Akiko Suzuki Helped Make Ice on the Edge Game

Retired competitive figure skater, Akiko Suzuki, who had worked on the choreography in figure skating anime Medalist, helped to develop the Ice on the Edge game. Aside from her recent work in figure skating media, Suzuki won multiple medals between 2007 and 2011 (including gold at the 2013 Japan Figure Skating Championships. She also appeared at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics. [Thanks, Famitsu!]

According to director Yasuhara, no one on the 10-people development team knew much of anything (or had any interest) in figure skating prior to working on the game. Like how MAPPA hired Kenji Miyamoto to come up with the programs for Yuri!!! On Ice, Melpot asked Suzuki to create choreography for the characters you raise in Ice on the Edge. She also gave advice on cool moves the game could incorporate, as well as which skaters they should use for reference.

As a note, the staff did not use motion capture for any of the figure skating animations. Rather, they animated everything by hand. This is to reduce costs. However, the lack of a motion actor allowed them to include the difficult jumps and spins that Suzuki suggested.

Ice on the Edge is an upcoming simulation game in which you play as a coach to figure skaters. Similar to games like Umamusume: Pretty Derby or the Idolmaster series, you need to raise parameters and teach your figure skater moves or skills they can use in their program. Changing the skater’s outfit can also alter their skills, and each song will have a specific order of elements. Your job will be to choose which techniques best match the song, while also making sure your skater has enough stamina to successfully pull off the various moves.

Ice on the Edge will come out in 2026 for the Windows PC via Steam.

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