View source for Software:Danganronpa

{{Short description|Video game series and media franchise}}
{{Infobox video game series
| title                  = Danganronpa
| image                  = Danganronpa series English logo.svg
| genre                  = [[Software:Adventure game|Adventure]], murder mystery, visual novel, [[Software:Shooter game|shooter]]
| developer              = {{ubl|[[Company:Spike|Spike]]|[[Company:Spike Chunsoft|Spike Chunsoft]]}}
| publisher              = {{vgrelease|JP|Spike, Spike Chunsoft|WW|[[Company:Nippon Ichi Software|NIS America]], Spike Chunsoft|EU|NIS America, Spike Chunsoft, Numskull Games<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/06/danganronpa-decadence-announced-for-switch|title=Danganronpa Decadence announced for Switch|date=15 June 2021|work=Gematsu|last=Romano|first=Sal}}</ref>}}
| platforms              = [[Engineering:PlayStation Portable|PlayStation Portable]], [[Software:Android (operating system)|Android]], [[Software:IOS|iOS]], [[Engineering:PlayStation Vita|PlayStation Vita]], [[Software:Windows|Windows]], [[Software:OS X|OS X]], [[Software:Linux|Linux]], [[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]], [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]], [[Engineering:Xbox One|Xbox One]] 
| first release version  = ''[[Software:Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc|Danganronpa]]''
| first release date     = 25 November 2010
| latest release version = ''[[Software:Danganronpa S: Ultimate Summer Camp|Danganronpa S]]''
| latest release date    = 4 November 2021
| creator                = Kazutaka Kodaka
}}
{{nihongo|'''''Danganronpa'''''|ダンガンロンパ|lead=yes}} is a Japanese [[Engineering:Video game|video game]] franchise created by Kazutaka Kodaka and developed and owned by [[Company:Spike Chunsoft|Spike Chunsoft]] (formerly [[Company:Spike|Spike]]). The series primarily surrounds various groups of apparent high-school students who are forced into murdering each other by a robotic teddy bear named Monokuma. Gameplay features a mix of [[Software:Adventure game|adventure]], visual novel, detective and [[Software:Dating sim|dating simulator]] elements. The first game, ''[[Software:Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc|Danganronpa]]'', was released for the [[Engineering:PlayStation Portable|PlayStation Portable]] in 2010.

The original scenario was written by Kodaka, who aimed to create a dark adventure game. The original concept was rejected for being too gruesome, but it was later approved after retooling. The series has morphed into a franchise that includes manga, anime, and novels. The franchise became one of Spike's most successful works since they previously outsourced their works.

The series received many positive reviews from critics, praising the series' characters, tone, and atmosphere. Rui Komatsuzaki's character designs became popular for cosplay. Kodaka's work also inspired staff members from the studio Pierrot in the making of an anime titled ''Akudama Drive''. By 2021, the ''Danganronpa'' series reached 5 million copies sold worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |title=Spike Chunsoft, Inc. Invites You to Camp and the Ultimate Class Reunion, Announces a Global Sales Milestone |url=https://www.spike-chunsoft.com/news/spike-chunsoft-inc-invites-you-to-camp-and-to-the-ultimate-class-reunion/ |website=Spike Chunsoft|date=19 October 2021 |accessdate=19 October 2021}}</ref>


==Premise==
{{Timeline of release years
| 2010  = ''[[Software:Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc|Danganronpa]]''
| 2011  = ''Danganronpa Zero''
| 2012  = ''[[Software:Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair|Danganronpa 2]]''
| 2013a = ''Danganronpa: The Animation''
| 2013b = ''Danganronpa: Kirigiri''
| 2014  = ''Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls''
| 2015a = ''[[Software:Danganronpa: Unlimited Battle|Danganronpa]]''
| 2015b = ''Genocider Mode''
| 2015c = ''Danganronpa: Togami''
| 2016a = ''Killer Killer''
| 2016b = ''Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School''
| 2016c = ''[[Software:Cyber Danganronpa VR: The Class Trial|Cyber Danganronpa VR]]''
| 2016d = ''[[Software:Kirigiri Sou|Kirigiri Sou]]''
| 2017  = ''[[Software:Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony|Danganronpa V3]]''
| 2021  = ''[[Software:Danganronpa S: Ultimate Summer Camp|Danganronpa S]]''
}}
The series revolves around an elite high school, {{nihongo|Hope's Peak Academy|希望ヶ峰学園|Kibōgamine Gakuen|{{lit.}} ''Kibogamine Academy''}}, which, every year, scouts {{nihongo|"Ultimate" students|超高校級|chō-kōkō-kyū|lit. Super High School Level}},{{efn| An "Ultimate" is someone highly talented in a career or skill.}} talented high school students who are at the top of their field, along with one "Ultimate Lucky Student" who is chosen by lottery. The three games, ''[[Software:Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc|Danganronpa]]'' (2010), ''[[Software:Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair|Danganronpa 2]]'' (2012), and ''[[Software:Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony|Danganronpa V3]]'' (2017) have similar premises. Sixteen talented students who stand out in different fields are trapped by a bear-like machine, Monokuma. Monokuma traps the cast into killing games. The cast is trapped for the rest of their lives in an establishment and the only way to return home is by killing another person and avoiding being found guilty during the class trials.<ref name="andriasang1">{{cite news|title=Spike Details High Speed Detective Action Game Dangan-ronpa|url=http://andriasang.com/comnzv/danganronpa/|first=Anoop|last=Gantayat|date=Aug 12, 2010|work=Andriasang.com|access-date=Dec 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225022902/http://andriasang.com/comnzv/danganronpa/|archive-date=2012-12-25|url-status=live}}</ref> The video games's narratives are connected by related media, expanding the story between titles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nichegamer.com/2015/03/09/danganronpa-interview-with-writer-and-creator-kazutaka-kodaka/|title=Danganronpa Interview with Writer and Creator Kazutaka Kodaka|work=Niche Gamer|accessdate=April 30, 2021|date=March 9, 2015}}</ref><ref name="gematsu conference">{{cite web |url=http://gematsu.com/2015/12/new-danganronpa-v3-danganronpa-3-anime-debut-series-press-conference |title=New Danganronpa V3 and Danganronpa 3 anime debut at series press conference |author=Romano, Sal |date=December 2, 2015 |website=Gematsu |access-date=December 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202105931/http://gematsu.com/2015/12/new-danganronpa-v3-danganronpa-3-anime-debut-series-press-conference |archive-date=December 2, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The first game was ported to [[Software:IOS|iOS]] and [[Software:Android (operating system)|Android]] in August 2012, with new features such as [[Retina display|retina display]] support, touch screen controls, and a new image gallery.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc-anniversary-edition-now-available-for-ios-android |title=Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc Anniversary Edition now available for iOS, Android |date=21 May 2020 |access-date=2020-05-21 |archive-date=2020-06-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604160100/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/05/danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc-anniversary-edition-now-available-for-ios-android |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Spencer |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/08/20/danganronpa-brings-murder-mystery-and-word-battles-to-ios/ |title=Danganronpa Brings Murder Mystery And Word Battles To iOS |publisher=Siliconera |date=2012-08-20 |access-date=2012-12-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120827053029/http://www.siliconera.com/2012/08/20/danganronpa-brings-murder-mystery-and-word-battles-to-ios/ |archive-date=2012-08-27 |url-status=live }}</ref> Two smartphone games, {{nihongo|''Danganronpa: Monokuma no Gyakushū''|ダンガンロンパ モノクマの逆襲||lit. ''Danganronpa: Monokuma Strikes Back''}} and {{nihongo|''Alter Ego''|アルターエゴ|Arutāego}}, were released for Android devices on April 27, 2012, and iOS devices on May 23, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://appget.com/appli/view/61392 |title=モノクマの逆襲 for ダンガンロンパ｜人気ゲーム「ダンガンロンパ」のミニゲーム集！スマフォアプリ版が待ち遠しくなる！｜アプリゲット |publisher=Appget.com |date=2012-05-03 |access-date=2013-08-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609155541/http://appget.com/appli/view/61392 |archive-date=2012-06-09 |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the Japanese release of ''Danganronpa 1-2 Reload'', a [[Engineering:PlayStation Vita|PlayStation Vita]] port of the game and its sequel, ''[[Software:Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair|Danganronpa 2]]'', NIS America released the Vita version of ''Trigger Happy Havoc'' in North America and Europe in February 2014.<ref name="localization">{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-07-06/nisa-licenses-danganronpa-demon-gaze-games-in-west |title=NISA Licenses DanganRonpa, Demon Gaze Games in West - Interest |publisher=Anime News Network |date=2013-07-03 |access-date=2013-08-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817092832/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-07-06/nisa-licenses-danganronpa-demon-gaze-games-in-west |archive-date=2013-08-17 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Danganronpa™: Trigger Happy Havoc|url=https://nisamerica.com/games/danganronpa/pinfo.html|access-date=2021-03-21|website=nisamerica.com}}</ref> Spike Chunsoft later released the game on [[Software:Steam (service)|Steam]] in February 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-01-19-danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc-is-coming-to-steam-next-month|title=Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc is coming to Steam next month|first=Jeffrey|last=Matulef|date=2 February 2016|work=eurogamer.net|access-date=14 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320101539/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-01-19-danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc-is-coming-to-steam-next-month|archive-date=2017-03-20|url-status=live}}</ref> NIS America also released ''Danganronpa 1-2 Reload'' for [[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]] in North America and Europe in March 2017,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-10-04/nis-america-to-release-danganronpa-1-2-reload-for-ps4/.107258|title=NIS America to Release Danganronpa 1•2 Reload for PS4|work=animenewsnetwork.com|access-date=14 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204064528/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-10-04/nis-america-to-release-danganronpa-1-2-reload-for-ps4/.107258|archive-date=2017-02-04|url-status=live}}</ref> and Japan on May 18, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/29551/|title=ダンガンロンパ1・2 Reload|work=esuteru.com|access-date=24 April 2021}}</ref> Another compilation for the [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]] titled ''Danganronpa Decadence'' was released in 2021. Besides the trilogy, the compilation offered a new title called ''[[Software:Danganronpa S: Ultimate Summer Camp|Danganronpa S]]'', expanded from the two extra modes of ''Danganronpa V3''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sanchez |first1=Miranda |title=Danganronpa Decadence Collection Announced for Switch - E3 2021 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/danganronpa-decadence-collection-reveal-nintendo-e3-2021 |website=IGN |access-date=15 June 2021 |date=15 June 2021}}</ref>

The spin-off, ''Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls'', takes place between the events of the first two games,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/06/23/danganronpa-another-episode-features-characters-first-two-games/|title=Danganronpa: Another Episode Features More Characters From The First Two Games - Siliconera|date=23 June 2014|work=Siliconera|access-date=4 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105070205/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/06/23/danganronpa-another-episode-features-characters-first-two-games/|archive-date=5 January 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=dmy-all}}</ref> follows Makoto's younger sister, Komaru Naegi, accompanied by Toko Fukawa, as both of them trek through a city overrun by murderous Monokumas, and fighting against a group of children calling themselves the Warriors of Hope. This game was also adapted into the manga ''Genocider Mode''.

