lisbeth informed Asuna of a player known as “Zekken” (Absolute Sword) who was challenging players on the 24th Floor, while offering an 11-hit Original Sword Skill as a reward. Asuna was told that the mysterious player had actually converted from a different game and that over thirty players who had attempted to challenge the player, including Leafa and even Kirito, were defeated. Hearing that Kirito had said something to the player before being defeated and not sharing what he had said with the others and thinking that the mysterious player had come for a reason, Asuna decided to challenge the player as well. To her surprise, the player was actually a girl named Yuuki. (Source: SAO Wikia)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Dengeki Bunko Magazine

It has been a full year since the end of the Sword Art Online incident and ten months since the end of the ALfheim Online incident. Although things had returned to normal for some time, mysterious incidents occur in another VRMMO game, called Gun Gale Online (GGO), when in two instances, a player in the game is shot by a mysterious person in a mantle who calls himself “Death Gun” and the shot player mysteriously disconnects after a few seconds, only for their real body to be found dead days later. After the second such incident, Kirigaya Kazuto is asked by a member of the VR Crimes Division, Kikuoka Seijirou, to investigate the rumours that the incidents in-game are related to the deaths of the players in the real world. After hearing that Death Gun has a requirement for his targets: the people he supposedly kills are all top players, Kazuto agrees to convert his ALfheim Online avatar into Gun Gale Online using The Seed’s character conversion feature to enter the most well known tournament in the game, the Bullet of Bullets, to draw the attention of the mysterious Death Gun. (Source: Sword Art Online Wikia)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

ComicWalker

Widely regarded as a trailblazer and top-tier professional player in the online multiplayer game Glory, Ye Xiu is dubbed the “Battle God” for his skills and contributions to the game over the years. However, when forced to retire from the team and to leave his gaming career behind, he finds work at a nearby internet café. There, when Glory launches its tenth server, he throws himself into the game once more using a new character named “Lord Grim.” Ye Xiu’s early achievements on the new server immediately catch the attention of many players, as well as the big guilds, leaving them to wonder about the identity of this exceptional player. However, while he possesses ten years of experience and in-depth knowledge, starting afresh with neither sponsors nor a team in a game that has changed over the years presents numerous challenges. Along with talented new comrades, Ye Xiu once again dedicates himself to traversing the path to Glory’s summit! [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Theme:

Game

For his beloved younger sister’s treatment, Shinomiya Ryouma is working frantically to raise a billion yen while going to high school. One day, a mysterious woman asks him, “Can you put your life on the line for what you desire?” and after receiving a ticket from her, an accident befalls him! When he wakes up, he finds he’s turned into a girl and what’s more, he’s participating in a “game” where a win means he can reverse his fate but a loss means he’ll die instantly! (Source: MangaHelpers)

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Young Gangan

Follows the heroines from the Aincrad arc through their various adventures in the real world at the SAO Survivor School and in the virtual world of ALfheim Online.

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Web DenPlay Comic

It is 23 years after Akagi Shigeru’s deadly battle with Washizu Iwao. Ten Takashi is living his life as a rep mahjong player. A kind person at heart, he also possesses a ingenious talent in mahjong. One day Ten meets Igawa Hiroyuki, a student player who ‘plays by logic.’ Hiroyuki is overwhelmed at Ten’s playing style which involves anything besides logic, and soon becomes one of his close friends. Being the rep player he is, Ten had to play against some Yakuza. The chance of victory seemed to be on Ten’s side, then the yakuza decides to call their secret weapon, a legendary rep player called…

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Kindai Mahjong Gold

The story centers on Kakeru Doumeguri, a loner who is at the lowest caste of his school. A certain incident makes him reincarnate as the Dark Lord Helschaft, who exists inside the virtual reality game “Exodia Exodus,” though he also has the ability to turn back into human form. Ririko Asagiri, a girl who Kakeru has long had a crush on, is also trapped in the game, along with her classmates, who all swear a vow to defeat Helschaft and get back to their world. However, if Helschaft dies, everyone’s lives will be in danger, so Kakeru/Helschaft meets them in battle. The other characters include Shuuko Aikawa, Kakeru’s boss at his part-time job in the real world, and Helschaft’s slave in the game; and Non Shizukuishi, a sharp-tongued cool girl who is interested in Helschaft. (Source: ANN)

