Update #12 - A Look at the Licensing Process
4 days ago
– Mon, Sep 07, 2026 at 10:21:51 AM
Hi Operatives!
Today we will share a small behind-the-scenes look at what it means, in our experience, to work on a licensed tabletop RPG.
A project like Ghost in the Shell Arise starts long before the Kickstarter page goes live. In our case, the Quickstart took about a year to be approved before it could be released. The Kickstarter campaign page, as well as previews, images, campaign materials, and advertising assets, also went through a similar approval process in terms of duration.
This is not unusual for a licensed project, especially for those based on a major property like Ghost in the Shell Arise. Moreover, there are also specific rules for visual materials. For this project, we cannot create new images or alter the existing ones. We can only use the official materials provided, without modifying, reworking, or adding elements to them. This preserves the visual identity of the licensed work, keeping it consistent and coherent.
Even though work is moving forward on our side, sometimes we cannot immediately show new pages, images, or previews. Some materials need to come from the licensors, and other materials need to be approved before they can be shared.
That said, we can’t wait to finally show you what’s been happening behind the scenes.
We really hope that all this information might be interesting and clarifying for you all!
Stay tuned, Operatives!
Mana Project Studio
Update #11: Design, Messages, and Pledge Manager
about 1 month ago
– Tue, Aug 11, 2026 at 10:56:50 AM
Hi Operatives!
Work on Ghost in the Shell RPG is moving forward, and we have a step to share with you: the preliminary design phase has been completed.
The project is now in the hands of Davide Milano, who is working on the design of the game. Some of you may know his work from Cowboy Bebop Roleplaying Game, and we are very happy to have him on board for this next part of the process.
We also want to address something important.
Some messages have waited longer than they should have before receiving an answer. This was due to some issues on our side, and we are deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused.
We have identified the problem, and it will not happen again. We are truly grateful for your patience and comprehension.
If you are still waiting for a reply, please contact us again at [email protected] and we will check your case as soon as possible.
Finally, a quick reminder: the Pledge Manager is still open! You can still choose your language, adjust your pledge, and make changes to your order. We will let you know in advance before closing it, so there is no need to rush without notice.
Thank you for your support, Operatives.
Mana Project Studio
Update #10: Transmission from the Team
3 months ago
– Wed, Jun 10, 2026 at 08:43:00 AM
Hi Operatives,
Just a quick transmission from the team.
Right now, part of the work is waiting on new images and materials from the licensors. Once we have what we need, we’ll be able to show you more and give a clearer look at the next steps.
We also want to confirm again that a beta version will be shared with backers before print, so you can read through it and help us spot typos and anything that needs one more check.
More updates will come as soon as we can share them. Stay tuned, Operatives!
Mana Project Studio
Update #9: Still Working Behind the Screens
5 months ago
– Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 04:25:50 AM
Hi Operatives!
Greetings from somewhere deep inside the system.
We’re still working on GHOST IN THE SHELL ARISE RPG, mostly on the text for now. That means chapters, missions, rules, and all the small things needed for a HUGE game like this one.
It is not the loudest part of production… but it is the most important!
We have also found most of the editing and proofreading team. GHOST IN THE SHELL ARISE RPG is not the kind of game where you want only one pair of eyes on the Corebook.
We will share more when there is more to show. For now, we wanted to let you know that the project is active and the next production steps are being prepared.
See you in the next update, Operatives!
The Mana Project Studio Team
The Ghost is Taking Shape... And More!
6 months ago
– Mon, Mar 23, 2026 at 09:30:25 AM
Hey, Operatives!
Our fingers fly across the keyboard so fast you can barely see them. Day and night, we’re glued to our screens, absorbed by the machine.
We’re working on the text to ensure you get breathtaking content and truly intriguing missions.
Whilst we’re busy with this exciting Netrunner-style work, we’ve also launched a new project here on Kickstarter.
Runeway is a slice-of-life role-playing game about self-discovery, while exploring the world of Weyrd. It’s played using Futhark runes instead of dice, and we’re sure it will charm those of you looking for chill games with a cosy atmosphere.
Take a look at this project!
In the meantime, take good care of your ghost and your shell.
See you in the next update, operatives!