===Gameplay===
[[File:Danganronpagameplay.jpg|thumb|left|An example of gameplay in ''Danganronpa.'' The player is in a Class Trial finding an issue in a character's comment and having to shoot a "Bullet" towards this sentence.]]

Gameplay in the main ''Danganronpa'' games is split into six chapters which each have three sections: Daily Life, Deadly Life, and Class Trial. Daily Life follows a standard visual novel style as players explore the school grounds, converse with characters, and progress the story. During designated "Free Time" sections, players can interact with a character of their choice, learning more about them and earning new skills that can help them in the Class Trial. Deadly Life is the post-murder investigation part of the story, in which players search for clues and gather evidence for the Class Trial.<ref name="gameplay">{{cite web|url=https://www.pcinvasion.com/danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc-pc-version-impressions/|title=Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc PC Version Impressions|website=PC Invasion|date=19 February 2016|access-date=11 February 2021}}</ref>

The Class Trial is the main section of the series, in which the students attempt to determine the culprit. This involves various types of mini-games, the most common of which is the Nonstop Debate. Here, the characters discuss the case in real-time, and the player must spot contradictions in their statements and shoot them using "Truth Bullets" containing the corresponding evidence. Other minigames include Hangman's Gambit, with the goal being to shoot letters to spell out a clue, Bullet Time Battle(1)/Panic Talk Action(2)/Argument Armament(''V3'') has the player using rhythmic button presses to argue against a character, and Closing Argument, which has the player piece together comic strips depicting the events of a murder.<ref name="gameplay"/>

The spin-offs ''Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls'' and ''[[Software:Danganronpa: Unlimited Battle|Danganronpa]]'' use different type of gameplay. The former is a third-person shooter in which the protagonist, Komaru Naegi, uses a megaphone to issue commands at most of the electronic objects in-game, including Monokuma Robots and switches.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/07/22/danganronpa-another-episodes-megaphone-weapon-kinds-uses/ |title=Danganronpa: Another Episode's Megaphone Weapon Has All Kinds Of Uses |work=Siliconera |date=2014-07-22 |access-date=2014-08-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806024054/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/07/22/danganronpa-another-episodes-megaphone-weapon-kinds-uses/ |archive-date=2014-08-06 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Unlimited Battle'' is an action game where players use touchscreen controls to fling a team of four of the ''Danganronpa'' characters at enemies.<ref name="sili1">{{cite web |title=Danganronpa Reimagined As A Cooperative Action Game |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/12/18/danganronpa-reimagined-cooperative-action-game/ |author=Spencer |work=Siliconera |date=2014-12-18 |access-date=2015-01-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208125752/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/12/18/danganronpa-reimagined-cooperative-action-game/ |archive-date=2015-12-08 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Development==
{{quote box|align=right|width=20em|quote="It was originally a basic visual novel, but visual novel games are not that popular in Japan anymore, either. So we figured that if ''DanganRonpa'' were to be just a visual novel, it would not be as popular we wanted it to be, these days. So that's why, to show that the game is really interesting, we decided to add a lot of different features -- after the scenario was written."|source=—Yoshinori Terasawa<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/211205/Dangan_Ronpa_Death_stress_and_standing_out_from_the_crowd.php|title=Dangan Ronpa: Death, stress, and standing out from the crowd Exclusive|website=Gamasutra|date=20 February 2014|access-date=11 February 2021}}</ref>}}
While at Spike, Kodaka proposed an idea to the company that was known as ''Distrust''.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Farokhmanesh|first=Megan|date=2015-03-10|title=The original Danganronpa, Distrust, was too gruesome even for its creators|url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/3/10/8176721/danganronpa-distrust-too-gruesome|access-date=15 November 2020|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref> The concept was similar to that of ''Danganronpa'', a battle royale style death game in a closed environment between high school students, but the idea was too gruesome and was consequently scrapped. After tweaking the concept, Kodaka successfully pitched it to the company and the game went into production, becoming ''Danganronpa''.<ref name=":4" /> The word "Danganronpa" originated from character designer Rui Komatsuzaki which was first written in [[Social:Kanji|kanji]] but it was later taken to katakana for the logo.<ref name="DTV">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSRzEv5qV6k&t=484s|title=Danganronpa 10th Anniversary Special - Dangan TV: Hope Keeps on Going! 1st Period|via=Youtube|access-date=6 February 2021|archive-date=7 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207133511/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSRzEv5qV6k&t=484s|url-status=live}}</ref> Kodaka cites David Lynch as a major inspiration when making the games. He stated "As opposed to being about death, these are games about playing for your life, since killing is much less purposeful without a motive to justify it. This is something you can really see with all his titles.".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.otaquest.com/kazutaka-kodaka-archipel/|title=Danganronpa Creator Kazutaka Kodaka Discusses Creative Process, More As Archipel Launches New Japanese Gaming Interview Series|website=OtaQuest|date=6 October 2020|accessdate=May 8, 2021}}</ref>

The first game in the series, titled ''[[Software:Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc|Danganronpa: Kibō no Gakuen to Zetsubō no Kōkōsei]]'', was produced by Yoshinori Terasawa, who was inspired by movies such as ''Saw'' and ''Cube''. The game uses a distinct "pop art" style featuring fluorescent pink blood. The game's scenario was written by Kodaka, with character designs by Rui Komatsuzaki. In February 2014, Kodaka revealed on his [[Company:Twitter|Twitter]] account that the story of ''Danganronpa'' was inspired by the Sega Dreamcast game ''[[Software:Illbleed|Illbleed]]'', as he loved how "crazy" it was.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/kazkodaka/status/437957421713981440 |title=小高和剛 on Twitter: "The Story of DanganRonpa is affected by "ILLBLEED" Dreamcast game. That was the crazy game. I love the crazy game." |access-date=13 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322145012/https://twitter.com/kazkodaka/status/437957421713981440 |archive-date=22 March 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The game was originally conceived as a basic visual novel but, as visual novels were growing less popular, new gameplay elements were added to make it stand out.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/211205/Dangan_Ronpa_Death_stress_and_standing_out_from_the_crowd.php |title=Gamasutra - Dangan Ronpa: Death, stress, and standing out from the crowd |author=Christian Nutt |date=20 February 2014 |access-date=13 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140824063024/http://gamasutra.com/view/news/211205/Dangan_Ronpa_Death_stress_and_standing_out_from_the_crowd.php |archive-date=24 August 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Due to budget issues, some lines were not given voice acting which left Ogata with the desire to make some important lines in retrospective. She felt a similar feeling with the anime adaptation as she felt it was too trimmed. Kodaka claimed some lines were not befitting to Makoto such as when the player is exploring an area. As a result, he also felt they would have added more fitting lines if Spike had the budget for the game.<ref name="transition">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IZd9PEsNl4|title=Danganronpa 10th Anniversary Special - Dangan TV: Hope Keeps on Going! 5th Period|via=Youtube|access-date=6 February 2021|work=Spike Chunsoft|archive-date=12 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212161122/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IZd9PEsNl4|url-status=live}}</ref> 

The game was originally released on [[Engineering:PlayStation Portable|PlayStation Portable]] in Japan on 25 November 2010, and was later ported to [[Software:IOS|iOS]] and [[Software:Android (operating system)|Android]] devices on 20 August 2012. Prior to the game's release, the company released various promotional material, including a playable demo and trailers, which depicted a different victim from the final game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/pulling-off-one-of-gamings-biggest-cons-1354961344 |title=Pulling Off One of Gaming's Biggest Cons |author=Richard Eisenbeis |work=Kotaku |date=20 September 2013 |access-date=13 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724234449/http://kotaku.com/pulling-off-one-of-gamings-biggest-cons-1354961344 |archive-date=24 July 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Two smartphone applications, {{nihongo|''Danganronpa: Monokuma no Gyakushū''|ダンガンロンパ モノクマの逆襲||lit. ''Danganronpa: Monokuma Strikes Back''}} and {{nihongo|''Alter Ego''|アルターエゴ|Arutāego}}, were released for Android devices on 27 April 2012 and iOS devices on 23 May 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://appget.com/appli/view/61392 |title=モノクマの逆襲 for ダンガンロンパ｜人気ゲーム「ダンガンロンパ」のミニゲーム集！スマフォアプリ版が待ち遠しくなる！｜アプリゲット |publisher=Appget.com |date=3 May 2012 |access-date=14 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609155541/http://appget.com/appli/view/61392 |archive-date=9 June 2012 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

After the making of the first ''Danganronpa'' game, there were no plans for a sequel. However, the team split up into different groups to make other projects. Initially reluctant, Kodaka was attracted by the idea of creating the novels ''Danganronpa Zero''. Terasawa approached Kodaka with the idea of a sequel in a few months. Kodaka wrote both ''Zero'' and ''Goodbye Despair'' at the same time. In retrospect, Kodaka considers the novels as needing more structuring work when comparing it with the game. He wrote elements he was doubtful from the first game into the novel as well as more hints towards ''Goodbye Despair''. As a result, Kodaka recommends gamers first read ''Zero'' before playing the sequel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZaPvl-gWKk&t=1526s|title=Danganronpa 10th Anniversary Special - Dangan TV: Hope Keeps on Going! 2nd Period|via=Youtube|work=Spike Chunsoft|access-date=6 February 2021|archive-date=7 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207141923/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZaPvl-gWKk&t=1526s|url-status=live}}</ref> A sequel, ''[[Software:Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair|Danganronpa 2]]'', was released for PSP in Japan on 26 July 2012, featuring various gameplay additions.

