On August 23, 2025, Crunchyroll announced exciting updates for the highly anticipated anime adaptation of Let's Play during its industry panel at Anime NYC. The reveal included a vibrant new trailer, details on the opening and ending theme songs, and the introduction of a talented ensemble of additional cast members, further building anticipation for the series set to premiere in 2026.
The new trailer showcases the colorful and dynamic world of Let's Play, blending humor, romance, and the chaotic energy of the gaming community. It offers a glimpse into the life of Samara “Sam” Young, a game developer navigating the highs and lows of her career and personal life. The trailer highlights the series’ sharp comedic tone, heartfelt moments, and relatable portrayal of social anxiety, all underscored by stunning animation that brings the webtoon’s aesthetic to life.
The opening theme, titled Game On!, is performed by the rising J-pop group Starlight Pulse, known for their energetic and catchy tracks. The ending theme, Pixel Hearts, is sung by solo artist Aiko Yamada, whose soulful voice adds an emotional resonance to the series’ lighter moments. Both songs were teased in the trailer, setting the tone for the anime’s unique blend of modern gaming culture and heartfelt storytelling.
Joining the previously announced cast, Crunchyroll revealed a slate of new voice actors who will bring the diverse characters of Let's Play to life. The additional cast members include:
Angela O’Neil voiced by Ayane Sakura
Vikki Song voiced by Yoko Hikasa
Monica McKenzie voiced by Mie Sonozaki
Dallas Hudson voiced by Hiroshi Watanabe
Abe Calhoun voiced by Kengo Tsujii
Olivia Sweet voiced by Minami Kurisaka
Edgar voiced by Kenichiro Matsuda
Lucy Wright voiced by Sumire Morohoshi
Umed Patel voiced by Tasuku Hatanaka
Dee Parker voiced by Mitsuki Saiga
Samuel A. Young voiced by Kenta Miyake
What is Let's Play anime about?
Let's Play is based on the wildly popular webtoon of the same name, created by Leeanne M. Krecic (Mongie) and launched on WEBTOON in 2016. The webcomic quickly gained a massive following for its relatable characters, witty dialogue, and heartfelt exploration of modern life, particularly within the gaming and online content creation communities. With millions of views and a dedicated global fanbase, Let's Play has become a standout title in the webtoon landscape, praised for its authentic portrayal of creative struggles and personal growth.
The story follows Samara “Sam” Young, a developer in Los Angeles who’s about to achieve her dreams with her first video game, Ruminate. That is, until a popular streamer gives the game a scathing review. Even worse, Sam finds out the troublesome critic is now her new neighbor! Get lost in a comedic, romantic, and all-too-real story about gaming, memes, and social anxiety. Come for the plot, stay for the doggo.
The anime adaptation, produced by studio Madhouse, promises to capture the essence of the webtoon while enhancing its visuals and storytelling for the screen. Directed by Tetsuya Endo, known for their work on slice-of-life comedies, the series aims to resonate with both fans of the original webtoon and new viewers drawn to its fresh take on contemporary themes.
Crunchyroll’s announcement at Anime NYC underscores their commitment to bringing high-quality adaptations of beloved webtoons to a global audience. With its stellar voice cast, vibrant music, and faithful adaptation of the source material, Let's Play is poised to be a standout in the 2026 anime lineup.
Sources: Crunchyroll Industry Panel at Anime NYC, Press Release
