4Gamer interviews Japanese creators on 2017 ambitions

Teasers, teaser, teasers.

4Gamer.net has gone up with its end-of-year creator interviews. The website interviewed 146 creators, many of which shared teases for their ambitions in 2017.

Get the roundup of newsworthy bits below.

Kazuto Sekine, General Battle Director at Arc System Works
Known for: Guilty Gear Xrd series, BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma series
Favorite title of 2016: Summer Lesson: Hikari Miyamoto Seven Days Room
“I would like to do various new things in 2017, so it would be nice if I can deliver something. First, on January 14, Arc System Works Fighting Game Awards 2016 will take place. If you pay attention to this, I think that it will be interesting in various ways. Fighting games are interesting to watch, but they’re more interesting to play, so please watch the event and try playing if you possess the interest.”
Toshimichi Mori, Director & Producer at Arc System Works

Known for: BlazBlue series
Favorite title of 2016: Persona 5
“After a long time working on it, the BlazBlue series has reached a point where it can take a break… is not something I can say completely, as only the scenarios have reached a stopping point. We will still continue to liven up BlazBlue, so everyone please continue to give us your support. However, because I think I want to make things other than fighting games, I would be very happy to receive your support.”
Kyuta Yamada, Director at Arc System Works
Known for: Gotcha Racing, Sabaku no Nezumi-dan!
Favorite title of 2016: Inside
“Next, I want to make a game that can be introduced in a Nintendo Direct. I will do my best.”
Norihisa Kochiwa, Game Development Department Boss at Compile Heart
Known for: Neptune series, Genkai Tokki series, Mary Skelter: Nightmares, Gun Gun Pixies, Otomate brand
Favorite title of 2016: Final Fantasy XV
“In 2017, we will release Four Goddesses Online: Cyber Dimension Neptune for PlayStation 4 and Gun Gun Pixies for PS Vita. Both of them are charming with cute characters and 3D action. From there, we’re preparing a new RPG. We’re incorporating new things, so please look forward to the announcement.”
Shigeo Komori, First Production Director at Atlus
Known for: Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Legends
Favorite title of 2016: Final Fantasy XV
“In 2017, the Etrian Odyssey series will celebrate its 10th anniversary. Thank you very much to everyone who has supported the series so far. Thank you for sticking by Etrian Odyssey.”
Kazuyuki Yamai, First Production Director at Atlus
Known for: Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
Favorite title of 2016: Pokemon GO
“Next year, the Shin Megami Tensei series will celebrate its 25th anniversary. In order to respond tho the encouragement we have received from everyone and to even the smallest valuable opinions, I hope to make a variety of preparations through events and such.”
Takuya Aizu, Representative Director & Producer at Inti Creates
Known for: Mega Man Zero series, Mega Man 9, Mega Man 10, Mega Man ZX series, Azure Striker Gunvolt series, Gal Gun series
Favorite title of 2016: Pokemon GO
“While late, in 2017 we’ll be working hard to release the VR title Gal Gun VR. Additionally, in the spring there is the 3DS title Blaster Master Zero, and we also have a little surprise planned there. Also, let’s not forget downloadable content developments for Azure Striker Gunvolt 2.”
Tomonobu Itagaki, Representative Director and Chief Technology Officer at Valhalla Game Studios
Known for: Dead or Alive series, Ninja Gaiden series, Devil’s Third series
Favorite title of 2016: Battleship Empire
“We will expand Devil’s Third Online worldwide.”
Hajime Chikami, Representative Director & Producer at Experience
Known for: Demon Gaze series, Stranger of Sword City series, Operation Abyss and Operation Babel, Ray Gigant
Favorite title of 2016: Persona 5
“With titles like Yomi wo Haku Sana and HRV (project name), we will challenge genres outside of the dungeon RPGs we’re known for, and I’m considering putting on a new dungeon RPG for our core users.”
Yasuyuki Oda, Producer at SNK
Known for: The King of Fighters XIV
Favorite title of 2016: Broforce
“We announced The King of Fighters XIV Ver. 1.10, but we are also considering and making various other things… Developments outside of The King of Fighters are moving along smoothly. And there are several! All of the staff will do their best so that we can make announcements somehow or another in 2017!”
Tetsuya Mizuguchi, Representative at Enhance Games
Known for: Sega Rally Championship, Space Channel 5, Lumines, Child of Eden, Rez Infinite
Favorite title of 2016: The Last Guardian
“From here on, I want to continue creating new experiences. Particularly, I will continue to focus on virtual reality. Rez Infinite still has various developments and much more evolution, so please look forward to it.”
Juntaro Kouno, Producer at Kadokawa Games
Known for: Demon Gaze 2
Favorite title of 2016: Persona 5
“Currently, we are moving forward on preparations for an unannounced home console game to be announced and released in 2017. We’re earnestly developing the game so that you’re surprised and overly delighted, so please look forward to it.”
Yoshimi Yasuda, Representative Director & Game Director at Kadokawa Games