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Dragon Age

On December 28, 2025, Suguha showed Kazuto a news article that the Holy Sword Excalibur in ALfheim Online had been found. Excalibur was the rarest and most powerful sword in ALO, but, although they had found the sword nearly a year ago, they were not able to break through the guardians of the dungeon that the sword was held in, until they ended up temporarily forgetting about the sword due to more important matters. However, Kazuto was then told that the weapon had only been discovered so far, but not yet acquired. Thus Kazuto called Asuna, Lisbeth, Silica, Klein and Sinon to form a full party and attempt to clear the dungeon again. However, after they arrived at Jötunheimr and got on Tonkii’s back, they discovered that the other players discovered the location of the item via a quest that required slaughtering the beast-type Evil Gods. (Source: Sword Art Online Wikia)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Dengeki G’s Comic

In the epic prequel to .hack, the avatar Albireo is a solo adventurer in The World, the most advanced online fantasy game ever created. When he comes across Lycoris, a strange little girl in a dungeon, Albireo wonders if she’s simply nothing more than a bug in the system. As the two journey further into The World, Albireo watches Lycoris turn all of the rules of The World upside down. Slowly, he comes to realize that she may hold a very deadly secret—a secret that could unhinge everything in cyberspace… and beyond! (Source: Amazon)

Theme:

Game

Sakai Hiroaki is a high school teenage mastermind with a genius-level intelligence and a lack of interest in anything that is easy to him. During one unlucky day, in an attempt to stop a student from committing suicide, he ends up committing suicide himself. After he awakens, he finds himself not in the real world, nor in heaven, but in purgatory, along with a group of others who did the same. Sakai discovers that he and his peers are subjected to never-ending intense death games in this world for reasons unknown to him, and he tries to find a way to escape. (Source: MU)

Themes:

Game, Psychological

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Dragon Age

The story follows Karen Kohiruimaki, a 183-centimeter-tall (6-foot-tall) college student who’s insecure about her height, and is bad at dealing with people in the real world. She enters the world of Gun Gale Online with her avatar, Ren, who is less than 150 centimeters (5 feet) tall and wears all pink. She meets a beautiful, brown-skinned female player who goes by Pitohui. They hit it off, but one day Pitohui pressures her to participate in “Squad Jam,” a team battle royale variation of the Bullet of Bullets tournament. (Source: ANN)

Themes:

Game, Military

As soon as he entered high school, the first year student Koshiyama Shiki was invited to the mysterious Quiz Study Group led by his senpai. What will Shiki run into when being dragged along by his classmate Mari into the dazzling world of competitive quizzes?! (Source: ComicWalker)

Themes:

Game, School

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Young Ace

While the original four .hack video games followed the tales and travels of Kite, these books tell the story all over again, from the view of Akira Hayami, also known as BlackRose in The World. When her younger brother, Fumikazu, falls into a coma while playing The World, Akira decides to figure out why it happened, and launches herself into the most exciting, and dangerous, journey she will ever have to encounter. Where she meets the twin blade Kite whose friend Orca has fallen into a coma too. Together they venture to find out The World’s innermost secrets meeting new friends along the way who aid them in their journey. (Source: Wikipedia)

Themes:

