Famitsu interviews Japanese creators on 2021 ambitions [Update: 4Gamer]
Acquire to announce new title soon and more.
Famitsu has gone up with its end-of-year creator interviews. The website interviewed 110 creators, many of which tease plans for 2021.
Get the roundup of newsworthy bits below.
■ Acquire
Takuma Endou
Keywords for 2021: “Re-challenge self-publishing.”
What’s New: “I can’t say anything yet because it’s an unannounced title, but please allow me to introduce our new title in the January 7 issue of Famitsu. Gladiux is also behind schedule, but we’re working hard to muscle our way through development.”
■ Atlus
Shinjirou Takata
Keywords for 2021: “Think outside the box.”
What’s New: “So about Shin Megami Tensei V… we’re working hard on development to make it an even better product. You’ll be waiting a little while longer, but please look forward to it.”
Katsura Hashino
Keywords for 2021: “Silence.”
Ambitions for 2021: “With last year’s novel coronavirus causing swift change throughout the world, all we can do is continue focusing on our work. Our title in development is going through an important phase and we want to face it head on in order to deliver some interesting gameplay to the world.”
What’s New: “I’d like to announce the title we’re developing as soon as possible. We’ve previously created contemporary dramas, but please look forward to the ‘fantasy RPG‘ we’re taking on next.”
Kazuhisa Wada
Keywords for 2021: “Carrying out my original intentions.”
What’s New: “My project has been steadily in the works. Thanks to everyone, the Persona series will celebrate its 25th anniversary! We have exciting plans in the works, so please look forward to it.”
■ M2
Naoki Horii
Keywords for 2021: “Continuation.”
Ambitions for 2021: “I think the time will come that I can show off the thing I’ve teased. I’ve been working forever to complete it, so while the wait has been extremely long, I’ll be able to show it off with a certain amount of pride. Please look forward to it.”
Yoshimi Yasuda
Keywords for 2021: “Release a new title and a remastered title.”
Ambitions for 2021: “For the past two years, I’ve been working as hard as I can with the God Wars development team, which I direct, on the production of new and remastered titles. We’re currently developing three titles, two of which will be announced in 2021. And if possible, we’ll release those two titles as well. It’ll take a bit more time, but please look forward to them.”
What’s New: “The God Wars team is becoming a development studio with quite the number of people. We’ve recently been even more revitalized with the addition of newcomers and veteran developers alike, and the team atmosphere is quite good. We’ll deliver some good stuff with this staff.”
Kazuki Morishita
Keywords for 2021: “Do your best and let destiny handle the rest.”
What’s New: “We’re developing a new console title. I hope to be able to announce it sometime this year.”
Kenichi Ogasawara
Keywords for 2021: “Dealing with the new normal.”
What’s New: “2021 is the 40th anniversary memorial year of the Kou Shibusawa brand! We’re preparing a title suitable for this milestone worth celebrating, so please look forward to it.”
Keisuke Kikuchi
Keywords for 2021: “Rebuild.”
Ambitions for 2021: “2020 was a year where things that were normal were no longer normal. I’d like to look at what’s important and what I love once more, and create a game with a fresh perspective. 2021 is also the 20th anniversary of the Fatal Frame series, so I’d like to celebrate it in some way if possible.”
What’s New: “We’re working hard to announce some titles by spring. We’re developing a wide range of titles, from those currently under adjustment to those with pending names.”
Hisashi Koinuma
Keywords for 2021: “Investing in the future.”
What’s New: “Koei Tecmo will release a lot of game software in 2021, so please give us your support.”
Junzo Hosoi
Keywords for 2021: “Reboot.”
Ambitions for 2021: “The Gust brand will take on various challenges in 2021, including a cross-media project! There are some titles that we weren’t able to announce last year, so please look forward to them.”
Fumihiko Yasuda
Keywords for 2021: “Year of transition.”
Ambitions for 2021: “At Team Ninja, the seven years-long development of Nioh series will reach a resting point, and there are several projects that will begin full-scale development in 2021. I plan to change my development style to match my changing lifestyle and concentrate on new titles. As for me personally, I’ll try not to gain any more weight.”
■ Konami
Noriaki Okamura
Keywords for 2021: “Learning from the past.”
Ambitions for 2021: “The basic game design of Momotaro Dentetsu was completed 30 years ago, but it was refreshing to see that users who may not have heard of the old Momotetsu enjoy playing it in ‘modern’ ways such as via online play or live streaming. In 2021, I would like to help further pursue the possibilities of this kind of new Momotetsu.”
What’s New: “Momotaro Dentetsu: Showa, Heisei, Reiwa mo Teiban!, which we released late this year, is out now and selling well! Please enjoy it during the New Year’s holiday with friends and family! There are also plans for a new announcement concerning Bomberman soon! Please look forward to it!”
■ Colopl
Keywords for 2021: “Adapting and living in a new age.”
What’s New: “We’re preparing to make an announcement regarding a new game in 2021!”
■ Cygames
Keywords for 2021: “Adamant.”
