Keiji Inafune Urges Game Industry to Prioritize Innovation Over Established Franchises

Veteran game developer Keiji Inafune, a prominent figure with over three decades of experience, has voiced his concerns regarding the video game industry's increasing dependence on established brands and fashionable genres. During a recent presentation at the Console Game Developer Conference 2025 in South Korea, the visionary behind titles such as 'Mega Man' and 'Mighty No. 9' urged developers and publishers to cultivate a greater spirit of originality and explore new creative avenues, rather than perpetually revisiting proven successes. His address highlighted a critical need for balancing commercial viability with artistic integrity, suggesting that while popular franchises offer stability, unchecked reliance on them stifles innovation and limits the industry's potential for groundbreaking experiences.

Inafune's commentary, initially reported by ThisIsGame and subsequently translated by Automaton, underscores a significant debate within the gaming community. He clarified that his critique is not an outright dismissal of sequels or genre-inspired games. Instead, he passionately argued against the notion that these should be the sole focus of game production. He pointed out that while giants like Nintendo skillfully manage a vast portfolio of intellectual properties, regularly releasing entries in series such as Mario, Pokémon, and Zelda, they also occasionally delve into their extensive archives for less frequent revivals, demonstrating a healthier balance between the new and the familiar.

The discussion also touched upon the industry's tendency to chase fleeting trends, with Inafune citing examples like looter shooters, battle royales, and extraction shooters. He reflected on a bygone era where fresh concepts were the norm, describing his own career progression as a testament to the benefits of embracing diverse projects. Despite his significant contributions to the Mega Man series, he attributed his success to a willingness to move beyond past achievements and continually seek out new challenges. This approach, he suggested, contrasts with the current, more cautious stance adopted by a maturing industry, where risk aversion often takes precedence over exploratory development.

Acknowledging the economic realities that often compel businesses to lean on popular choices, Inafune stressed that commercial considerations should not entirely dictate the creative direction of game development. He firmly believes that the fundamental essence of game creation, driven by passion and inventive spirit, must not be sacrificed in favor of guaranteed profits. His extensive career, encompassing roles from graphic designer on 'Street Fighter' to producer on 'Resident Evil' and 'Onimusha', and executive producer on titles like 'Lost Planet' and 'Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney', showcases a journey marked by continuous exploration across diverse game types and styles.

Following his departure from Capcom, Inafune continued to champion innovation through his work with Inti Creates on the 'Azure Striker Gunvolt' series. He also launched a highly successful Kickstarter campaign for 'Mighty No. 9', a game designed as a spiritual successor to 'Mega Man'. Although 'Mighty No. 9' faced critical disappointment, it exemplified his drive to create new experiences inspired by his past. More recently, in 2022, he announced an NFT project titled 'Beastroids', again drawing inspiration from the 'Mega Man' universe. After a period with Level-5, where he worked on 'Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time' before his departure in 2024, Inafune has since joined Rocket Studio, continuing his journey in the dynamic world of game development.

The game industry would greatly benefit from a renewed emphasis on originality and diverse content, moving beyond the current over-reliance on established intellectual properties and short-lived genre fads. Cultivating a creative environment that encourages risk-taking and the development of fresh ideas is crucial for the long-term vitality and evolution of interactive entertainment.