On 10 October 2013, Spike Chunsoft released {{nihongo|''Danganronpa 1・2 Reload''|ダンガンロンパ1・2 Reload}}, a compilation of the first two games, for the [[Engineering:PlayStation Vita|PlayStation Vita]]. Along with higher resolution graphics and touch-screen controls, the compilation added an additional 'School Mode' to the first game, based on the second game's 'Island Mode'.  On 6 July 2013, [[Company:Nippon Ichi Software|NIS America]] announced they would be releasing the Vita version of the first game in English under the name ''[[Software:Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc|Danganronpa]]'', featuring both English and Japanese audio.<ref>{{cite web |author=Ishaan |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/07/06/danganronpa-and-demon-gaze-coming-to-north-america/ |title=Danganronpa And Demon Gaze Coming To North America |publisher=Siliconera.com |date=6 July 2013 |access-date=30 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924140330/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/07/06/danganronpa-and-demon-gaze-coming-to-north-america/ |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> This version was released in North America on 11 February 2014, and in Europe and Australia on 14 February 2014. The Vita version of the second game, titled ''[[Software:Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair|Danganronpa 2]]'', was released in North America and Europe in September 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nisamerica.com/pressreleases/Dangan2_announce_20140213.pdf |title=Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair coming to North America and Europe this fall |publisher=NIS America |last=Santa Ana |first=Calif |date=13 February 2014 |access-date=30 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112131/http://nisamerica.com/pressreleases/Dangan2_announce_20140213.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Both games were later ported to [[Software:Steam (service)|Steam]] in 2015 and were released for [[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]] in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-10-04/nis-america-to-release-danganronpa-1-2-reload-for-ps4/.107258 |title=NIS America to Release Danganronpa 1•2 Reload for PS4 |access-date=8 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204064528/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-10-04/nis-america-to-release-danganronpa-1-2-reload-for-ps4/.107258 |archive-date=4 February 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

On 9 September 2013, Spike Chunsoft announced a spin-off title of the series, ''Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls'', which was released on Vita on 25 September 2014 and was released in North America and Europe in September 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gematsu.com/2013/09/danganronpa-another-episode-announced-for-ps-vita |title=Danganronpa: Another Episode announced for PS Vita - Gematsu |work=Gematsu |access-date=13 September 2014 |date=9 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807170319/http://gematsu.com/2013/09/danganronpa-another-episode-announced-for-ps-vita |archive-date=7 August 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> A free-to-play spin-off game, ''[[Software:Danganronpa: Unlimited Battle|Danganronpa]]'', was released for [[Software:IOS|iOS]] in Japan on 7 January 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/12/18/danganronpa-reimagined-cooperative-action-game/ |title=Danganronpa Reimagined As A Cooperative Action Game |author=Spencer |work=Siliconera |date=18 December 2014 |access-date=30 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208125752/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/12/18/danganronpa-reimagined-cooperative-action-game/ |archive-date=8 December 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In March 2015, writer Kodaka Kazutaka revealed that ''Danganronpa 3'' was in early development.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/02/25/danganronpa-team-thinking-making-danganronpa-3/ |title=Danganronpa Team Is Thinking About Making Danganronpa 3 - Siliconera |work=Siliconera |access-date=13 September 2014 |date=25 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140916033102/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/02/25/danganronpa-team-thinking-making-danganronpa-3/ |archive-date=16 September 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-03-04/game-writer-danganronpa-3-is-in-early-development/.85622 |title=Game Writer: Danganronpa 3 is In Early Development |work=Anime News Network |date=5 March 2015 |access-date=30 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428001552/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-03-04/game-writer-danganronpa-3-is-in-early-development/.85622 |archive-date=28 April 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The game was revealed in September 2015 as ''[[Software:Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony|Danganronpa V3]]'' for [[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]] and Vita, which was later released in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/09/15/danganronpa-v3-announced-for-playstation-4-and-vita/ |title=Danganronpa V3 Announced For PlayStation 4 And Vita |work=Siliconera |date=15 September 2015 |access-date=15 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918001127/http://www.siliconera.com/2015/09/15/danganronpa-v3-announced-for-playstation-4-and-vita/ |archive-date=18 September 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> A [[Software:Steam (service)|Steam]] port of ''[[Software:Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony|Danganronpa V3]]'' was also in 2017. The game was developed at the same time as the production of the anime series ''Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School'', which Terasawa and Kodaka described as being difficult; they still try to develop both projects without making any compromises, as such an opportunity does not arise often. The "V3" in the game's title was chosen to differentiate it from the anime. Terasawa and Kodaka described the game's production level as being much higher than that of previous games in the series.<ref name="gematsu scrum">{{cite web |url=http://gematsu.com/2015/12/new-danganronpa-v3-scrum-panic-debates |title=New Danganronpa V3 has Scrum and Panic Debates |author=Romano, Sal |date=2015-12-08 |publisher=Gematsu |access-date=2015-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209030005/http://gematsu.com/2015/12/new-danganronpa-v3-scrum-panic-debates |archive-date=2015-12-09 |url-status=live }}</ref> With ''Killing Harmony'' completed, Kodaka claimed that he would take a break from the franchise in a similar fashion to the ''Back to the Future'' film series, which consists of three installments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://toofargone.moe/2017/07/12/translated-danganronpa-interview-with-series-creator/|website=Too Far Gone|date=July 12, 2017|accessdate=July 18, 2021|title=Translated Danganronpa Interview with Series Creator}}</ref>

A free [[Virtual reality|virtual reality]] technical demo based on the first game, titled ''[[Software:Cyber Danganronpa VR: The Class Trial|Cyber Danganronpa VR]]'', was released for PlayStation Plus users in Japan for the [[Engineering:PlayStation VR|PlayStation VR]] on 13 October 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vrfocus.com/archives/21707/new-cyber-danganronpa-vr-class-trial-screenshots-revealed/ |title=New Cyber Danganronpa VR: Class Trial Screenshots Revealed |work=VRFocus |access-date=15 September 2015 |archive-date=18 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918011145/http://vrfocus.com/archives/21707/new-cyber-danganronpa-vr-class-trial-screenshots-revealed/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2016-10-13/cyber-danganronpa-vr-launches-for-playstation-4/.107620 |title=Cyber Danganronpa VR Launches for PlayStation 4 |work=Anime News Network |access-date=8 January 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508110353/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2016-10-13/cyber-danganronpa-vr-launches-for-playstation-4/.107620 |archive-date=8 May 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> A crossover prequel with ''[[Software:Otogirisō|Otogirisō]]'' to the first game, titled ''[[Software:Kirigiri Sou|Kirigiri Sou]]'', was released for [[Engineering:Personal computer|PC]] users in Japan on 25 November 2016. In 2017, Spike Chunsoft started hiring staff for a new ''Danganronpa'' game.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://gematsu.com/2017/11/spike-chunsoft-hiring-staff-danganronpa-modeling-texture-creation-mentions-ps4-ps-vita-action |title=Spike Chunsoft hiring staff for 'Danganronpa modeling and texture creation,' mentions PS4, PS Vita, action - Gematsu |date=15 November 2017 |work=Gematsu |access-date=24 November 2017 |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126193229/https://gematsu.com/2017/11/spike-chunsoft-hiring-staff-danganronpa-modeling-texture-creation-mentions-ps4-ps-vita-action |archive-date=26 November 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In July 2020, it was announced that the franchise's publishing rights outside of Japan will be transferred from NIS America to Spike Chunsoft.<ref>{{Cite news |title= Spike Chunsoft to take over Danganronpa series publishing in the west |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/07/spike-chunsoft-to-take-over-danganronpa-series-publishing-in-the-west|work=Gematsu |access-date=21 July 2020}}</ref>

As part of the 10th anniversary celebration, enhanced ports of ''[[Software:Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc|Danganronpa]]'' and ''[[Software:Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair|Danganronpa 2]]'', titled ''Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc Anniversary Edition and Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair Anniversary Edition'' respectively'','' were released on smartphone on November 25, followed by Nintendo Switch in December 2021. ''Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc Anniversary Edition'' was also ported to Xbox One and Microsoft Store on January 17.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-01-18|title=Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc Anniversary Edition Available for Download Now for Xbox One and Windows 10|url=https://www.spike-chunsoft.com/news/danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc-anniversary-edition-available-for-download-now-for-xbox-one-and-windows-10/|access-date=2022-01-23|website=Spike Chunsoft|language=en}}</ref> These version contains a gallery where players can listen to character voices, as well as view character expressions, in-game illustrations, and character references. On Nintendo Switch, the publisher also released Anniversary Edition of ''[[Software:Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony|Danganronpa V3]]'', as well as ''Danganronpa S: Ultimate Summer Camp'', a brand new exclusive game for the Switch. ''Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc Anniversary Edition'', ''Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair Anniversary Edition'', ''Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony Anniversary Edition'', and ''Danganronpa S: Ultimate Summer Camp'' were also collected and sold as a bundle titled "Danganronpa Decadence on the Nintendo Switch.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-03|title=Danganronpa Decadence Available Now for Nintendo Switch™|url=https://www.spike-chunsoft.com/news/danganronpa-decadence-available-now-for-nintendo-switch/|access-date=2022-01-23|website=Spike Chunsoft|language=en}}</ref>