Ambitions for 2021: “I hope to announce, even if it’s only a tease, an original new title for console that I have been developing with my colleagues in my new work environment. I have nothing but the highest confidence in it.”
What’s New: “What did you think of the end-of-year Granblue Fantasy: Relink announcement from the Granblue team? I think we’ve been able to showcase its solid and high-quality single-player gameplay appeal following 2019’s multiplayer showing, so please continue to look forward to it!”
Keywords for 2021: “Concentration.”
Ambitions for 2021: “Granblue will celebrate its seventh anniversary in March, and Granblue Fantasy: Versus will celebrate its first anniversary in February. We will continue to update each as usual so that fans can continue to enjoy them! We also announced that Granblue Fantasy: Relink will launch in 2022, so 2021 will be an important year where we focus on development. I hope you’ll support us on that as well.”
Hiroshi Matsuyama
Keywords for 2021: “Release Fuga: Melodies of Steel!”
Ambitions for 2021: “We’ll release Fuga: Melodies of Steel at all costs. We’ve kept you waiting for the game, and even for new information, so we’ll give you all the details at once and then release it. Please look forward to it!”
Tomoya Asano
Keywords for 2021: “Bravely!! (For the second year in a row.)”
Ambitions for 2021: “I hope Bravely Default II is a success and that I can prepare for the next one (whether that’s Third or III I don’t know).”
Yoshinori Kitase
Keywords for 2021: “The story will connect…”
What’s New: “Future Final Fantasy VII developments are in preparation. But please wait a little while longer for details.”
Keywords for 2021: “NieR.”
What’s New: “I’m working on NieR for just a little while longer. Then there’s also Babylon’s Fall and a completely new title. I’m pretty busy…”
Noriyoshi Fujimoto
Keywords for 2021: “Changelessness.”
Ambitions for 2021: “Dragon Quest will celebrate its 35th anniversary, so I hope to be able to announce something.”
Keywords for 2021: “An open mind.”
Ambitions for 2021: “2021 will be the busiest year of my career. I’d like to make it a year in which I can deliver surprise and excitement to gamers and players, while also paying attention to my health.”
What’s New: “Please look forward to various announcements for both Final Fantasy XIV and Final Fantasy XVI!”
■ Sega
Seiji Aoki
Keywords for 2021: “The creation of a new century.”
What’s New: “I’ve been involved in the development of new projects since the beginning of 2020. We’re working hard as a team to be able to announce details in 2021, so please look forward to it.”
■ Sony Interactive Entertainment
Nicolas Doucet
Keywords for 2021: “Shouryuken! (At COVID-19.)”
Things You’re Paying Attention to in 2021: “I’m looking forward to watching the new seasons of Upload and After Life on Amazon Prime and Netflix, as well as starting a new project with Team ASOBI.”
Kazutaka Kodaka
Keywords for 2021: “To make the best of my life.”
What’s New: “In spring 2021, we will release World’s End Club. It will be the first and last game for all ages from Too Kyo Games. Other than that, we have various announcements, so please give us your support.”
■ Falcom
Toshihiro Kondo
Keywords for 2021: “Turning point.”
Ambitions for 2021: “In 2021, Falcom will reach the major milestone of its 40th anniversary. Naturally, we should always aim for rejuvenation regardless of turning points, but occasions like these are important, so I’d like to use this opportunity to review our current development methods and systems. I wanted to increase the number of development lines and staff in the company, so we have already expanded and reformed. We await the applications of those interested in development at Falcom!”
Manabu Shimomoto
Keywords for 2021: “Challenge!”
What’s New: “While keeping an eye on the state of the world, I’d like to carry out the plans for the Ace Combat series’ 25th anniversary that were scheduled for 2020, but unfortunately weren’t realized, though in a different form. Please continue to support the Ace Combat series!”
Kensuke Tsukanaka
Keywords for 2021: “Growth.”
What’s New: “I’m anticipating the day that I can announce the title I’m developing to everyone, and steadily advancing on preparations.”
Hideki Kamiya
Keywords for 2021: “Do my best.”
What’s New: “First off, many people are worried about Bayonetta 3 considering there hasn’t been any new information since its announcement, but verifications of new systems have been going great and development is going very well, so please wait with peace of mind. (This is a copy of my 2020 comment.) Also Project G.G. (title tentative) has finally started moving, so please look forward to it.”
■ FuRyu
Fuyuki Hayashi
Keywords for 2021: “Rebirth.”
Ambitions for 2021: “In 2021, I plan to announce a new title I’ve been quietly working away for the past few years… definitely… perhaps… maybe… There are some other new announcements concerning console games planned, so I hope you can keep an eye out for them.”
Hironobu Sakaguchi
Keywords for 2021: “Near complete.”
Ambitions for 2021: “FANTASIAN, which we’ve been developing for three years, is finally near completion. It’ll release for Apple Arcade in 2021!”
■ Ys Net
Yu Suzuki
Keywords for 2021: “Shooting / RPG.”
