LightSpeed Studios, known for PUBG Mobile, has launched a new division in Japan directed by Capcom's Hideaki Itsuno, focusing on AAA game development.


Hideaki Itsuno Leads New LightSpeed Studio in Japan

In a notable industry shift, Hideaki Itsuno, a celebrated game director known for his work on popular Capcom titles such as Devil May Cry and Dragon's Dogma, has embarked on a new venture. After more than three decades at Capcom, Itsuno has joined forces with LightSpeed Studios, a prominent name in the gaming world due to their involvement in hit games like PUBG Mobile and the survival RPG Undawn. The collaboration has led to the formation of a new game development studio in Japan, situated in the vibrant cities of Tokyo and Osaka.

LightSpeed Studios, under the Tencent umbrella, is expanding its geographic footprint and creative scope by setting up this new studio in Japan, a country renowned for its rich history in game development. The strategic move seems designed to leverage Japanese creativity and gaming expertise to craft games that resonate on a global scale. The newly established studio is poised to focus on AAA game development. However, specific projects haven't been disclosed yet, fostering a sense of anticipation and mystery within the gaming community.

The launch of the new studio brings with it a fresh approach to game creation. According to the official statement on LightSpeed's website, the studio aims to be a crucible of innovation. It plans to integrate multi-platform, cross-device technologies to create an environment where creative and technical excellence can flourish. The focus will be on pushing the boundaries of new game development, exploring untapped opportunities in gameplay and storytelling. This philosophy reflects a broader industry trend towards creating more immersive, technologically advanced gaming experiences that captivate a diverse audience worldwide.

Itsuno's role as the head of the new studio marks "an exciting new chapter" in his illustrious career. He expressed enthusiasm about his future with LightSpeed Studios, highlighting the studio's strong development capabilities and global network. Itsuno is particularly keen on developing original AAA action game titles, aiming to craft aesthetic and innovative experiences for the global player community. The vision articulated by Itsuno promises a blend of high-quality action and captivating narratives, setting high expectations for the studio's future projects.

Further enhancing the community focus of the studio, Itsuno and LightSpeed have issued a global call to talented and passionate game creators. They are inviting industry professionals from around the world to join their team and contribute to their vision of groundbreaking game development. This inclusive approach not only broadens the talent pool but also integrates diverse creative perspectives into the game development process, which could lead to richer and more engaging game experiences.

Beyond his work with Capcom, Itsuno has also been involved in directing games for other beloved franchises such as Rival Schools and Power Stone. Fans of these series might recall his innovative approach to gameplay and narrative, elements he is likely to bring to his new role at LightSpeed. Additionally, the mention of Power Stone’s inclusion in the Capcom Fighting Collection 2, slated for release on the Nintendo Switch next year, suggests that Itsuno’s influence in the gaming world continues to resonate.

As this new chapter begins for Itsuno and LightSpeed Studios, the gaming community is abuzz with speculation and excitement. Questions about the types of games and new innovations the Tokyo and Osaka studios will produce are at the forefront of discussions. With Itsuno at the helm, expectations are high for games that not only push technical boundaries but also provide new and engaging experiences for players around the globe.

As development progresses, more information will likely be revealed about the projects underway at LightSpeed's new Japanese studio. For now, the establishment of this studio underscores a significant moment in the gaming industry, as global and local creative forces converge to define the next generation of gaming.

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Darryl Polo

Hey there! I'm Darryl Polo, and I've been deep in the web design and blogging game for over 20 years. It's been a wild journey, evolving with the digital age, crafting websites, and sharing stories online. But hey, when I'm not behind the screen, you'll likely spot me rocking my all-time favorite kicks, the Air Jordan 4s. And after a day of design? Nothing beats unwinding with some Call of Duty action or diving into platformer games. It's all about balance, right? Pixels by day, platforms by night!

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