Known for: Lollipop Chainsaw, God Wars: Future Past, Starly Girls: Episode Starsia
Favorite title of 2016: Persona 5
“Also, as for home console games, we plan to announce two new titles following God Wars: Future Past in 2017. Additionally, we also plan to announce new smartphone games.”
Eshiro Motohide, Producer at Capcom
Known for: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies
Favorite title of 2016: Persona 5
“In 2017, while we’re fully committed to the development of The Great Ace Attorney 2, I want to do my best to make it a year appropriate to the 15th anniversary of the Ace Attorney. In addition to the “Ace Attorney 15th Anniversary Special Courtroom,” we are planning projects that all the fans can enjoy, so please give your support to the Ace Attorney series in 2017 as well!”
Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Producer at Capcom
Known for: Resident Evil series, Sengoku Basara series, Dragon’s Dogma series
Favorite title of 2016: Pokemon GO
“Personally, I think 2017 will be a year of various preparations.”
Daizo Nonaka, Producer at Capcom
Known for: Sengoku Basara: Sanada Yukimura-Den, Megami Meguri
Favorite title of 2016: Pokemon Sun / Pokemon Moon
“In 2016, I was able to release two titles, Sengoku Basara: Sanada Yukimura-Den and Megami Meguri. We created these titles with the cooperation of various people. Thank you very much. I want to get absorbed in making interesting games in 2017 as well.”
Takeshi Yamazaki, Director at Capcom
Known for: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Justice For All, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies
Favorite title of 2016: Persona 5
“Starting October 2016, Ace Attorney entered its 15th anniversary year. I think 2017 will be an enjoyable year for fans of the series.”
Kikuchi Keisuke, Gust Brand Producer at Koei Tecmo Games
Known for: Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon, Fatal Frame series, Deception series
Favorite title of 2016: Persona 5
“2017 is the 20th anniversary of the Atelier series, so to thank all the fans we will prepare an appropriate title for the 20th anniversary.”
Takashi Morinaka, Producer & Director at Koei Tecmo Games
Known for: Toukiden series, Dynasty Warriors series, Saihai no Yukue
Favorite title of 2016: Final Fantasy XV
“This year we were able to release a new game in the Toukiden series, Toukiden 2. To all the fans who played it and supported us, thank you very much! We want to deliver a new evolution of the Toukiden series in 2017 as well, so please look forward to it. Also, as titles related to Toukiden, we are working on things like the smartphone app Toukiden: Mononofu and Musou Stars. Please look forward to them!”
Kenichi Ogasawara, Omega Force Brand Boss at Koei Tecmo Games
Known for: Dragon Quest Heroes II, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Sphere of Influence – Ascension
Favorite title of 2016: Persona 5
“2017 is the 20th anniversary of Omega Force. We will announce works befitting of such an important year, so please expect it. For now, please focus on Musou Stars, which we will release in March!”
Kazutoshi Sekiguchi, Director at Koei Tecmo Games
Known for: Toukiden 2
Favorite title of 2016: Persona 5
“Currently, the Toukiden development team is at a stage where long-term vacations have ended and various ideas are being worked on. I think we’ll be able to show the development of what’s next in 2017. Personally, I would like to take on a new title [outside of Toukiden].”
Hiroshi Matsuyama, Representative Director of CyberConnect2
Known for: Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm series
Favorite title of 2016: Life is Strange
“[Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 Road to Boruto] will release and be distributed on February 2. It is a compilation of the “super anime expression” we’ve cultivated for 10 years… From there, no comment regarding future CyberConnect2 developments. Because I can’t say anything yet.”
Masanori Ichikawa, Producer at Square Enix
Known for: SaGa: Scarlet Grace, Emperor’s SaGa, Romancing SaGa 2 remastered version
Favorite title of 2016: Pokemon GO
“We were finally able to release a new SaGa title in 2016… While I can’t make an announcement yet, I think everyone will be able to enjoy the SaGa series next year, too.”
Yuichiro Saito, Line Producer at Spike Chunsoft
Known for: Danganronpa series, Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky, Conception series
Favorite game of 2016: “Overwatch“
“On January 12, 2017, we will release Danganronpa V3, which we’ve devoted all of our energy to. I want to challenge a new title in the 11 months that follow, so continue to pay attention to Spike Chunsoft.”
Toshihiro Nagoshi, Sega Director and Yakuza Series General Director at Sega
Known for: Yakuza series
Favorite (non-)title of 2016: PlayStation VR
“This year we released Yakuza 6: The Song of Life and achieved a milestone for the Yakuza series. I think that there are pros and cons to the end of the story of Kazuma Kiryu, who served as the protagonist for more than 10 years. Be that as it may, I will work hard to create content that both myself and my staff can enjoy. I also think that’s a way to give back to Kazuma Kiryu. Sooner or later, I want to announce something different. Please look forward to it.”
Mizuki Hosoyamada, Puyo Puyo Series General Producer at Sega