Game, School

In 2022, the world of virtual reality was upended by the arrival of a new invention from a genius programmer, Akihiko Kayaba, called NerveGear. It was the first full-dive system, and with it, came endless possibilities to VRMMORPGs. In 2026, a new machine called the Augma is developed to compete against the NerveGear and its successor, the Amusphere. A next-gen wearable device, the Augma doesn’t have a full-dive function like its predecessors. Instead, it uses Augmented Reality (AR) to get players into the game. It is safe, user-friendly and lets users play while they are conscious, making it an instant hit on the market. The most popular game on the system is “Ordinal Scale” (OS), an ARMMORPG developed exclusively for the Augma. Asuna and the gang have already been playing OS for a while, by the time Kirito decides to join them. They’re about to find out that Ordinal Scale isn’t all fun and games… (Source: Aniplex USA)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Web DenPlay Comic

Hardcore game addict and loner Souma Sagara spends all of his time playing the virtual reality game “New Communicate Online,” also known as “Neko-Mimi-Neko.” After Souma fails to keep his promise with his little cousin Maki to clean out the storage room of her house, Maki comes across a magical wishing mallet in the storage and accidentally wishes him away out of frustration. Souma’s body is promptly teleported into New Communicate Online as a level one character, stuck in an unforgiving game world notorious for its glitches, developer shenanigans, traps, and unfair scenarios. However, having wasted years of his life away on this horrible game, he is well aware of its lazily coded mechanics and sets out to abuse their inner workings to his heart’s content. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Themes:

Game, Harem

Serialization:

ComicWalker

In the year 2043, <Infinite Dendrogram>, the world’s first successful full-dive VRMMO was released. In addition to its ability to perfectly simulate the five senses, along with its many other amazing features, the game promised to offer players a world full of infinite possibilities. Nearly two years later, soon-to-be college freshman, Reiji Mukudori, is finally able to buy a copy of the game and start playing. With some help from his experienced older brother, Shuu, and his partner Embryo, Reiji embarks on an adventure into the world of <Infinite Dendrogram>. Just what will he discover and encounter in this game world known for its incredible realism and infinite possibilities? (Source: J-Novel Club)

Theme:

Game

“Wizard’s Soul” is a competitive trading card game. Skilled players are popular, make a lot of money, and are even offered acceptance to prestigious universities. Follow the story of Manaka as she struggles with love, money, and friendship in a world run by cards. (Source: Batoto)

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Comic Flapper

Two side stories bundled with limited editions of anime Blu-ray/DVD.

Theme:

Game

Utilizing a system called “Sense,” each player aims to create their unique character in the VRMMORPG “Only Sense Online.” Joining this realm is Yun, an absolute beginner in the world of gaming, equipped with some of the worst customized “Sense” ever. While his two sisters, both veterans in this world, criticize his choices of equipment, he continues to delve into the skill sets he has acquired. Along his way, he meets the art of “production” and people that have mastered this art. Watch as a total novice creates a revolution in the gaming world and create the “ultimate” support class. (Source: MangaHelpers)

Theme:

Game

Kuromi Girls’ Academy is a refined, elegant school that expects the very best in deportment from its young ladies. Aya got into this peerless rich-girls’ institution on a scholarship, and hopes to grow as lovely as her fellow student and idol, the so-called “Shirayuri-sama.” But Shirayuri hides a terrible secret: she’s a trash-talking, combo-chaining, newbie-stomping, ruthless hardcore gamer! Could a mutual indulgence in no-holds-barred video game combat grow into a deeper rapport between these two girls? (Source: Seven Seas Entertainment)

Themes:

Game, School

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Comic Flapper

The story takes place in the year 2020, just three years after the events of .hack//G.U.. (The story will take place not only in the new version of “The World” known as “The World R:X”, it is a popular game ) but in the real world as well. The lead character is a middle school student named Tokio Kuryuu. He lives a normal life as a gamer until a mysterious girl named Ayaka Amagi transfers to his school and takes him in the game world. (Source: Wikipedia)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Kero-kero Ace

.hack//Alcor: Hagun no Jokyoku takes place in the online game “The World.” Nanase is a shy and naive girl belonging to the newbie helping guild “Canard.” All she wants is to be with Silabus, the guild master whom she has deep admiration for. However, when the guild members are targeted by player killers (or PKs) from the guild Kestrel, will Nanase be able to brave the situation? (Source: MU)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

