The popular webcomic Let’s Play, created by Leeanne M. Krecic (also known as Mongie), is officially getting an anime adaptation! A newly released English-subtitled trailer has unveiled the cast, staff, and premiere date set for 2025. Here’s everything we know about this exciting project that’s sure to delight fans of romantic comedy, gaming, and heartfelt stories.
What is ‘Let’s Play’ About?
Let’s Play is a romantic comedy that revolves around Sam Young, a passionate and driven young woman who is striving to make her mark in the video game industry. As a budding game developer, Sam is on the cusp of achieving her dreams when her first game, “Ruminate,” receives a scathing review from a popular streamer. To make matters worse, she discovers that the troublesome critic is none other than her new next-door neighbor!
The webcomic, which debuted on Webtoon in 2016, follows Sam as she navigates the ups and downs of her professional and romantic life, dealing with social anxiety, memes, and the ever-evolving world of gaming. It’s a relatable story about pursuing your passions, facing criticism, and finding love in unexpected places. The official Webtoon description sums it up perfectly: “A funny, sexy, and all-too-real story about gaming, memes and social anxiety. Come for the plot, stay for the doggo.”
From Webtoon to Anime: A Dream Come True
The journey of Let’s Play from a webcomic to an anime is a testament to its widespread appeal and dedicated fanbase. Mongie first announced the anime adaptation in October 2023 at New York Comic Con, revealing that Japanese animation studio OLM would be producing the series. This news was met with immense excitement from fans who have been eagerly anticipating a new way to experience Sam’s story.
A Bit About OLM
OLM (Oriental Light and Magic) is a well-respected animation studio known for its work on iconic series such as Pokémon, Yo-kai Watch, Komi Can’t Communicate, and Odd Taxi. With their expertise in bringing beloved stories to life, OLM is the perfect choice to capture the heart and humor of Let’s Play.
Crunchyroll to Stream ‘Let’s Play’ Anime
Crunchyroll will stream the anime adaptation of Let’s Play in 2025. The premiere will take place at Anime Expo 2025 in July. This partnership ensures that fans worldwide will have easy access to the series, further expanding its reach and impact.
Meet the Cast and Staff
The anime adaptation boasts a talented team of individuals dedicated to bringing Let’s Play to life. Here’s a breakdown of the key cast and staff members:
Cast
- Kana Hanazawa as Sam Young: Hanazawa, known for her roles as Mitsuri Kanroji in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, brings her voice acting talent to the main character, Sam Young.
Staff
- Director: Daiki Tomiyasu: Tomiyasu, who previously worked on Pokémon Sun & Moon, will helm the anime adaptation, ensuring a faithful and engaging adaptation of the source material.
- Series Composition: Aya Matsui: Matsui, known for their work on Marmalade Boy, will handle the series composition, ensuring a cohesive and compelling narrative.
- Original Character Design: Ebimo: Ebimo ( High Card) is designing the characters.
- Planning and Production: Slow Curve: Slow Curve is in charge of planning and production.
Story Details and What to Expect
The anime adaptation is expected to follow the main storyline of the webcomic, highlighting Sam’s journey as she strives to make her mark in the video game industry. From developing her game “Ruminate” to dealing with the harsh criticism of a popular streamer and navigating her complicated relationship with her new neighbor, the anime promises to capture the essence of the original story.
What Makes ‘Let’s Play’ So Appealing?
- Relatable Characters: Sam Young is a character that many can relate to, as she deals with the challenges of pursuing her dreams while facing social anxiety and self-doubt.
- Humorous and Heartfelt Storytelling: The webcomic is known for its perfect blend of humor and heart, making it a fun and engaging read.
- Exploration of Gaming Culture: Let’s Play delves into the world of video games, memes, and online culture, offering a unique and insightful perspective.
- Romantic Comedy with a Twist: The series puts a fresh spin on the romantic comedy genre, exploring the complexities of relationships in the digital age.
Where to Catch Up on the Webcomic
While fans eagerly await the anime adaptation, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the world of Let’s Play. The webcomic is available on WEBTOON, where you can read the entire series and catch up on Sam’s adventures. Although Mongie ended the third season on Webtoon in September 2022 due to platform issues, the series is set to return in Fall 2025 on a new platform.
Rocketship Entertainment is also releasing the comic in English, with the fourth volume released in July 2024. These collected volumes offer a physical way to enjoy the story and are a great addition to any fan’s collection.
‘Let’s Play’ at Anime Expo 2025
For those attending Anime Expo 2025, there’s even more to look forward to! The Let’s Play anime will have its world premiere at the event on July 3, with creator Leeanne M. Krecic, director Daiki Tomiyasu, and producers Heather Horn, Hana Sugawara, and Minaka Sakamoto in attendance. This is a fantastic opportunity to get a first look at the anime and hear from the creative team behind it.
Final Thoughts
With a talented cast and crew, a compelling storyline, and a dedicated fanbase, the Let’s Play anime is poised to be a hit in 2025. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the webcomic or new to the series, there’s plenty to be excited about. So mark your calendars and get ready to level up your watchlist with Let’s Play!
