Japanese creators discuss 2023 ambitions [Update]
All the vague teasers you could ask for.
Famitsu has published the 2023 edition of its annual end-of-year creator interviews. The website interviewed 141 creators this year, several of which tease new titles and announcements to come in 2023.
Get the notable tidbits below.
■ ArtPlay
Shutaro Iida
—Ambitions for 2023
“We are currently still working on content for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, but we are striving every day to be able to make a big announcement in 2023.”
Koji Igarashi
—Ambitions for 2023
“I’d like to finish work on the remaining content for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. And that will lead us to the next step.”
Naoto Tominaga
—Ambitions for 2023
“In 2023, I will do my best to talk about familiar works that incorporate new elemnets, as well as new titles that make you say, ‘Oh!?'”
—Status Update
“I’m working on several new titles. Please look forward to their announcements.”
Hikaru Yasui
—Ambitions for 2023
“In 2022, we were able to release to the fans the long-awaited RPG Neptunia: Sisters vs. Sisters, with its improved game systems and evolved 3D graphics. In 2023, we are working hard to give the fans an even further ‘evolved’ game.”
—Status Update
“I would like to make 2023 a year of further ‘evolution’ for the Neptunia series. There should be some new developments this year, so please look forward to them.”
Hiroaki Iwano
—Ambitions for 2023
“In 2023, we will announce new title(s) quite early on, so I’m determined to do what it takes to increase our fan base by the time the content is released!”
—Status Update
“We’ve been silently at work on game production for the past few years, but in 2023 we should be able to make various announcements!”
Shuhei Yamaguchi
—Ambitions for 2023
“We should be able to debut the major titles and initiatives we’ve been working on this year. While overseas companies are making great strides in the mobile games market, we will create something that can’t be beaten!”
■ Aquaplus
Naoya Shimokawa
—Ambitions for 2023
“In 2022, with the release of a long-in-development game and broadcast of a TV anime, we were able to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Utawarerumono together thanks to the fans who have always supported us. In 2023, I plan to take a short rest and gather new energy for our next title. As is expected of our company, we hope to continue taking on new challenges going forward, so please look forward to it!”
■ Acquire
Takuma Endo
—Ambitions for 2023
“Recently, I’m hoping to prepare a huge game as we head toward our turning point 30th anniversary year. I’m goign to devote a bit of time to creating an epic game. As for Acquire [as a company], we hope to be able to be able offer our games digitally worldwide [going forward].”
—Status Update
“A small-scale game that I personally was prototyping has been put on the development line. I hope to be able to show something around next spring, so please look forward to it.”
■ ATLUS
Shinjiro Takada
—Ambitions for 2023
“The Shin Megami Tensei series celebrated its 30th anniversary in October 2022 thanks to the long-standing support of its many fans! Shin Megami Tensei V has achieved one million sales worldwide, and has caught many eyes in both Japan and overseas. In 2023, which will be the 31st anniversary, I hope be able to give something back to the fans as a thank-you.”
Shinsuke Umeda
—Ambitions for 2023
“We should be able to announce two new game projects by the end of the year. We also plan to release the Switch version of DYSCHRONIA: Chronos Alternate produced with MyDearest this year.”
■ SNK
Yasuyuki Oda
—Status Update
“Alongside updates to The King of Fighters XV, the staff is working as one on the development of the new Fatal Fury and several other titles. Please look forward to SNK in the future.”
Nobuyuki Kuroki
—Status Update
“While we haven’t shared much information about Fatal Fury yet, development is progressing well, so please look forward to it.”
Kazuhiro Fujishige
—Ambitions for 2023
“This year will mark the start of develompent on a new IP that carries the grand vision of ‘the creation of an AAA title from Japan.’ We are becoming a studio in which the strengths of our teams formed from our diverse pool of talent will be on full display!”
—Ambitions for 2023
“I’m steadily progressing on our new RPG. While taking care of my health, I’m pouring all of my energy into it. It’s now been over a year since I started working on it, so it can be scary at times, but I am nevertheless moving forward one step at a time. In 2023, I hope to complete the game and exhibit it at BitSummit, Tokyo Game Show, and Digital Games Expo.”
Kazuyuki Kurashima
—Status Update
“I hope to be able to announce various things in 2023.”
■ Capcom
Hideaki Itsuno
—Status Update
“I’m currently immersed in the production of Dragon’s Dogma 2, so much so that I’m losing my sense of what season it is. Things are moving along well, so I hope to further our development progress so that we can share an update with you as soon as possible.”
Ryozo Tsujimoto
—Things to Pay Attention to in 2023
“Tokyo Game Show.”
Takuro Hiraoka
—Status Update
“We will release new information [about Exoprimal] next spring, so please look forward to it!”
Goichi Suda
—Keyword for 2023
“Public domain.”
—Ambitions for 2023
“Grasshopper Manufacture will celebrate its 25th anniversary. We will continue to dash forward.”
—Status Update
“We are dilligently developing new title(s).”