===Themes===
According to Kodaka, the first two games focus prominently on the ideas of hope and despair. The cast from the first game suffers the latter theme when being forced to kill each other in Monokuma's battle royale. Kodaka stated that the games were intended "to portray the disparity faced when someone has killed another person while at the same time portraying the hope of one day achieving salvation." Although the game shares traits from Koushun Takami's 1999 novel ''Battle Royale'', Kodaka aimed to provide different ideas when writing the script. Originally, the idea was to use adults as protagonists but he instead found high school characters as more potential leads due to their immaturity through the usage of character development and how would they react to a killing game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tech-gaming.com/qa-kazutaka-kodaka/|title=AX: Q&A With Danganronpa's Kodaka Kazutaka|website=Tech Gaming|date=3 July 2015 |access-date=20 February 2021}}</ref> Voice actress Megumi Ogata who voices Makoto Naegi also commented on these themes; Ogata felt Makoto embodies the philosophy of hope as he brings this to the narrative and the setting.<ref name="firstogata">{{cite web|url=https://animeanime.jp/article/2013/07/10/14757.html|title=「絶望の学園」に普通の少年が推理で悩みながら立ち向かう ―緒方恵美さん『ダンガンロンパ』のアフレコゲンバ 前編|website=Anime Anime|date=10 July 2013 |language=Japanese|access-date=1 February 2021|archive-date=2 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702131659/https://animeanime.jp/article/2013/07/10/14757.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Analyzing these themes further, Ogata said ''Danganronpa'' often touches on both elements of despair and hope. The characters experience "despair" while they are trapped in the school and Makoto provides more emotional support to the cast across the story, giving the actress a far more optimistic message that the students are going to survive.<ref name="secondogata">{{cite web|url=https://animeanime.jp/article/2013/07/10/14757_2.html|title=「絶望の学園」に普通の少年が推理で悩みながら立ち向かう ―緒方恵美さん『ダンガンロンパ』のアフレコゲンバ 前編 2|website=Anime Anime|date=10 July 2013 |language=Japanese|access-date=1 February 2021|archive-date=2 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802200907/https://animeanime.jp/article/2013/07/10/14757_2.html|url-status=live}}</ref>  In ''Goodbye Despair''  a new character named Nagito Komaeda was introduced with the same Lucky Talent as Makoto. However, the staff considered them opposites based on their ideals of hope. In contrast to Makoto's heroic ideals of obtaining hope, Nagito instead embraces the idea of despair, believing that from any corrupted work the cast can find salvation.<ref name="ogata">{{cite web|url=https://www.koi-nya.net/2015/03/14/el-desarrollador-kazutaka-kodaka-habla-sobre-la-creacion-de-danganronpa/|title=Developer Kazutaka Kodaka talks about creating ''Danganronpa''|date=14 March 2015|accessdate=15 January 2021|website=Koi-Nya|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121213300/https://www.koi-nya.net/2015/03/14/el-desarrollador-kazutaka-kodaka-habla-sobre-la-creacion-de-danganronpa/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/10-questions-with-danganronpa-2-goodbye-despairs-killer-localization-team|title=E10 Questions with Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair's Killer Localization Team|website=US Gamer|date=16 October 2014|access-date=15 January 2021|archive-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220104054/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/10-questions-with-danganronpa-2-goodbye-despairs-killer-localization-team|url-status=live}}</ref> The anime ''End of Hope's Peak Academy'' introduces a rival to Makoto named Kyosuke Munakata who shares similar ideals but is corrupted due to his friends' death, and thus contradicts Makoto's ideals. Across the story, Makoto carries the "burdens of hope" regardless of how difficult are his challenges, allowing him to redeem Kyosuke.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Otomedia|issue=Winter|year=2016|publisher=Gakken Marketing|title=Kazutaka Kodaka x Yuuji Higa}}</ref>

For the third and latest game, ''[[Software:Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony|Danganronpa V3]]'', Kodaka decided to focus on a new theme: lie. This is represented through mysteries and surprises the player gets while playing the game. Kodaka claims that games would understand the ideals of lies when presented with the culprits. He was inspired by a mafia-like game where the answers are not provided to the player and thus wanted ''Danganronpa'' to go through this style in terms of writing. This mostly presented during the new gameplay elements from ''Killing Harmony'' as the player can enter into hidden routes when interacting with the rest of the cast. However, Kodaka had mixed feelings about it, finding it would come across as forced storytelling. Kodaka also refrained from expanding the theme of romance in the game as he felt the cast would look weak if this was implemented.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamer.ne.jp/news/201702180002|title=賛否両論を越えてでも作りたかったゲーム―「ニューダンガンロンパV3 みんなのコロシアイ新学期」小高和剛氏にインタビュー|website=Gamer|language=Japanese|access-date=20 February 2021}}</ref>

===Localization===
The games were localized by NIS America. Due to the poor popularity of outsourced games by the Western studio-like ''[[Software:DmC: Devil May Cry|DmC]]'' or ''[[Software:Dead Rising|Dead Rising]]'', Spike wanted the ''Danganronpa'' to remain true to its Japanese release, with Spike Chunsoft CEO Mitsutoshi Sakurai saying that Western fans seemed to embrace Japanese games like the ''[[Software:Final Fantasy|Final Fantasy]]'' series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-05-14-appealing-to-the-west-by-focusing-on-the-east|title=Appealing to the West by focusing on the East|website=Games Industry|date=14 February 2018|access-date=20 February 2021}}</ref> Due to delays with it being made, fan translations of the first game were present on the internet before NIS America handled the project. Minor changes were made to the characters' names but the team felt that the team aimed the project to be as faithful and accessible to the Western gamers. Spike's single request to NIS America was keeping the Monokuma's names intact. Due to the premise involving mystery, NIS America was keeping clues and at the same making the Class Trials as challenging as the original ones from Japan. While the English cast did not cause difficulties, Toko Fukawa's English voice actress was the most challenging to find as the character has a speech impediment. Monokuma was kept intact to make him look funny and at the same time threatening, something the team enjoyed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/nis-america-localized-danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc/|title=How NIS America Localized Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc|website=Siliconera|date=24 January 2014|access-date=11 February 2021}}</ref>

''Goodbye Despair'' was more challenging to localize than the original game due to how much longer the narrative is. The original team tried to work together again on the project to keep themselves familiar with the concepts of the series. In regards to changes NIS America made, Spike Chunsoft was supportive of the ideas they provided. The producer and assistant producers were in direct contact with the original creators of the series, making the interaction between the team to be done quickly. Sonia Nevermind's traits were altered due to how in the Japanese version she was using terms from the 1980s and 1990s in Japan. The team was concerned if her catchphrases should be kept intact for the Western version. Fuyuhiko was also challenging to dub as a result of his initial harsh personality. The casting was made with the help of Bang Zoom!. Similarly, Nagito Komaeda was difficult to dub as a result of his multi-faced personality. Since in the Japanese version both Makoto Naegi and Nagito were voiced by Megumi Ogata, in the English version they decided to also use the same actor: Bryce Papenbrook.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/10-questions-with-danganronpa-2-goodbye-despairs-killer-localization-team|title=10 Questions with Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair's Killer Localization Team|website=US Gamer|date=13 September 2016|access-date=11 February 2021|archive-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220104054/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/10-questions-with-danganronpa-2-goodbye-despairs-killer-localization-team|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Other media==
===Printed media===
The first ''Danganronpa'' has received two manga adaptations. The first adaptation, illustrated by Saku Toutani, was published in Enterbrain's ''Famitsu Comic Clear'' web magazine between June 24, 2011, and October 18, 2013, and is told from the perspective of the other students.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-10-19/danganronpa-kibo-no-gakuen-to-zetsubo-no-kokosei-manga-ends-in-famitsu-comic-clear |title=Danganronpa Kibō no Gakuen to Zetsubō no Kōkōsei Manga Ends in Famitsu Comic Clear |publisher=Anime News Network |date=2013-10-28 |access-date=2013-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022061210/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-10-19/danganronpa-kibo-no-gakuen-to-zetsubo-no-kokosei-manga-ends-in-famitsu-comic-clear |archive-date=2013-10-22 |url-status=live }}</ref> The second, illustrated by Samurai Takashi and based on ''Danganronpa: The Animation'', began serialization in [[Company:Kadokawa Shoten|Kadokawa Shoten]]'s ''Shōnen Ace'' magazine from July 2013. An official fanbook and comic anthologies based on both the game and the anime have also been published.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-02-28/danganronpa-the-animation-gets-manga-adaptation|title=Danganronpa the Animation Gets Manga Adaptation|website=Anime News Network|date=February 28, 2013|accessdate=April 24, 2021}}</ref> A mini light novel written by Ryohgo Narita, titled {{nihongo|''Danganronpa IF: The Button of Hope and the Tragic Warriors of Despair''|ダンガンロンパIF 希望の脱出装置と絶望の残念無双|Danganronpa IF: Kibō no Dasshutsusōchi to Zetsubō no Zan'nen Musō}}, is unlockable in ''Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair'' after clearing the game once. The story takes place in an alternate universe where Makoto manages to find an alleged escape switch.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/sp/120705_danganronpa2/02.html|title=Danganronpa 2|website=Famtisu|language=Japanese|accessdate=April 24, 2021}}</ref>

