Tencent Games subsidiary company LightSpeed Studios has established LightSpeed Studios Japan, a new development studio led by ex-Capcom boss Hideaki Itsuno.
The new development studio is naturally based in Japan and will have two studios in both Tokyo and Osaka, focusing entirely on producing original, AAA action games. Hideaki Itsuno will lead the teams at both locations on developing their new game(s).
“Joining LightSpeed Studios is an exciting new chapter for me,” Itsuno said. “With LightSpeed’s strong development capability and global network, I look forward to creating original AAA action game titles together with the amazing team and building aesthetic and innovative experiences for the global player community. We welcome all talented and passionate game creators from the world over to join our vision.”
It hasn’t been long since Itsuno left Capcom back in August of this year, ending his extensive, three decade career at the company.
Itsuno started at Capcom way back in 1994, the same day Super Street Fighter II Turbo had its location test at a local arcade. Itsuno tried for Capcom because it would have been an easy commute. He started as a designer but eventually went on to direct a number of titles like Rival Schools, Power Stone, and of course – both Devil May Cry 2 onward and Dragon’s Dogma, and its sequel.
LightSpeed Studios president Jerry Chen added, “It is our great honor to have Hideaki Itsuno join LightSpeed Studios. The establishment of LightSpeed Japan Studio is a significant step in LightSpeed Studios’ expansion and demonstrates our commitment to bringing the best possible games to our players.”
LightSpeed Studios Japan will offer a flexible and inclusive working environment and is built to “foster innovation” through integrating multi-platform, cross-device technologies and creating a new environment where “creativity and technical excellence thrive.” The new studio will push the boundaries of game creation, “continuously exploring new opportunities in gameplay and storytelling.”
Itsuno’s new team at LightSpeed Studios Japan is already made up of a “team of seasoned game developers,” though they are currently hiring for a number of positions.