Known for: Puyo Puyo Chronicle, Puyo Puyo Quest, Puyo Puyo Tetris, Puyo Puyo series
Favorite (non-)title of 2016: NES Classic Mini
“We’re considering announcing something around mid-January, so I’ll be happy if everyone can get excited.”
Masayoshi Yokoyama, Yakuza 6 Chief Producer / Scenario and Production at Sega
Known for: Yakuza series
Favorite title of 2016: Summer Lesson: Hikari Miyamoto Seven Days Room
“Now that we have completed the ‘final chapter of the Kazuma Kiryu legend,’ I think that 2017 will be a year where we take a step towards the ‘future.’ I am thinking about how we can provide a way to offer a new Yakuza that connects everything so far with the future.”
Keiichiro Toyama, Creative Director at Sony Interactive Entertainment
Known for: Gravity Rush series
Favorite title of 2016: Inside
“As soon as preparations for the start of a new title begin, it will likely be a busy year again. Outside of that, I will be promoting various things, so please keep an eye out in the future!”
Teruyuki Toriyama, Japan Studio Producer at Sony Interactive Entertainment
Known for: V! No Heroes Allowed R, Bloodborne, Soul Sacrifice sreies
Favorite title of 2016: Final Fantasy XV
“While I can’t say any details yet, we’re also moving forward with the creation of ambitious new titles and new title concepts at the same time, so please continue to support Sony Interactive Entertainment JAPAN Studio in 2017.”
Masaaki Yamagiwa, Producer at Sony Interactive Entertainment
Known for: Bloodborne, Tokyo Jungle
Favorite title of 2016: Pokemon GO
“Since behind the scenes activities have been ongoing since Bloodborne, I hope this will be a year that bears the fruit of the things we’ve built upon so far.”
Yujiro Usuda, Content Production Team A Team Leader & Producer at D3 Publisher
Known for: Bullet Girls series, Omega Labyrinth, Idol Death Game TV, etc.
Favorite title of 2016: Berserk and the Band of the Hawk
“As for the titles I’m in charge of in 2017, while I can’t say any details yet, we plan to release several consumer titles. Everyone will be surprised! Shocked! A bulge in your pants!”
Tatsuya Izumi, Director & Game Designer at Nippon Ichi Software
Known for: The Witch and the Hundred Knight, Coven and Labyrinth of Refrain
Favorite (non-)title of 2016: PlayStation VR
“This year, we were able to successfully release Coven and Labyrinth of Refrain, and are very grateful to have received good reviews beyond our expectations. While it may not be an ambition for 2017… but the feeling of ‘Can we make a sequel for this?’ is lingering about the company, if there are people who want a sequel, if you write a short survey card for us we’ll be closer to its realization. I’d like to make a sequel if we can.”
Soheii Niikawa, President and CEO, Producer, & Scenario Writer at Nippon Ichi Software
Known for: Disgaea series, Hayarigami series, etc.
Favorite title of 2016: Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
“Nippon Ichi Software will deliver various content from Gifu Prefecture to the world. In 2017 as well, we will actively launch new IP in the consumer game market. But it doesn’t end there. We will steadily take on new initiatives. We also have Nintendo Switch project(s), so please look forward to that. (There has been some skepticism about our company’s participation, but…. we’re in proper development!)”
Yozo Sakagami, NE Division Production Division No. 1 Production General Manager at Bandai Namco Entertainment
Known for: The Idolmaster series
Favorite title of 2016: Pokemon GO
“In 2017, we’re planning many developments for The Idolmaster throughout the course of the year, so please look forward to it.”
Takuya Yamanaka, Game Director & Producer at FuRyu
Known for: Caligula
Favorite title of 2016: Coven and the Labyrinth of Refrain
“We are in the middle of planning a challenging and original title for 2017 as well, so please wait for more details! Of course, I myself am running around behind the scenes at full power to be able to announce works that sink its claws into the soft parts of your heart, so please look forward to it.”
Shoji Masuda, Representative Director of Mars
Known for: Momotaro Dentetsu 2017: Tachiagare Nippon!!
Favorite title of 2016: The Last Guardian
“For 2017, I can’t reveal details, but there are two large matters being presented, and I’m nervous thinking which to choose as both are tiring.”
Yoshifumi Hashimoto, Marvelous Operating Officer and CCO
Known for: Story of Seasons series, Rune Factory series, Muramasa
Favorite title of 2016: The Last Guardian
“So then, there’s a lot of things we’re working on for 2017, so we will announce those things another time. Thanks and please support us next year too!”
Hironobu Sakaguchi, CEO of Mistwalker Corporation
Known for: Terra Battle
Favorite title of 2016: Final Fantasy XV
“We plan to announce a new game in 2017. Please look forward to it!”
Akihiro Hino, Representative Director and CEO of Level-5
Known for: Yo-kai Watch series, Professor Layton series, Inazuma Eleven series, Ni no Kuni series
Favorite title of 2016: Pokemon GO
“Level-5 will challenge new things in 2017 as well, we want to create a large wave. 4Gamer readers, please pay attention to Level-5 in 2017.”

It’s worth noting that the words we’re translating as console games is a general term used for both stationary and portable platforms in Japan.