The prequel, ''Danganronpa Zero'', takes place in Hope's Peak Academy shortly before the events of "The Tragedy", following an anterograde amnesiac protagonist, Ryoko Otonashi, while detective Kyoko Kirigiri searches for its perpetrator, the mysterious Izuru Kamukura. The light novel series ''Danganronpa: Kirigiri'', which takes place before the events of the first game, follows a young Kyoko Kirigiri and her assistant Yui Samidare over the course of several years as they set out to become private detectives, rising through the ranks of the {{nihongo|Detective Shelf Collection|探偵図書館|Tantei Toshokan}}.<ref name="Zero_1">{{cite web|url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18192020-1-danganronpa-zero-1 |script-title=ja:ダンガンロンパ/ゼロ 1 [Danganronpa/Zero 1] (''Danganronpa/Zero'', #1) |work=Goodreads |language=ja|access-date=September 16, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36801490-danganronpa-zero-1 |title=''Danganronpa/Zero'' 1 |work=Goodreads |language=ja|access-date=September 16, 2011}}</ref>

''[[Software:Kirigiri Sou|Kirigiri Sou]]'', which takes place before the first game and after the events of the light novel series ''Danganronpa: Kirigiri'', follows college student Kouhei Matsudaira and Kyoko Kirigiri, as both of them investigate a mysterious mansion ruled by the influence of a [[Biology:Plant|plant]] [[Biology:Hybrid|hybrid]] [[Social:Doppelgänger|doppelgänger]] of Kyoko (known as Kyoka) created by Santa Shikiba and her "siblings", the Rhinogradentia.

The light novel trilogy ''Danganronpa: Togami'', which takes place before and during "The Tragedy", follows Byakuya Togami and his secretary and biographer Blue Ink after he is stranded naked in [[Place:Prague|Prague]] with her by the Ultimate Despair organization, as the Ultimate Imposter takes over the Togami Conglomerate and announces worldwide that lest he (the real Byakuya) be assassinated within the following 24 hours, the Ultimate Despair group will "end the world." The second volume also focuses on a younger Byakuya and the Imposter as they compete against fifteen of their siblings in the Togami family competition for the position of Togami heir, which quickly devolves into a killing game. The manga series ''Danganronpa Gaiden: Killer Killer'', which takes place between the events of the first two games, follows rookie and veteran Future Foundation agents Misaki Asano and Takumi Hijirihara, the latter of whom leads a secret parallel life as a vigilante [[Philosophy:Serial killer|serial killer]] obsessed with Mukuro Ikusaba, who only kills other murderers.

A short story booklet titled {{nihongo|''Danganronpa: Makoto Naegi Secret File – The Worst Day Ever''|ダンガンロンパ Makoto Naegi Secret File 苗木誠、人生最悪の日|Naegi Makoto, Jinsei Saiaku no Hi}}, written by Kazutaka Kodaka, was included with special editions of the first Japanese Blu-ray and DVD release of ''Danganronpa: The Animation'', serving as an origin story relating how Makoto came to be selected as the "Ultimate Lucky Student" of Hope's Peak Academy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nbcuni.co.jp/rondorobe/anime/danganronpa/contents/hp0008/index00100000.html |title=Blu-ray/DVD -TVアニメ「ダンガンロンパ」公式サイト- |access-date=25 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828130307/http://www.nbcuni.co.jp/rondorobe/anime/danganronpa/contents/hp0008/index00100000.html |archive-date=28 August 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

Alongside the next anime, a manga spin-off illustrated by Mitomo Sasako, titled ''Killer Killer'', began serialization in Kodansha's ''Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine'' from March&nbsp;9, 2016. Initially released as ''Killer Killer'', in its third chapter, published on May&nbsp;9, 2016, the manga series was revealed to be a side-story of ''Danganronpa&nbsp;3''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-05-09/killer-killer-manga-is-revealed-as-danganronpa-spinoff-in-3rd-chapter/.101865 |title=Killer Killer Manga is Revealed as Danganronpa Spinoff in 3rd Chapter |date=May 9, 2016 |publisher=Anime News Network |access-date=May 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509122918/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-05-09/killer-killer-manga-is-revealed-as-danganronpa-spinoff-in-3rd-chapter/.101865 |archive-date=May 9, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The series focuses on Misaki Asano, a young woman assigned to the Future Foundation's sixth branch. She specializes in murder investigations, and is teamed up with fellow investigator Takumi Hijirihara, who, following "The Tragedy", has secretly become a serial killer, known as the "Killer Killer", obsessed with killing other serial killers the pair are tasked with apprehending. Two comic anthologies were released on September&nbsp;9, 2016,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://data.ichijinsha.co.jp/detail/75800927|title=ダンガンロンパ3 -The End of 希望ヶ峰学園- コミックアンソロジー|website=Ichinja|access-date=March 6, 2021}}</ref> and another was released on October&nbsp;25, 2016, by [[Company:Kadokawa Shoten|Kadokawa Shoten]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/321604000572/|title=ダンガンロンパ3 -The End of 希望ヶ峰学園- 未来編/絶望編 電撃コミックアンソロジー|website=Kadokawa Shoten|access-date=May 23, 2019}}</ref>

===Anime===
In December 2012, [[Company:Kadokawa Shoten|Kadokawa Shoten]]'s ''Newtype'' magazine announced that there would be an anime television series adaptation of the first game, titled ''Danganronpa: The Animation'', produced by Lerche and directed by Seiji Kishi.<ref name="ann">{{cite news |title=Persona 4's Kishi Directs Danganronpa Game's TV Anime |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-12-07/persona-4-kishi-directs-danganronpa-game-tv-anime |date=7 December 2012 |work=Anime News Network |access-date=16 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209202433/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-12-07/persona-4-kishi-directs-danganronpa-game-tv-anime |archive-date=9 December 2012 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The series aired between 4 July 2013 and 26 September 2013 on MBS' Anime-ism programming block. The final Blu-ray/DVD volume, released on 26 February 2014, features an extended final episode.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-01-16/danganronpa-blu-ray/dvd-expands-finale-by-14-minutes |title=Danganronpa Blu-ray/DVD Expands Finale by 14 Minutes - News - Anime News Network |work=Anime News Network |access-date=13 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402062251/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-01-16/danganronpa-blu-ray/dvd-expands-finale-by-14-minutes |archive-date=2 April 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Company:Funimation|Funimation]] simulcast the series as it aired and released it on [[Engineering:Blu-ray|Blu-ray]]/DVD in North America on 10 November 2015, while Manga Entertainment released the series in the UK on 9 November 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-12-31/funimation-adds-home-video-rights-for-noragami-danganronpa-buddy-complex-daimidaler-terror-in-resonance-maken-ki-two-wixoss/.82796 |title=Funimation Adds Home Video Rights for Noragami, Danganronpa, Buddy Complex, Daimidaler, Terror in Resonance, Maken-Ki! Two, Wixoss |work=Anime News Network |date=31 December 2015 |access-date=30 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409052930/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-12-31/funimation-adds-home-video-rights-for-noragami-danganronpa-buddy-complex-daimidaler-terror-in-resonance-maken-ki-two-wixoss/.82796 |archive-date=9 April 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-04-04/funimation-announces-danganronpa-anime-english-dub-cast/.86761 |title=Funimation Announces Danganronpa Anime English Dub Cast |work=Anime News Network |access-date=22 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522164408/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-04-04/funimation-announces-danganronpa-anime-english-dub-cast/.86761 |archive-date=22 May 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The anime is licensed by Muse Communication in Southeast Asia and aired on Animax Asia in Japanese audio with English subtitles.<ref>{{cite web |title=Danganronpa: The Animation - Animax Asia |url=http://www.animax-asia.com/programs/dangaronpa-animation |website=Animax Asia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222145601/http://www.animax-asia.com/programs/dangaronpa-animation |archive-date=22 December 2015 }}</ref>

A second anime series, titled ''Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School'', aired between July and September 2016. The series is split into two simultaneously airing parts; ''Side: Future'', which serves as a conclusion to the "Hope's Peak Academy" storyline, and ''Side: Despair'', which serves as a prequel to the first two games; ''Trigger Happy Havoc'' and ''Goodbye Despair''. Seiji Kishi once again directed the series at Lerche, while Norimitsu Kaihō wrote the screenplay.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-12-02/new-danganronpa-3-the-end-of-kibogamine-gakuen-anime-green-lit/.96006 |title=New Danganronpa 3 -The End of Kibōgamine Gakuen- Anime Green-Lit |work=Anime News Network |access-date=6 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202124041/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-12-02/new-danganronpa-3-the-end-of-kibogamine-gakuen-anime-green-lit/.96006 |archive-date=2 December 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The ''Danganronpa'' development staff have stated that, while difficult to work on both titles simultaneously, they are giving it since the opportunity to do something like it does not come up often.<ref name="gematsu scrum"/> Initially, an anime adaptation of ''Danganronpa 2'' had been planned, but in the end the development staff opted for making an anime that takes place after ''Danganronpa 2'' instead,<ref name="gematsu scrum"/> as Kodaka felt that the ''Danganronpa 2'' characters' story had ended within that game and that he could not write another about what happened to them afterward very easily.<ref name="E">{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-03-25/danganronpa-writer-says-2-characters-stories-ended-with-game/.100250 |title=Danganronpa Writer Says 2's Characters' Stories Ended With Game |date=25 March 2016 |publisher=Anime News Network |access-date=24 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409093422/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-03-25/danganronpa-writer-says-2-characters-stories-ended-with-game/.100250 |archive-date=9 April 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> While class trials had originally been considered, it was thought that it would have been too painful for the characters to sit through another one, which was what led to the decision to make the conclusion into an anime.<ref name="gematsu scrum" />

