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Entertainment • Video Games

The World Ends with You

The World Ends with You is a 2007 action role-playing video game developed by Square Enix and Jupiter for the Nintendo DS.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The World Ends with You is a 2007 action role-playing video game developed by Square Enix and Jupiter for the Nintendo DS. Set in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, it follows Neku Sakuraba as he is forced to take part in the Reapers’ Game, a week-long survival contest. The game later expanded into additional releases and a sequel, NEO: The World Ends with You.

Gameplay and premise

The game is an action role-playing title centered on Neku Sakuraba, who must complete missions while participating in the Reapers’ Game. Its structure follows a week-by-week format, with gameplay and story unfolding across three in-game weeks.

Setting and style

The World Ends with You is set in modern-day Shibuya, Tokyo and is known for its distinctive visual style. Its design and themes draw on Shibuya youth culture and urban fantasy elements.

Release and versions

The original game launched on Nintendo DS in 2007 and later received additional releases, including Final Remix on Nintendo Switch. It also inspired other adaptations and follow-up releases in the franchise.

Sequel and franchise

NEO: The World Ends with You continued the series in 2021 with a new cast and updated presentation. The sequel is part of a broader franchise built around the same setting and game concept.

Key facts

  • The game was co-developed by Square Enix and Jupiter for the Nintendo DS.
  • It is set in a stylized version of Shibuya, Tokyo, and uses urban fantasy themes.
  • The story follows Neku Sakuraba during the Reapers’ Game, a seven-day survival contest.
  • The game is structured into three chapters based on three weeks of gameplay.
  • A sequel, NEO: The World Ends with You, was released in 2021.
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Canadian context

The game has been released in Canada through North American game publishing channels and is part of a globally distributed Japanese video game franchise.

Frequently asked questions

What type of game is The World Ends with You?
It is an action role-playing game developed for the Nintendo DS.
Who developed The World Ends with You?
It was co-developed by Square Enix and Jupiter.
Where is the game set?
The game is set in a stylized version of Shibuya, Tokyo.
Who is the main character?
The main character is Neku Sakuraba.
Does The World Ends with You have a sequel?
Yes. NEO: The World Ends with You was released in 2021.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_World_Ends_with_You
    Supports: Developer, genre, setting, protagonist, structure, sequel, and franchise information.
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_World_Ends_with_You
    Supports: Japanese title and game format as an action role-playing game.
  3. Nintendo Fandom — https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/The_World_Ends_with_You
    Supports: Nintendo DS release and Final Remix release.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo:_The_World_Ends_with_You
    Supports: Sequel title, release year, platforms, and relation to the original game.
  5. IGN — https://www.ign.com/games/the-world-ends-with-you
    Supports: Premise involving Neku Sakuraba and the Reapers’ Game.