Monotype, the US-based company that now owns Japanese font provider Fontworks, has temporarily reversed its decision to cancel an affordable licensing plan after facing heavy criticism from game developers in Japan.

In late November 2025, Monotype discontinued the Fontworks LETS and Monotype LETS plans, which allowed game developers to use Japanese typefaces in their projects for around $380 per year. The company’s only remaining option was a new plan priced at $20,500 annually – a dramatic increase that sparked widespread concern in the development community.

The LETS font license has been a staple in the Japanese gaming industry for years. Popular titles like Fate/Grand Order, Persona 5, NieR: Automata, and games from the Mario, Final Fantasy, and Dragon Quest series have all used these fonts for their in-game text.

On December 9, Monotype announced it would allow developers to renew their LETS plans again, with applications now accepted until March 31, 2026. The company explained that it had originally discontinued the plans as part of an effort to align older programs with its current global standards. However, Monotype admitted it did not provide enough information or clarity about the changes, which led to numerous inquiries from existing users about how the transition would affect them.

Beyond the steep price increase, the new licensing terms also included restrictions like user count limitations for applications using the fonts – conditions that many developers found impractical. While this is a temporary solution, Monotype stated that it still plans to eventually phase out the LETS plans in favor of products that match its global standards. The company says it is working on new service plans designed specifically for the Japanese market, with more details expected in early 2026.