.hack//G.U. The World

Day laborer Kazuya Shibuya is feeling frustrated with his boring, day-to-day life when a mysterious game called “Blackout” is delivered to him out of the blue. Not knowing what is going on, he starts to play the game, only to find out that what is inside surpasses anything he could have ever imagined. No one has ever managed to beat this game shrouded in mystery. Is “death” awaiting him at the end…? (Source: MangaBox)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Manga Box

“Seriously, I’ll finish you within three hours.” That’s what Kirishima Haru had in mind when he entered the virtual world of a dating sim. Haru’s had it all since childhood – looks, charisma, good grades, athletic talent and girls, but in this virtual world, Haru would meet the only thing he wants and unable to attain. At the edge of the incomplete world, the love story of a player and a NPC unfolds. (Source: Horobosu Scanlations)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

BLink

The story is about a teenage boy who happens to be a shogi master. One day, a nine-year-old girl turns up at his house, requesting to be taken as his disciple. From there, all kinds of wacky hijinks ensue. (Source: ANN, edited)

Theme:

Game

Takenori is a major fan of Dating Sims. One day, he receives a strange email that tells him he can be the main character and asks him to insert the source material for his new world. Takenori inserts his favorite Dating Sim “Eternal Innocence” and after strange things he mistakens for a dream, wakes up – to find that all the heroines from Eternal Innocence have come to life in his usual surroundings! (Source: MU)

Themes:

Game, Harem, School

Serialization:

Famitsu Comic Clear

The alternative version to the Caliber SS from volume 8, where they decided not to save Freyja in the dungeon. The SS in the title means 少し失敗 (sukoshi shippai) which translates to Slight Failure.

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Dengeki Bunko Magazine

Kai Ichihara is a high school student who receives a strange email asking him if he wants to try “Slave Go,” a mobile game that will enslave certain people if they are “captured” by taking a picture of them. After using the app on two people, Kai is shocked to learn they have disappeared and the game he thought was just a joke must be real. Then when his good friend Rinna Date also vanishes, he fears she has met a similar fate. Confronted by a mysterious man named William Gotou, Kai is taken to a room where the slaves he captured are to participate in a death battle concocted by wealthy members of “Society,” an exclusive, underground community. Betting is done through a currency called Delos and when one loses all their money, they will become a slave. Although he is able to win his first game, this is just the beginning, as Kai finds that Rinna has indeed become a slave, and in order to free her he must pay a fee of one hundred million Delos. With William acting as his guide, Kai strives to capture strong slaves in order to help him liberate Rinna and release both of them from the clutches of Society’s evil game. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Themes:

Game, Psychological

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Shounen Jump+

The story takes place in the distant future and focuses on a boy named Yuma Tsukumo, the number one bad boy at his school. Something unexpected happens when Ryouga challenges him to a Duel as the mysterious ghost of Astral appears before them, a new legend begins.

Themes:

Game, School

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

V-Jump

Second year high school student Rakurou Hizutome is interested in one thing only: finding “shitty games” and beating the crap out of them. His gaming skills are second to none, and no game is too bad for him to enjoy. So when he’s introduced to the new VR game Shangri-La Frontier, he does what he does best—min-maxes and skips the prologue to jump straight into the action. But can even an expert gamer like Rakurou discover all the secrets that Shangri-La Frontier hides…? (Source: Kodansha USA)

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Shounen Magazine (Weekly)

The story follows Karen Kohiruimaki, a 183-centimeter-tall (6-foot-tall) college student who’s insecure about her height, and is bad at dealing with people in the real world. She enters the world of Gun Gale Online with her avatar, Ren, who is less than 150 centimeters (5 feet) tall and wears all pink. She meets a beautiful, brown-skinned female player who goes by Pitohui. They hit it off, but one day Pitohui pressures her to participate in “Squad Jam,” a team battle royale variation of the Bullet of Bullets tournament. (Source: ANN)

Themes:

Game, Military

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Dengeki Maoh

Biohazard: Heavenly Island centers around the film crew for “Idol Survival,” the internationally popular television program where swimsuited idols compete in games. The crew arrives on the same isolated South American island that TerraSave member Claire Redfield is visiting on an investigation. (Source: ANN)

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Shounen Champion (Weekly)

The series takes place during Sachiko Shinozaki’s birthday and she wants to play a game with the unfortunate students who wounded up in Heavenly Host Elementary School. The characters are forced to participate in a variety of games and do whatever it takes to entertain her.