Kazuma Kujo
—Ambitions for 2023
“While I wasn’t able to announce the next development for Manga Ka Keru in 2022, I hope to announce something new for that title in 2023. A new Disaster Report title will definitely also be announced in 2023. I intend to do everything that I can.”
Yukinori Ito
—Ambitions for 2023
“The Kou Shibusawa brand plans to release several new titles in 2023. We will also update our mobile games, so please look forward to it!”
Mei Erikawa
—Ambitions for 2023
“In 2023, the La Corda d’Oro series will celebrate its 20th anniversary. We are currently under review on a project to please the fans! Ruby Party also plans to start up new challenges, so please look forward to that as well.”
Kenichi Ogasawara
—Ambitions for 2023
“As the Nobunaga’s Ambition series will reach its turning point 40th anniversary, I would like to make various preparations as to make it an even more exciting celebration with the fans!”
Yoichi Erikawa (Kou Shibusawa)
—Keywords for 2023
“The 40th anniversary of Nobunaga’s Ambition, and giving back to the game fans.”
—Ambitions for 2023
“Our company plans to release many major titles in 2023 and 2024, so we are working hard to make sure they’re a success.”
Akihiro Suzuki
—Ambitions for 2023
“While we were unable to share any information about future developments of the Dynasty Warriors series in 2023, we hope to be able to do so in 2023.”
■ Konami Digital Entertainment
Noriaki Okamura
—Keyword for 2023
“Long-awaited.”
—Ambitions for 2023
“Other than [the educational edition of Momotaro Dentetsu announced last year], 2023 will be a year of many announcements! Stay tuned!”
■ COLOPL
Ryoji Tsunoda
—Ambitions for 2023
“We are working hard on an unannounced game. We hope to be able to announce it during the hot season.”
■ Cygames
—Ambitions for 2023
“This year will be a year that we will be able to showcase and let you play the titles we have been thoroughly preparing so far. Each team will continue their developments thoroughly, unrushed, and with love, so please look forward to our announcements and releases going forward!”
—Status Update
“Did you enjoy Little Noah: Scion of Paradise? We hope to be able to show you various surprises in our lineup, including a follow-up report on Project GAMM.”
Hiroshi Matsuyama
—Ambitions for 2023
“We will announce CyberConnect2-esque measures, developments, and works that fans around the world will be able to enjoy, and not just in games, but also in manga and anime.”
Hiroyuki Kobayashi
—Status Update
“Our new game announcement is still far ahead, but we are developing a new action game intellectual property, so we hope to announce it as soon as possible.”
Tomoya Asano
—Ambitions for 2023
“Compared to the turbulent 2022—which saw the releases of Triangle Strategy, LIVE A LIVE, and Various Daylife; the announcement of Octopath Traveler II; and the 10th anniversary of Bravely Default—2023 seems like it’ll be a year of preparation. Thorough preparation.”
Yoshinori Kitase
—Ambitions for 2023
“As the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy VII continues to stir up the excitement with its seven campaigns, I hope to be able to deliver an update on Final Fantasy VII Rebirth when the timing is right. Please look forward to it!”
■ SEGA
Takashi Iizuka
—Ambitions for 2023
“This past year was the biggest year in Sonic history, including the release of the movie sequel, new titles Sonic Origins and Sonic Frontiers, and the Netflix animation Sonic Prime. We are preparing a second wave to keep the fans happy and maintain that momentum going into 2023. We already announced additional content for Sonic Frontiers, but there is a lot more outside of that, so please look forward to it.”
Ryousuke Horii
—Ambitions for 2023
“It’s going to be a challengine year in which many titles are released under the restructured Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, so first and foremost, I would like to produce results with solid works that make people say, ‘The restructure and generational shift were a success!'”
Yu Mizokami
—Status Update
“I planned a super stylish game. It’s a subject I don’t know much about, so I’m currently learning about it while working on development. I hope to be able to announce it by this time next year. The theme is ‘the joy of life.'”
■ FuRyu
Fuyuki Hayashi
—Status Update
“A new title will be released in 2023.”
Keiichiro Toyama
—Ambitions for 2023
“Production on Bokeh Game Studio’s premiere title, Slitterhead, is nearing its climax.”
Kenichiro Tsukuda
—Ambitions for 2023
“In 2023, we will release several titles that we have been working on with development companies. We hope to make this a year of constant new efforts and challenges for the company.”
—Status Update
“There are several titles that I’m working on, but I wonder whether or not I will be able to announce them to the world soon. It’s a vague feeling, but we are steadily creating good games. Please look forward to them!”
Hironobu Sakaguchi
—Ambitions for 2023
“I thought I was going to retire (laughs), but I decided to try to give this another go…”
—Status Update
“I’ll never stop playing Final Fantasy XIV. Meet me in Eorzea. I also started writing the scenario for a new title yet to be announced. It will be a dark fantasy.”
■ LEVEL-5
Akihiro Hino
—Ambitions for 2023
“LEVEL-5 will celebrate its 25th anniversary. In 2022, I feel like I personally put my heart and soul into Megaton Musashi, but in 2023, we will announce many new titles, so I hope to make an even bigger impact as a company. I’m going to do my best with the mentality of ‘Making our presence known going forward.'”
