After years of anticipation, fans of Let’s Play finally have a reason to celebrate, because Leeanne M. Krecic’s beloved webtoon is officially getting an anime adaptation. With a 2025 release date now confirmed, and the first teaser trailer live, the series is gearing up for a high-profile debut that promises to deliver both heart and humor. Produced by OLM, the studio behind The Apothecary Diaries, this adaptation aims to bring Sam’s story of gaming, anxiety, and complicated romance to a much larger audience.
Originally announced at New York Comic Con in 2023, Let’s Play has been one of Webtoon’s standout hits since its debut in 2016, amassing millions of readers across three seasons. With a mix of relatable character struggles and slow-burn romance, the series quickly earned a devoted following. Now, Let's Play's transition from digital s to the animated screen comes with serious talent behind the scenes, and a fan-favorite voice actor in the lead role.
An All-Star Team and a Modern Romance in Let's Play
A Powerhouse Production Team Is Bringing Let’s Play to Life
The anime will be directed by Daiki Tomiyasu, known for his work on Pokémon Sun & Moon, and written by Aya Matsui, the screenwriter behind Marmalade Boy, one of the most iconic romance anime of the ‘90s. That creative pairing suggests a strong emotional core paired with playful humor, which is just the balance Let’s Play fans are hoping for. Character designs are being handled by Ebimo, whose stylish sensibilities align well with the webcomic’s vibrant tone.
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Voice acting is already making waves, because Sam Young will be brought to life by Kana Hanazawa, best known as Mitsuri in Demon Slayer. Her casting shows a serious commitment to quality, as Hanazawa’s expressive range is ideal for portraying Sam’s mix of introversion, ion, and vulnerability. A premiere event at Anime Expo on July 3, 2025, will feature Krecic herself alongside the anime’s staff, with the first episode debuting there.
Relatable, Romantic, and Ready to Stream in 2025
A Story About Gaming, Anxiety, and Love, Now in Anime Form
Crunchyroll has confirmed it will stream the series in 2025, making it easily accessible for anime fans worldwide. This move solidifies Let’s Play as one of the first major Western webtoons to receive a full-fledged anime release, potentially opening the door for similar adaptations in the future. With an already built-in fanbase and themes centered on modern tech culture, awkward romance, and mental health, the anime is poised to resonate with younger viewers and longtime fans alike.
The story follows Sam, a video game developer whose dream project gets trashed by a popular streamer, who then turns out to be her new next-door neighbor. It is a recipe for romantic chaos, hilarious misunderstandings, and the kind of emotional growth that anime does best. If the teaser is anything to go by, Let’s Play is ready to level up from webtoon to worlwide anime sensation.