Themes:

Game, Parody

Serialization:

Famitsu Comic Clear

This is a re-write of the original Bus Gamer manga. Toki Mishiba, Nobuto Nakajo, and Kazuo Saitou are hired to play the Biz Game, a game much like capture the flag, only with company secrets and insane amounts of money involved. At first they think it’s a crazy but fun way to get some money, but as the game goes on, they hear stories about mysterious deaths on the news, and recognize the victims as members of the teams they’ve beaten in the game. When one of the losers of a game dies right in front of them, they realize what is really at stake—their very lives! (Source: MU) This series is on hiatus.

Themes:

Game, Martial Arts, Psychological

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Comic REX

Kishimine Kengo, a boy who moved into a high school that was an all-girls school until several years ago. In spite of the so-called harem environment where he was surrounded only by girls, he wasn’t good at socialising and his sole hobby was immersing himself in reading. He lived a quiet life. But, he decided to participate in club activities that he hadn’t done until now, and so his high school life changed into something stormy and full of drama. He joined the one where he played modern games – in short, the game club. Kishimine was supported by the beautiful student council head and a perverted teacher, and he displayed unexpected talent. Now the curtain has been raised on the exciting gaming life of an ordinary boy. (Source: Baka-Tsuki)

Themes:

Game, Harem, School

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Dengeki Maoh

The “hot-blooded youth shogi manga” follows an impractical boy named Shinobu who accidentally moves into share-house for aspiring shogi (Japanese chess) professionals. (Source: ANN)

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Shounen Jump (Weekly)

Morita Tetsuo’s life changes when he meets Hirai Ginji, who works in the unknown and mysterious ‘back world’ of society full of villains.

Theme:

Game

It follows the traditional 4koma with non-canon meetings between characters from both universes. The first few comics have mostly .hack//Games humor, but the majority explore the idea of inserting Kite and his friends into the .hack//G.U. storyline. Most of the humor comes from Kite’s altered personality or the exaggerated personalities of other characters, mainly Atoli. (Source: dothack.wikia)

Themes:

Game, Parody

Serialization:

.hack//G.U. The World

Yu☆Gi☆Oh! Arc-V centers around Yuuya Sakaki, a mysterious Entertainment Duelist known as “The Phantom” along with his three other personalities: Yuuto, Yuugo, and Yuuri. He was chased after by Leo Corporation for hacking into their Solid Vision with mass system and used it for his own purpose. While on the run, he meets Yuzu Hiiragi, the daughter of the principal of Syu Zo Duel School that was on the verge of bankruptcy and tricked Yuuya into a contract to become a teacher at her school. However, before Yuuya could teach at the school, he first must find a card called Genesis Omega Dragon that said will determine the fate of the world that also connected to his scattered memories. The story is set in alternate version of Miami City where Leo Corporation, run by its president Reiji Akaba, dominates most of Solid Vision system throughout the city. The spread of the company’s Solid Vision with mass not only gave birth to “Action Duels” but also help improving the city in saving lives and repair damage in case of disaster, becoming a vital part of people’s life.

