Fans of the Megami Tensei franchise have finally received a long-awaited surprise. Original Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei author Aya Nishitani has officially released an English translation of the first novel, fulfilling a promise he made to an overseas fan three years ago.
According to Nishitani, this English version is a temporary self-produced translation created to honor that promise. While faithful to the original Japanese text, he explained that it has not undergone professional editing and should be viewed as a reference version rather than a finalized localization.
The author also revealed that discussions are currently underway with an overseas publisher regarding an official English release. Although no publisher, release date, or additional details have been announced, Nishitani expressed hope that a professional translator will eventually polish the work for a commercial release.
The temporary English translation will only be available until the end of July before it is removed. Fans interested in reading the novel should do so while it remains online.
Originally published in 1986, Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei served as the foundation for what would become one of gaming's most influential RPG franchises. The novel inspired the original Megami Tensei games, which later evolved into Atlus' acclaimed Shin Megami Tensei series and eventually gave rise to the globally popular Persona franchise.
Nishitani also shared his desire to see the remaining novels in the original trilogy—Warrior of the Demon City and The End of Reincarnation—receive English translations in the future, giving international readers the opportunity to experience the complete story that started the legendary franchise.
With official localization talks now in progress, this temporary release marks an important milestone for longtime Megami Tensei fans who have waited decades to read the series in English.
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