The anime industry has been on an unprecedented growth trajectory in recent years, producing more content than ever before. A new report highlights the staggering rise in anime production, particularly in the isekai genre. What started as a niche category has exploded into a mainstream phenomenon, with isekai now making up 15% of new anime releases in 2024. This trend raises important questions about whether the anime market is oversaturated and how this affects both viewers and creators.
Isekai, or “another world” stories, have gone from a sporadic novelty to a dominating force in the industry. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of new isekai anime grew by 143%, peaking at 34 titles last year. While this growth suggests there is a big and lasting demand, some fans argue that the sheer volume of similar series has led to creative stagnation. At the same time, production challenges and the global audience’s hunger for fresh content are changing the anime industry.
The Boom in Isekai is a Double-Edged Sword
Is Isekai Oversaturating the Market or Meeting Demand?
The rise of isekai shows both audience demand and industry strategy. Since 2019, isekai has experienced huge growth, driven by its escapist appeal and international popularity. The genre’s consistency in delivering familiar tropes like overpowered protagonists and fantasy worlds makes it a safe bet for producers seeking global success. But the formulaic nature of many isekai titles has led to criticism, with fans being disappointed by the lack of originality in new releases.
Promise of Wizard has a distinctive feel that's reminiscent of early anime about getting transported to a magical world before isekai became a genre.
Despite these concerns, data indicates that demand for isekai is still there and growing. Streaming platforms report high viewership for titles like The Rising of the Shield Hero and Mushoku Tensei. This suggests that while the genre may feel oversaturated to seasoned fans, casual viewers continue to watch isekai enthusiastically. As a result, isekai has cemented its place as a reliable revenue stream for the anime industry.
The Bigger Impact of Increased Anime Production
The Cost of Creating More Anime Than Ever
Custom Image by Vanessa Piña
The isekai phenomenon is part of a larger trend in the explosion of anime production as a whole. The past five years have seen a surge in single-cour (12-episode) series designed to appeal to both domestic and international audiences. Additionally, the shift toward adaptations over original anime highlights changing industry priorities. Many new titles are based on popular manga, manhwa, or light novels like Solo Leveling, reducing risks for producers but leaving little room for creative experimentation.
Whether too much anime is being made ultimately depends on perspective. For casual viewers, the abundance of content offers endless entertainment. For industry insiders and die-hard fans, the strain on creativity and production resources is undeniable. As the anime industry continues to expand, balancing quantity with quality will be very important to making sure it remains sustainable and appealing to viewers for years to come.
Custom Image by Vanessa Piña
English (US) ·