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

V-Jump

A doujinshi co-authored by Kawahara Reki, under the pen-name of Kunori Fumio, and ponz on Sword Art Online. Note: Part comic/novel doujinshi. Novel by Kawahara Reki, manga by ponz. The contents are: “Sound of Water, Sound of Hammer” – Kunori Fumio “Extraordinary Ordinary Days” – ponz

Theme:

Game

Kentaro’s former shogi teacher taught him to (metaphorically) dive into the 81 squares of the shogi board. Thus, his nickname is “81diver.” He has failed to enter the professional league of shogi competition. However, he continues to play the game for a living by gambling at amateur shogi clubs. (Source: MU)

Theme:

Game

Demographic:

Seinen

Serialization:

Young Jump

In an experimental school in Japan students are instructed to download a mobile app named “TROIA” designed to improve their education, enhance their interpersonal skills and encourage social activities by completing “Quests” that are randomly sent to each student. Sounds like a bit of fun but there is a catch, the bottom ranking student each week gets expelled and soon students find out that the “Quests” are not as innocent as they appear nor strictly bound by rules. Friendship, trust, respect, knowledge, skills, every student will be tested to their limit as failure is not an option! (Source: MU)

Themes:

Game, Psychological, School

Demographic:

Shounen

Serialization:

Comic REX

Sword Art Online: Material Edition is a compilation of the original web novel version of Sword Art Online published as a self-published books.

Themes:

Doujinshi, Game

“The World” is a massively multiplayer online game played by more than twelve million people across the globe. Within this virtual world Haseo, a PK (Player Killer), continues an endless fight. Everything he does is for the sake of the girl Shino, who back in the real world, is hospitalized by an unexplained coma. However, on finally meeting with his sole lead, a PK called “Tri-Edge,” Haseo is dropped back to Level 1 by a mysterious power! Can Haseo save Shino now that he has lost all of his abilities? Tatsuya Hamasaki, writer of the scenario for the .hack//G.U. games, now turns his hand to its novelization! (Source: Tokyopop)

Theme:

Game

Jiyoung has been told about Trumps and the Rule to control Trumps from her maternal grandfather. When she goes to her new school, she encounters a super model that fights with a guy using special power that seems to be the one Jiyoung’ grandfather has been talking. Unfortunately she is involved to their fights involuntarily, and even meets them at her new school. She gets to know they are psychics called Trumps or Cards) who have special talents, mingling with them and she realizes she also has a special power. Is she also a trump or the rule? (Source: Diawon)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Young Champ

A mysterious transfer student arrives to the third year, class C for Hanazono Girl’s Middle School. Akane is a plain and simple girl who was tired of her over bearing Friends, and silently thinks that it is ok for the world to be destroyed. However, all the girls of the class wake up to find themselves in a desolated school, with countdown timers. Every girl is tied to another one, and this pair must survive a 7 day Battle Royal. As it turns out, Akane is tied down to the mysterious transfer student. Friendships crumbles, hopes are lost and sanity is tested as the game starts of with a bang! (Source: MU)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Comic Yuri Hime

July 15, 2043. On that day, a Full-Dive VRMMO was released, with its unique system called “Embryo” allowing each player to follow an extremely varied—or rather, an “infinitely” varied pattern of evolution. That game’s name? “<Infinite Dendrogram>” Possessing an element that, until now, had never been achieved by VRMMOs and was considered a technical impossibility, “<Infinite Dendrogram>” took over the entire world, becoming a major hit in the blink of an eye. One and a half year had passed since the launch of “<Infinite Dendrogram>.” A young man named Mukudori Reiji had finished his university entrance exams and began living alone in Tokyo. In order to celebrate the end of that lengthy studying period, after being invited by his older brother long ago, he finally started playing the game. This is a story where the line between game and reality is blurred. And also, a tale of reminiscences. (Source: NovelUpdates)

Theme:

Game

Serialization:

Comic Fire

A doujinshi co-authored by Kawahara Reki, under the pen-name of Kunori Fumio, and Kurusu Tatsuya on Sword Art Online. Note: Part comic/novel doujinshi. Novel by Kawahara Reki, manga by Kurusu Tatsuya. The contents are: “The Final Promise” “A Spot of Sunshine in the Winter”

Theme:

Game