Ambitions for 2021: “1) Reflect on head-to-head battles. 2) Sequel…”
Update 12/28/20 at 12:15 p.m.: 4Gamer.net has published its own version of this article. Many of the quotes are the same or extremely similar to those given to Famitsu, so we’ve included only include those with something new.
■ Atlus
Shinjirou Takata
“In 2021, we hope to not only release fun games, but also announce new titles, so please continue to give Atlus your support.”
Takuya Aizu
“We have Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 in the works, as well as three new titles in development, so please look forward to their announcements.”
Hajime Chikami
“Next year we plan to release Shibito Magire, the third entry in the Spirit Horror series we succesfully crowdfunded, as well as a new dungeon RPG. Both are games that aim to deliver new experiences somewhat different from the titles we’ve developed in the past.”
■ M2
Naoki Horii
“There is still more to come for M2 ShotTriggers, and we’re preparing new titles not only for console, but also for arcade. Will we live up to everyone’s expectations? I’ll be happy for everyone to see for themselves.”
■ Koei Tecmo
Keisuke Kikuchi
“We’re steadily developing our next few titles, which we hope to announce from spring to summer. I’d like to make each one with more heart and care than ever before. Also, 2021 will be the 20th anniversary of the Fatal Frame series, so I’m thinking of some sort of celebration as a token of my gratitude.”
Fumihiko Yasuda
“We’re preparing to announce several new titles from Team Ninja in 2021, so please look forward to them!”
■ JP Games
Hajime Tabata
“The effects of the novel coronavirus have significantly altered our lans. I think it’s more powerful than before. 4Gamer readers, please wait until 2022.”
■ Square Enix
Masaru Oyamada
“2021 is the 30th anniversary of the Mana series. I will do my absolute best!”
Akitoshi Kawazu
“In 2021, I would like to proceed with preparations for a new title.”
Yoshinori Kitase
“In 2020, we were able to successfully release Final Fantasy VII Remake. The development team is already in preparation for future developments. I myself am so excited that I can’t even imagine how the story will develop from here. Please look forward to it.”
Yosuke Saito
“Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers – ‘YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse,’ Gems Company, NieR Re[in]carnation, NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139.., Babylon’s Fall, and an unannounced new title. There are others still to be announced as well… I’ll do my best.”
Naoki Yoshida
“I hope 2021 is a year in which Final Fantasy XIV takes another leap forward. With new stories and a new world of adventures, stay tuned to find out what new stories await! And we also plan to start sharing information on Final Fantasy XVI, so please keep an eye on the movements of both Final Fantasy titles—XIV and XVI!”
■ Sony Interactive Entertainment
Nicolas Doucet
“In 2021, Team ASOBI will move on to its next title.”
Tomio Kanazawa
“In 2021, I’d like to sublimate Deadly Premonition a bit more, and hope to announce a new development for the 2018-released World End Syndrome… ah, will we have the time?”
■ Too Kyo Games
Kotaro Uchikoshi
“2021 will be the year that Too Kyo Games finally gathers all of its strength to challenge the fight. I can’t say anything in detail yet, but please look check out future news.”
Takumi Nakazawa
“In addition [to World’s End Club], there will be all sorts of activity for other titles in the works. Several titles will be newly announced or detailed. It will be a more active year than 2020, so please keep an eye out and give us your support.”
■ Bandai Namco
Katsuhiro Harada
“Are we working on projects or new titles for next-generation consoles? Well, we’ve already decided to develop various things, including completely new titles, but they will take some time and money. It’s already difficult. But this job is truly enjoyable. Every day I think what a fun job this is. It’s not even a job anymore! It’s the ultimate way to live.”
■ BeXide
Kazunori Nanji
“We hope to release a new game in the New Year, so please give us your support!”
■ PlatinumGames
Takahisa Taura
“While I don’t have anything to announce at the current stage, I’m quietly at work on a game, so I’m doing my best as usual. And as someone who was involved in the NieR series, I’m particularly looking forward to NieR Re[in]carnation and NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… (that title is difficult to write). I eagerly anticipate the day I can finally play them. I’m looking forward to it. I also want a PS5. I hope to be able to obtain one in 2021… My ambition is to win the PS5 lottery.”
■ Mikage
Ryouei Mikage
“For 2021, we are continuing development on our unannounced AA title (a strategy RPG) and 99 Girls: Bull’s Eye, for which we have only revealed the key visual. The AA title is an OEM-type game, so information will be announced by the publisher around summer to fall 2021. As for 99, additional new information will be announced in 2022.”
■ Level-5
Akihiro Hino
“In 2021, I’d like to keep in mind to make games well, and with that as our focus, cooperate with the production of anime and other media. This year especially, there was a lot to consider in terms of the quality of our games, from things like schedule delays to bugs. There are a lot of areas we need to do better in, so I’d like to roll up our sleeves and focus our efforts. Meanwhile, we have unannounced new titles in the works, and while I can’t share any details quite yet, things are steadily moving forward, so please look forward to those as well. In 2021, all of the staff will work together to create entertainment that everyone can enjoy, so please keep an eye out.”