Gaming Industry Veterans Join Forces at New Japanese Studio

Lightspeed Japan Studio, a division of the Tencent-owned Lightspeed Studios, has announced a significant expansion with the establishment of a new facility in Osaka. This strategic move coincides with the recruitment of three prominent figures from the gaming industry, all with distinguished careers at Capcom. Under the direction of Hideaki Itsuno, celebrated for his work on the Devil May Cry franchise, the studio is poised to embark on the development of a cross-platform AAA action title. This assembly of talent signals Lightspeed Japan Studio's ambition to create impactful new experiences, drawing on a rich heritage of successful game development.

The newly formed Lightspeed Japan Studio, a venture by Tencent's Lightspeed Studios, has recently inaugurated its Osaka headquarters. Leading this ambitious initiative is Hideaki Itsuno, widely recognized for his directorial contributions to the Devil May Cry series. His leadership is further strengthened by the addition of three seasoned professionals from Capcom, bringing a wealth of expertise and creative vision to the new enterprise.

Among the key hires is Toshihiro Nakagawa, also known as Bingo Morihashi, a narrative designer with a history of collaborating closely with Itsuno on scenario development for the Devil May Cry series. His storytelling prowess is expected to be instrumental in shaping the narratives of future projects. Accompanying him is Daigo Ikeno, a renowned illustrator acclaimed for his artistic contributions to the Street Fighter franchise, particularly '3rd Strike'. Ikeno also played a crucial role in character artistry for Devil May Cry, demonstrating his versatile artistic capabilities.

The roster of new talent is completed by 'Gouda Cheese', better known by his alias 'Bengus'. This illustrator boasts an impressive portfolio, having contributed to several high-profile fighting games, including Super Street Fighter II, Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors, and Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes. The collective experience of these individuals in action and fighting game development suggests a clear direction for Lightspeed Japan Studio's upcoming projects.

Currently, Lightspeed Japan Studio is focused on the creation of a multi-platform AAA action game. While specific details about this highly anticipated title remain under wraps, the caliber of the team involved hints at a game that could resonate with fans of action-oriented series like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta. The departure of these influential veterans from Capcom is a notable event in the industry, underscoring the dynamic shifts in talent and the competitive landscape of game development.

The integration of these experienced professionals into Lightspeed Japan Studio is a clear indication of the studio's commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative gaming experiences. This expansion and talent acquisition reinforce Lightspeed Studios' strategic investment in the Japanese market, aiming to leverage local expertise for global impact. The gaming community eagerly awaits further announcements regarding the studio's projects, anticipating that the combined talents of these industry stalwarts will lead to groundbreaking new titles.