The series was licensed for simulcasting by Funimation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-06-23/funimation-to-stream-d-gray-man-servamp-tales-of-zestiria-danganronpa-3-love-live-sunshine-first-love-monster-handa-kun-tsukiuta-time-travel-girl-xechs-regalia/.103544 |title=Funimation to Stream D. Gray-man, Servamp, Tales of Zestiria, Danganronpa 3, Love Live! Sunshine!!, First Love Monster, Handa-kun, Tsukiuta, Time Travel Girl, XechS, Regalia |access-date=23 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625004320/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-06-23/funimation-to-stream-d-gray-man-servamp-tales-of-zestiria-danganronpa-3-love-live-sunshine-first-love-monster-handa-kun-tsukiuta-time-travel-girl-xechs-regalia/.103544 |archive-date=25 June 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Despite episodes alternating between the Future and Despair arcs when it originally aired, Funimation groups the episodes by arc on its streaming service.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.funimation.com/shows/danganronpa-3-the-end-of-hopes-peak-high-school/ |title=Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School |access-date=24 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607051240/https://www.funimation.com/shows/danganronpa-3-the-end-of-hopes-peak-high-school/ |archive-date=7 June 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> An original video animation titled ''Super Danganronpa 2.5: Komaeda Nagito to Sekai no Hakaisha'', was bundled with ''Danganronpa V3'' in Japan on 12 January 2017.<ref name="Bundle">{{Cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-09-27/new-danganronpa-v3-game-to-bundle-original-anime-on-january-12/.106956 |title=New ''Danganronpa V3'' Game to Bundle Original Anime on January 12 |work=Anime News Network |access-date=8 January 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219200429/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-09-27/new-danganronpa-v3-game-to-bundle-original-anime-on-january-12/.106956 |archive-date=19 December 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

===Music===
The original soundtracks for both the games and the anime are composed by Masafumi Takada. The soundtrack for ''Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc'' was released in Japan by Sound Prestige Records on 14 February 2011, with the ending theme, {{nihongo|"Saisei -rebuild-"|再生 -rebuild-|Playback -rebuild-}}, performed by Megumi Ogata, which is also used as the anime's final ending theme. The soundtrack for ''Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair'' was released on 31 August 2012. The soundtrack for ''Danganronpa: The Animation'' was released by Geneon Universal Entertainment on 28 August 2013. The opening theme for the anime series was "Never Say Never", performed by TKDz2b with Jas Mace, Marchitect and Tribeca, the single of which was included with the first Blu-ray/DVD volume of the anime released on 28 August 2013. The ending theme is {{nihongo|"Zetsubōsei: Hero Chiryōyaku"|絶望性：ヒーロー治療薬|Despairity: A Hero's Treatment}} by Susumu feat. Soraru, the single of which was released on 4 September 2013. There have also been drama CDs, as well as bonus soundtracks included with limited-edition releases of the games.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}

===Appearances in other games===
Monokuma appears in some [[Software:Downloadable content|downloadable content]] for Spike Chunsoft's role-playing game, ''[[Software:Conception II: Children of the Seven Stars|Conception II]]''.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sunjun |date=25 July 2013 |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/07/25/danganronpas-monobear-is-coming-to-conception-ii-as-dlc/ |title=Danganronpa's Monobear Is Coming To Conception II As DLC |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=20 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629204023/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/07/25/danganronpas-monobear-is-coming-to-conception-ii-as-dlc/ |archive-date=29 June 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Costumes of Monokuma and Monomi also appear in the Japanese [[Engineering:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]] and [[Engineering:PlayStation Vita|PlayStation Vita]] versions of ''[[Software:Terraria|Terraria]]'', which are published by Spike Chunsoft in that region.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz5M_xKFs_E |title=Terraria Japanese trailer |work=YouTube |access-date=13 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705155926/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz5M_xKFs_E |archive-date=5 July 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Another Spike game developed for the PlayStation Portable, ''Gachitora: The Roughneck Teacher in High School'', allows a player to wear a Monokuma costume if a ''Danganronpa'' save file is present upon playing ''Gachitora''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/04/08/gachitora-lets-you-dress-up-as-mono-bear-from-danganronpa/ |title=Gachitora Lets You Dress Up As Mono-Bear From Danganronpa - Siliconera |work=Siliconera |access-date=13 September 2014 |date=8 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814135408/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/04/08/gachitora-lets-you-dress-up-as-mono-bear-from-danganronpa/ |archive-date=14 August 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Downloadable outfits based on Monokuma and Monomi also appeared in the ''[[Company:Super Sonico|Super Sonico]]'' game, ''Motto! SoniComi''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-02-10/sonicomi-game-offers-danganronpa-costumes |title=SoniComi Game Offers Danganronpa Costumes |publisher=Anime News Network |date=10 February 2014 |access-date=14 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302204154/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-02-10/sonicomi-game-offers-danganronpa-costumes |archive-date=2 March 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Characters from ''Danganronpa'' appear as downloadable content in ''Fushigi no Chronicle: Furikaerimasen Katsu Madewa''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/06/26/danganronpa-and-shiren-venture-into-mystery-dungeons-spinoff-game/ |title=Danganronpa And Shiren Venture Into Mystery Dungeon's Spinoff Game |work=Siliconera |date=27 June 2015 |access-date=27 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628193022/http://www.siliconera.com/2015/06/26/danganronpa-and-shiren-venture-into-mystery-dungeons-spinoff-game/ |archive-date=28 June 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The [[Software:Roguelike|roguelike]] [[Software:Rhythm game|rhythm]] game ''Crypt of the Necrodancer'' features remixed music from the ''Danganronpa'' series, as well as character skins of Makoto Naegi, Monokuma, Monomi, Hajime Hinata, Junko Enoshima, Chiaki Nanami, Ibuki Mioda and Sayaka Maizono.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/11/24/crypt-of-the-necrodancer-headed-to-japan-on-ps4-and-vita-with-monokuma-and-shiren/ |title=Crypt of the NecroDancer Headed To Japan On PS4 And Vita With Monokuma And Shiren |date=24 November 2015 |access-date=15 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617160534/http://www.siliconera.com/2015/11/24/crypt-of-the-necrodancer-headed-to-japan-on-ps4-and-vita-with-monokuma-and-shiren/ |archive-date=17 June 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Costumes of Makoto, Kyoko, Junko, Monokuma, Hajime, Chiaki, Nagito and Mikan, as well as a pet of Monomi appear as part of a crossover in the [[Company:NetEase|NetEase]] survival mobile game ''[[Software:Identity V|Identity V]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The 'Identity V' 'Danganronpa' Collaboration is Now Live on iOS and Android|url=https://toucharcade.com/2020/05/28/identity-v-danganronpa-crossover-out-now-ios-android-free-monokuma/|date=2020-05-28|website=TouchArcade|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=NetEase's Horror Game, Identity V, Announces Crossover With Danganronpa|url=https://www.thegamer.com/neteases-horror-game-identity-v-announces-crossover-with-danganronpa/|date=2020-05-28|website=TheGamer|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-30}}</ref>

===Theatrical plays===
The franchise had a theatrical play dubbed ''Danganronpa The Stage 2016'' (ダンガンロンパ THE STAGE 2016.) The play follows Makoto Naegi as he and his classmates must kill each other without being caught by the other students. The play features all the characters from the anime and game. The game is localized to Japan only. A stage play based on the anime ''Future Arc'' was made with InnocentSphere's Hideyuki Nishimori directing and writing the scripts. It premiered on 20 July 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-12-20/danganronpa-3-anime-future-arc-gets-stage-play-adaptation/.125554|title=Danganronpa 3 Anime's Future Arc Gets Stage Play Adaptation|website=Anime News Network|access-date=7 February 2021|date=20 December 2021}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game series reviews
| updated = 7 February 2019
| game1 = [[Software:Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc|Danganronpa]]
| fam1 = (PSP) 36/40<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=15546 |title=ダンガンロンパ 希望の学園と絶望の高校生 [PSP] / ファミ通.com |website=www.famitsu.com |access-date=8 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022063125/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=15546 |archive-date=22 October 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| mc1 = (PC) 82/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dangan-ronpa/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc'' Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=14 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819160624/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc |archive-date=19 August 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><br>(Vita) 80/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dangan-ronpa/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-vita |title=''Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc'' Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=5 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211151826/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-vita/danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc |archive-date=11 December 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| game2 = [[Software:Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair|Danganronpa 2]]
| fam2 = (PSP) 37/40<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=23662 |title=スーパーダンガンロンパ2 さよなら絶望学園 [PSP] / ファミ通.com |website=www.famitsu.com |access-date=8 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220154810/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=23662 |archive-date=20 December 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| mc2 = (PC) 83/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/danganronpa-2-goodbye-despair/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair'' Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=14 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821221926/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/danganronpa-2-goodbye-despair |archive-date=21 August 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><br>(Vita) 81/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/danganronpa-2-goodbye-despair/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-vita |title=''Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair'' Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=5 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208212707/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-vita/danganronpa-2-goodbye-despair |archive-date=8 December 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| game3 = Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls
| fam3 = (Vita) 35/40<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=29833 |title=絶対絶望少女 ダンガンロンパ AnotherEpisode [Vita] / ファミ通.com |website=www.famitsu.com |access-date=8 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220154821/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=29833 |archive-date=20 December 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| mc3 = (Vita) 72/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/danganronpa-another-episode-ultra-despair-girls/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-vita |title=''Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls'' Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=5 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206163053/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-vita/danganronpa-another-episode-ultra-despair-girls |archive-date=6 December 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><br>(PS4) 67/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/danganronpa-another-episode-ultra-despair-girls/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls'' Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=27 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509125713/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/danganronpa-another-episode-ultra-despair-girls |archive-date=9 May 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| game4 = [[Software:Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony|Danganronpa V3]]
| fam4 = (PS4) 37/40<ref name="gematsu">{{cite web |title=Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1465 |url=http://gematsu.com/2016/12/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1465 |publisher=Gematsu |access-date=27 December 2016 |date=27 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227145802/http://gematsu.com/2016/12/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1465 |archive-date=27 December 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> <br> (Vita) 37/40<ref name="gematsu"/>
| mc4 = (PS4) 81/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/danganronpa-v3-killing-harmony/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony for PlayStation 4 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=14 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031052154/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/danganronpa-v3-killing-harmony |archive-date=31 October 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> <br> (Vita) 80/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/danganronpa-v3-killing-harmony/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-vita |title=Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony for PlayStation Vita Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=14 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717201610/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-vita/danganronpa-v3-killing-harmony |archive-date=17 July 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> <br> (PC) 80/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/danganronpa-v3-killing-harmony/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony for PC Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=14 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226235321/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/danganronpa-v3-killing-harmony |archive-date=26 December 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| game5 = Danganronpa 1-2 Reload
| mc5 = (PS4) 83/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/danganronpa-1-2-reload/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''Danganronpa 1-2 Reload'' Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=7 February 2018 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
}}

