Gaming Icon Takes the Helm of New Studio, Promising a Bold Future for AAA Action Games
In a thrilling shake-up for the gaming world, Hideaki Itsuno, the legendary director behind some of Capcom’s most iconic franchises like Devil May Cry, Dragon’s Dogma, and Rival Schools, has officially joined LightSpeed Studios. The renowned developer will lead a newly launched studio in Japan under the banner of LightSpeed, the powerhouse behind PUBG Mobile and Undawn. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the industry, with fans eagerly speculating what this collaboration could mean for the future of AAA gaming.
A New Chapter for Itsuno and LightSpeed
Itsuno’s decision to leave Capcom in August after a remarkable 30+ years was met with surprise, especially considering his pivotal role in shaping Capcom’s reputation for action-packed, narrative-driven games. But now, with the spotlight firmly on his new endeavor, Itsuno is ready to take his expertise to a new level by building a fresh team and studio under LightSpeed’s guidance.
Located in the heart of Japan, with offices in both Tokyo and Osaka, the studio’s mission is to push the boundaries of AAA game development. According to LightSpeed, the focus will be on creating groundbreaking titles that combine “multi-platform, cross-device technologies” while fostering a culture of creativity and technical excellence.
“I’m excited to begin this new chapter,” said Itsuno in a recent statement. “With LightSpeed’s strong development capabilities and global network, I look forward to collaborating with an incredible team to create original AAA action titles that will set new standards for innovation and storytelling.”
What’s Coming From This Collaboration?
While details on specific projects are still under wraps, Itsuno has hinted that the studio will focus on developing “original AAA action game titles,” with a particular emphasis on pushing the limits of what’s possible in gameplay and narrative depth. Given Itsuno’s legendary work on Devil May Cry and Dragon’s Dogma, fans are already buzzing about the potential for a new action series that could carry his signature flair for complex combat systems and immersive worlds.
Key Points to Know:
1. Hideaki Itsuno Takes the Lead: After decades of shaping Capcom’s biggest franchises, Itsuno is now helming LightSpeed’s new studio in Japan, promising a fresh wave of AAA game development.
2. Studio Locations: The new LightSpeed Japan studio will have bases in Tokyo and Osaka, tapping into Japan’s deep well of talent and gaming culture.
3. Focus on AAA Titles: The studio’s primary focus will be on developing original AAA action games that combine cross-platform technology and innovative storytelling.
4. Innovation at the Core: LightSpeed is positioning the studio as a hub for cutting-edge game creation, with an emphasis on blending creativity, technical excellence, and global collaboration.
5. Expanding the Team: Itsuno is actively seeking passionate and talented game creators to join the studio’s vision, signaling that the team will be an international effort with a global focus.
Itsuno’s Legacy and What’s Next
Itsuno’s departure from Capcom has left fans wondering what the future holds for the franchises he helped define. His work on Devil May Cry, which revolutionized the action genre, and Dragon’s Dogma, a cult favorite for its dynamic combat and open-world exploration, has cemented his legacy in the gaming world. The question now is whether his new role at LightSpeed will see him revisit some of these beloved concepts—or venture into entirely new territory.
Moreover, his involvement in series like Power Stone and Rival Schools means that his next project could draw from those franchises as well. Interestingly, Power Stone is making a return in Capcom Fighting Collection 2 on the Nintendo Switch next year, sparking rumors that Itsuno’s influence could lead to further revivals of Capcom classics.
The Bigger Picture: A New Wave of Innovation?
Itsuno’s move signals a broader trend of collaboration between established industry veterans and mobile-first gaming companies like LightSpeed. With PUBG Mobile already a major success, and the global gaming market shifting increasingly towards mobile and cross-platform play, the formation of this new studio may indicate that the future of AAA gaming is going to look very different from what we’ve seen in the past.
Whether its first project is a new action franchise or a revitalization of one of Itsuno’s past creations, it’s clear that LightSpeed’s Japan studio is poised to make waves in the gaming world. As Itsuno begins assembling his team and setting the vision for this exciting new venture, the gaming community will undoubtedly be watching closely.
What does this mean for players?
For fans of Itsuno’s work, the arrival of this new studio offers hope for more rich, action-driven experiences. While the details of upcoming titles remain under wraps, the very fact that Itsuno is involved raises expectations for ambitious, high-quality games that could push the boundaries of what we expect from modern action games. Whether the studio’s projects lean more towards Devil May Cry-style combat or Dragon’s Dogma-inspired open-world exploration, the potential for groundbreaking gaming experiences is undeniable.
As Itsuno takes his next steps with LightSpeed, the gaming world is waiting to see how this new partnership will shape the future of action games—and perhaps even gaming itself.