Keiji Inafune
—Status Update
“While it is still unannounced, I’m making an interesting game. It will be a fun game that I will be able to play with my children and grandchildren.”
Update 12/28/22 at 1:55 p.m.: 4Gamer.net has published its own end-of-year creator interviews. While most of the comments are the same as above, here are the notable new comments not featured in the Famitsu interviews.
■ Idea Factory
Hikaru Yasui
—Ambitions for 2023
“In 2023, the staff is working hard to be able to deliver new developments for Neptunia, so please look forward to it.”
Takuya Aizu
—Ambitions for 2023
“We are working on four other titles [in addition to Grim Guardians: Demon Purge], so please pay attention to Inti Creates in 2023!”
Hajime Chikami
—Ambitions for 2023
“Next year, we plan to release our first non-dungeon RPG, RPG, tentatively titled Mawase Moncal Dan. While it will have a high level of game-like qualities, it will target a relatively wide range of players.”
—First Look at Mawase Moncal Dan
■ Enhance
Takashi Ishihara
—Ambitions for 2023
“New projects are moving along little by little. I can’t share any details yet, but please look forward to them in the future!”
■ Granzella
Kazuma Kujo
—Ambitions for 2023
“In 2023, several titles currently in the works will be released to the world. R-Type Final 3 Evolved and R-Type Tactics I・II Cosmos will be released. And we will release information on Disaster Report 5 and Manga Ka Keru. Look forward to it!”
■ crim
Sawaki Takeyasu
—Ambitions for 2023
“The Switch version of El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is currently in development, and I’d like to release it by spring or so.”
■ Koei Tecmo Games
Tomohiko Shou
—Ambitions for 2023
“I can’t say anything by the time you’re reading this comment, but by January, two titles I’ve been working on for several years will be announced… well, they should be. (Laughs.)”
Fumihiko Yasuda
—Ambitions for 2023
“Production on Rise of the Ronin, which I am directing, is entering its climax, so I will be giving it my all.”
■ Konami Digital Entertainment
Noriaki Okamura
—Ambitions for 2023
“Outside of Momotaro Dentetsu, we will be able to announce several titles [in 2023], so please look forward to it.”
Fumito Ueda
—Ambitions for 2023
“All of genDesign is working hard to be able to finally announce something, so please give us your support.”
■ Square Enix
Tomoya Asano
—Ambitions for 2023
“Our team’s latest work Octopath Traveler II will be released on October 24. This is the first time the HD-2D series hits the PlayStation platform, isn’t it? Thank you for having us. 2022 was the 10th anniversary of Bravely. ANd 2023 will be the fifth anniversary of Octopath. I’m planning a little project, so please look forward to it.”
Masanori Ichikawa
—Ambitions for 2023
“Thank you so much for your ongoing support of the SaGa series. Please look forward to future developments. Various things are being prepared.”
Ryutaro Ichimura
—Ambitions for 2023
“We are working hard to complete development on the previously announced Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai. We are in the final stages, so the staff is giving it their all to properly complete the project. Please look forward to it.”
—Ambitions for 2023
“I’m busy with all sorts of things (I say this every year…), but I’m working on something that will be a big surprise to everyone. I hope to take on new challenges not only in games, but also in Web3. Please continue to give me your support.”
Akira Okada
—Ambitions for 2023
“In 2022, we released our latest work AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative!… Currently, we’re working on a new game. I have a strong feeling that it will be a crazy game that offers a new experience. The announcement is still sometime ahead, so please look forward to it! Power!”
Nobuyuki Okajima
—Ambitions for 2023
“In 2023, we plan to release additional mission downloadable content for Earth Defense Force 6, so please look forward to that.”
Toshihiro Kondo
—Ambitions for 2023
“In 2023, we’ll release Ys series titles Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana and Ys X: Nordics in succession, and are also planning several remakes. We plan to release a lot more titles than we usually do in a year, so please look forward to it.”
Kazumasa Habu
—Ambitions for 2023
“We are preparing various titles that will please Digimon fans. I hope you will look forward to them.”
■ Bokeh Game Studio
Kazunobu Sato
—Ambitions for 2023
“Bokeh Game Studio is currently working hard on Slitterhead, which we announced last year. We concentrated on development this year, so we weren’t able to make any major announcements, but in 2023, we’re all working hard to be able to release new information.”
Hidekaka “SWERY65” Suehiro
—Ambitions for 2023
“White Owls currently has several projects underway. In addition to the additional content for The Good Life, which has already been announced, there is some completely new stuff in the works. Because of that, development was so busy in 2022, that I was hardly able to go out to play. All of th edevelopment staff is working hard to be able to deliver some of these to you next year! Please continue to give us your support.”
■ Hiroki Kikuta (freelance composer)
(Works include Mana series, Trinity Trigger, Shining Hearts, etc.)
—Ambitions for 2023
“Fufufufufufufufufu. (Laughs.)” (Hehehehehehehehehe.)