===Sales===
The series was a commercial success. As of 7 November 2018, the game series had sold over of 930,000 units in Japan.<ref name="Danganronpa">{{cite web |title=Danganronpa |url=http://salesdatabase.net/search/Danganronpa |website=Japan Game Sales Database |access-date=6 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107224838/http://salesdatabase.net/search/Danganronpa |archive-date=7 November 2018 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The best-selling Danganronpa game in Japan is ''[[Software:Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc|Danganronpa]]'', which sold a total of 258,250 units on the [[Engineering:PlayStation Portable|PlayStation Portable]].<ref name="Danganronpa"/> In Europe and the United States, combined sales of the first two games on PlayStation Vita, ''Trigger Happy Havoc'' and ''Goodbye Despair'', have surpassed 200,000 copies sold as of April 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/japanese-visual-novel-danganronpa-sells-200-000-units-in-the-west/0148734 |title=Japanese visual novel Danganronpa sells 200,000 units in the West |author=Matthew Jarvis |date=29 April 2015 |website=MCV UK |access-date=29 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725051303/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/japanese-visual-novel-danganronpa-sells-200-000-units-in-the-west/0148734 |archive-date=25 July 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Spike Chunsoft reported in March 2018 that the two games each sold an additional 200,000 units through [[Software:Steam (service)|Steam]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2018/03/28/spike-chunsoft-ceo-talks-bringing-visual-novels-japanese-games-west/ |title=Spike Chunsoft CEO Talks About Bringing More Visual Novels And Japanese Games To The West |author=Sato |date=28 March 2018 |access-date=28 March 2018 |website=siliconera.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329001534/http://www.siliconera.com/2018/03/28/spike-chunsoft-ceo-talks-bringing-visual-novels-japanese-games-west/ |archive-date=29 March 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> By 2021, the series reached 5 million copies sold worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |title=Spike Chunsoft, Inc. Invites You to Camp and the Ultimate Class Reunion, Announces a Global Sales Milestone |url=https://www.spike-chunsoft.com/news/spike-chunsoft-inc-invites-you-to-camp-and-to-the-ultimate-class-reunion/ |website=Spike Chunsoft|date=19 October 2021 |accessdate=19 October 2021}}</ref>

===Critical response===
[[File:New York Comic Con 2014 - Danganronpa (14909931723).jpg|thumb|left|Cosplay of the series has been popular due to the characters' distinctive traits.<ref name="cosplay"/>]]
''USGamer'' claimed that the popularity behind ''Danganronpa'' not only comes from the plot and gameplay but also the "zany, multifaceted characters" based on how expressive and distinctive they are. The tension provoked by the trials was said to be the most important part of the gameplay as the player feels confused about what character could have been the murderer of a case.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-danganronpa-series-explained|title=Why People Love Danganronpa, An Explainer|website=USGamer|access-date=7 February 2021|date=21 September 2017|author=McCarthy, Caty|archive-date=6 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206231108/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-danganronpa-series-explained|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Hardcore Gamer'' said it has an "uncanny ability to leave its players slack-jawed at the sights of the unraveling plot points."<ref name="hardcore gamer review">{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/01/20/review-danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc/70521/|title=Review: Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc|work=Hardcore Gamer|first=Bradly|last=Hale|date=20 January 2014|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125060828/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/01/20/review-danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc/70521/|archive-date=2014-01-25|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]]'' praised its art style and well thought out story.<ref name="Destructoid Review">{{cite web|last=Ruscher|first=Wesley|url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc-270284.phtml|title=Review: Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc|work=[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]]|publisher=Modern Method|date=10 February 2014|access-date=24 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315145436/http://www.destructoid.com/review-danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc-270284.phtml|archive-date=2014-03-15|url-status=live}}</ref> The media focused on the art style and character designs, which they felt helped to easily tell apart characters and enjoy their interactions with leads.<ref name="Destructoid Review"/><ref name="cubed3">2014-04-01, [http://www.cubed3.com/review/1569/1/danganronpa-2-goodbye-despair-ps-vita.html Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair Review], Cubed3</ref><ref name="GameSpot Review">{{cite web|last=McShea|first=Tom|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc-review/1900-6415662/|title=DanganRonpa: Trigger Happy Havoc Review - GameSpot|work=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=11 February 2014|access-date=24 March 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140218145958/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc-review/1900-6415662/|archive-date=18 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="meristation">{{cite web|url=http://www.meristation.com/playstation-vita/danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc/analisis-juego/1876633|title=Análisis Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc PlayStation Vita - MeriStation.com|author=Francisco Alberto Serrano Acosta|date=6 March 2014|work=Meristation|access-date=29 July 2015|archive-date=4 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104001404/http://www.meristation.com/playstation-vita/danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc/analisis-juego/1876633|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://toucharcade.com/2020/09/07/danganronpa-2-goodbye-despair-mobile-review-features-iphone-11-ipad-spike-chunsoft/|title='Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair' Anniversary Edition Review – The Best 'Danganronpa' Goes Mobile|website=Touch Arcade|accessdate=February 22, 2021}}</ref> A major praise in regards to the narrative are the twists revealed through class trial like Nagito Komaeda's true character in ''Goodbye Despair'' or Kaede Akamatsu's last action in ''Killing Harmony''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ricedigital.co.uk/our-top-5-danganronpa-trials/|title=Our Top 5 Danganronpa Trials|website=Rice Digital|accessdate=March 21, 2021|date=August 13, 2020}}</ref> This also led to articles focused on the game's strongest characters based on intelligence or major role in the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/danganronpa-characters-best-intelligence/|title=Danganronpa: The 10 Best Characters, Ranked By Intelligence|website=Comic Book Resources|date=8 July 2020|accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/ranking-main-danganronpa-characters/|title=Ranking All The Main ''Danganronpa'' Characters|last=Baker|first=Benjamin|date=April 19, 2019|work=The Gamer|access-date=April 19, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121023607/https://www.thegamer.com/ranking-main-danganronpa-characters/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the trials have often received criticism for being easy to solve.<ref name="EGM Review">{{cite magazine|last=Patterson|first=Mollie L.|url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc/|title=EGM Review: Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|publisher=EGM Media, LLC|date=27 January 2014|access-date=24 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316210455/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc/|archive-date=16 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="meristation"/> The latest game, ''Killing Harmony'', attracted divisive comments from fans due to its ending which involves the characters being aware of their fictional nature and the emotional catharisis they have suffered as a result of the series' popularity.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cgmagonline.com/2017/10/28/danganronpa-v3s-ending-makes-a-polarizing-case-for-letting-a-series-go/ |title=''Danganronpa V3''{{’}}s Ending Makes a Polarizing Case for Letting the Series Go |first=Kenneth |last=Shepard |date=October 28, 2017 |publisher=CGMagazine |access-date=October 28, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://medium.com/super-jump/danganronpa-v3-killing-harmonys-ending-guilts-you-for-playing-the-game-e34decea2cd0 |title=''Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony''{{’}}s Ending Guilts You for Playing the Game |first=Paul |last=Lombardo |date=October 11, 2020 |publisher=[[Software:Medium (website)|Medium]] |access-date=October 11, 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017-best-games/2017/12/15/16735610/danganronpa-v3-killing-harmony-ending-goty-2017 |title=One of the best video game endings of 2017 blows up an entire franchise |first=Griffin |last=McElroy |date=December 15, 2017 |publisher=Polygon |access-date=December 15, 2017 }}</ref>

The cast in general was well received with several of them often being the subject of cosplay based on their distinctive designs, with multiple favoriting Junko Enoshima and series' [[Social:Mascot|mascot]] Monokuma.<ref name="cosplay">{{cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/danganropa-trivia-pink-blood/|title=Why Is The Blood In ''Danganronpa'' Pink? (& 9 More Cool Facts About The Series)|last=Kurland|first=Daniel|date=2020-09-04|publisher=Game Rant|access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref> In November 2019, a Monokuma costume created controversy in {{wipe|Austin, Texas}}, after drag queen Erika Klash was denied entry to a Whataburger while dressed as the character, after performing in-character at the Austin International Drag Festival at the club Elysium for five years. Klash later received an apology from a Whataburger representative over the incident, both in-person and on [[Company:Twitter|Twitter]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/drag-queen-discrimination-austin-whataburger/269-8d18458e-3a46-43cb-a0af-b63f996a77c9 |title=Drag queen says she was denied entry to Austin Whataburger because she was dressed in drag |first=Luis |last=De Leon |date=18 November 2019 |publisher=KVUE |access-date=18 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119133538/https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/drag-queen-discrimination-austin-whataburger/269-8d18458e-3a46-43cb-a0af-b63f996a77c9 |archive-date=19 November 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/drag-queen-says-she-was-denied-service-whataburger-austin-texas-n1085861 |title=Drag queen says she was denied service at Whataburger in Austin, Texas: Whataburger apologized on Twitter for the "bad experience." |first=Elisha |last=Fieldstadt |date=19 November 2019 |work=NBC News |access-date=19 November 2019 }}</ref> The reveal in the first game of one characters' gender, who had been cross-dressing, received mixed reception from some critics, who called the discovery "a cheap plot device".<ref name="Giant Bomb Review">{{cite web|last=Klepek|first=Patrick|url=http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc-review/1900-631/|title=Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc Review - Giant Bomb|work=Giant Bomb|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=11 March 2014|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709120548/http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/danganronpa-trigger-happy-havoc-review/1900-631/|archive-date=2015-07-09|url-status=live}}</ref>

The series has won multiple awards, including the first one: ''GameFan'' as Game of the Year, Best Sony Portable Exclusive Game, and Best Adventure Game.<ref name="gamefan">{{cite web|url=http://diehardgamefan.com/2015/01/19/diehard-gamefans-2014-video-game-awards/|title=Diehard GameFAN's 2014 Video Game Awards|access-date=2015-07-29|archive-date=2019-06-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622191208/http://diehardgamefan.com/2015/01/19/diehard-gamefans-2014-video-game-awards/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Game Informer'' awarded it Best Vita Exclusive,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/01/07/game-informer-best-of-2014-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=2|title=Game Informer Best Of 2014 Awards|work=www.GameInformer.com|access-date=2015-07-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118035059/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/01/07/game-informer-best-of-2014-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=2|archive-date=2015-01-18|url-status=live}}</ref> Best New Character (Monokuma) while RPGFan gave it the "Best Story",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/features/go2014/Story.html|title=RPGFan Feature - Games of the Year 2014: Best Story|access-date=2015-07-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917174645/http://www.rpgfan.com/features/go2014/Story.html|archive-date=2015-09-17|url-status=live}}</ref> and "Best Graphic Adventure",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/features/go2014/Graphic_Adventure.html|title=RPGFan Feature - Games of the Year 2014: Best Graphic Adventure|access-date=2015-07-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917213103/http://www.rpgfan.com/features/go2014/Graphic_Adventure.html|archive-date=2015-09-17|url-status=live}}</ref> while ''Goodbye Despair'' received ''Famitsu''{{'}}s Game of the Year (Readers),<ref name="Famitsu GOTY">{{cite web|last=Nakamura|first=Toshi|url=http://kotaku.com/5990495/japanese-gamers-favorite-games-of-2012-might-surprise-you|title=Japanese Gamers' Favorite Games of 2012 Might Surprise You|work=Kotaku|publisher=Gawker Media|date=14 March 2013|access-date=22 October 2015}}</ref> ''Hardcore Gamer''{{'}}s Best PS Vita Game,<ref name="HG Vita GOTY">{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/12/23/best-of-2014-day-one-ps3-360-psv-3ds/125320/|title=Best of 2014 – Day One: PS3, 360, PSV, 3DS|publisher=Hardcore Gamer|date=23 December 2014|access-date=22 October 2015}}</ref> "Best New Character" (Monokuma),<ref name="HG Best Character">{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/12/28/best-of-2014-day-six-character-strategy-adventure-sports/126286/|title=Best of 2014 – Day Six: Character, Strategy, Adventure, Sports|publisher=Hardcore Gamer|date=28 December 2014|access-date=22 October 2015}}</ref> and "Best Adventure Game",<ref name="HG Best Character"/> while in the Japan Game Awards it won the "Award of Excellence".<ref name="japan game awards">{{Cite web|url=http://awards.cesa.or.jp/2013/en/prize/year/03.html|title=Japan Game Awards2013}}</ref> In 2017, ''Famitsu'' readers voted ''Danganronpa'' among the top four [[Software:Adventure game|adventure game]]s of all time, along with ''[[Software:Steins;Gate|Steins;Gate]]'', ''[[Software:428: Shibuya Scramble|428: Shibuya Scramble]]'' and ''[[Software:Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney|Phoenix Wright]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Steins;Gate is voted the best Adventure game of all time |url=http://www.japanesenintendo.com/post/161547711759 |work=Japanese Nintendo |date=7 June 2017 |access-date=7 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108025822/http://www.japanesenintendo.com/post/161547711759 |archive-date=8 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> ''Killing Harmony'' won the Excellence Prize at the Famitsu Awards<ref>{{cite web |author=Brian |date=27 April 2018 |url=https://nintendoeverything.com/famitsu-award-2017-winners-announced/ |title=Famitsu Award 2017 winners announced |publisher=Nintendo Everything |access-date=4 June 2019}}</ref> and the award for "Best Plot Twist" in ''Game Informer''{{'}}s 2017 Adventure Game of the Year Awards.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Favis |first=Elise |date=9 January 2018 |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/09/the-2017-adventure-game-of-the-year-awards.aspx |title=The 2017 Adventure Game Of The Year Awards |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=11 January 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180113003738/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/09/the-2017-adventure-game-of-the-year-awards.aspx |archive-date=2018-01-13 |url-status=live }}</ref> In a ''Famitsu'' poll celebrating the franchise's tenth anniversary, the series remained more popular within female players than male players. The survey also included the fact that ''Danganronpa'' is mostly popular within young adults despite the magazine claiming the game were created to appeal to older gamers.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Famitsu|title=DanganRonpa 10th Anniversary Survey Results|date=December 2020}}</ref>

In 2014, The 19th Animation Kobe committee chose Seiji Kishi to receive their Individual Award for the stretch of his career including ''Danganronpa: The Animation'', ''Arpeggio of Blue Steel'', and ''Hamatora''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anime-kobe.jp/anime_kobe/index.html|title=アニメーション神戸賞｜アニメーション神戸|work=anime-kobe.jp|access-date=24 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029044554/http://www.anime-kobe.jp/anime_kobe/index.html|archive-date=29 October 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ''GamesRadar'' writer Kenneth Shepard acclaimed the ''End of Hope's Peak Academy'' series, stating that despite the franchise changing media from games, the narrative was appropriate for the television series. He added that he felt that the anime managed to bring closure to Makoto's story arc and felt his story easy for newcomers rather than just returning players.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/danganronpa-outgrew-gameplay-and-shifted-to-anime-for-its-final-act/|title=Danganronpa outgrew gameplay and shifted to anime for its final act|website=GamesRadar|access-date=3 February 2021|date=30 March 2017|author=Shepard, Kenneth|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806014734/https://www.gamesradar.com/danganronpa-outgrew-gameplay-and-shifted-to-anime-for-its-final-act/|url-status=live}}</ref> The finale of the series' ''Hope Arc'' earned positive reception for how it handled the respective finales of Makoto's and Hajime's/Izuru's journeys, despite lacking the appeal the original games had in the usage of antagonists.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/danganronpa-3-the-end-of-hope-peak-high-school-future-and-hope-arc-episode-12/.107120|title=Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School: Future and Hope Arc|website=Anime News Network|date=1 October 2016|author=Chapman, Jacob|access-date=8 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://manga.tokyo/anime-seasons/danganronpa-3-hope-arc-special-episode-final-review/|title=Danganronpa 3 Hope Arc Special Episode (Final) Review: The Academy of Hope and the Students of Despair|website=Manga.Tokyo|access-date=6 February 2021|author=|date=3 October 2016|archive-date=13 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913200125/https://manga.tokyo/anime-seasons/danganronpa-3-hope-arc-special-episode-final-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to Kodaka, ''Ace Attorney''{{'}}s success in North America was due to how it distinguished itself from most visual novels with its gameplay mechanics, which ''Danganronpa'' later built upon and helped it also find success in North America.<ref name="usgamer">{{cite news |last1=Mackey |first1=Bob |title=Danganronpa Director Kazutaka Kodaka on the Power of 'Psychopop' |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/danganronpa-director-kazutaka-kodaka-on-the-power-of-psychopop |access-date=12 June 2019 |work=USgamer |date=28 December 2015 |archive-date=16 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816052722/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/danganronpa-director-kazutaka-kodaka-on-the-power-of-psychopop |url-status=dead }}</ref> He further noted that the team behind the games were surprised by the popularity of the three games, claiming they were not aiming ''Danganronpa'' to be a popular game. As a result, he found that the franchise was so successful that it rivaled [[Company:Atlus|Atlus]]'s role-playing game series ''Persona''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2019/06/too-kyo-games-interview-with-kazutaka-kodaka-and-kotaro-uchikoshi-at-bitsummit-7-spirits|title=Too Kyo Games interview with Kazutaka Kodaka and Kotaro Uchikoshi at BitSummit 7 Spirits|website=Gematsu|date=June 6, 2019|accessdate=April 15, 2021}}</ref> Anime director Tomohisa Taguchi was impressed with Kodaka's work at ''Danganronpa'' and it inspired him to make a new work together: the anime ''Akudama Drive''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1583977278|title=オリジナルTVアニメ『アクダマドライブ』メインスタッフ トクベツ座談会 ストーリー原案：小高和剛×監督：田口智久×プロデューサー：富永禎彦（studioぴえろ）|website=Animate Times|language=ja|access-date=9 October 2020|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925003432/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1583977278|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

== Explanatory notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==

{{Kadokawa Dwango}}

[[Category:Detective video games]]
[[Category:Post-apocalyptic video games]]

{{Sourceattribution|Danganronpa}}