Japanese creators discuss 2024 ambitions [Update]
Vague hints at what's to come in the new year.
Original Published on 12/27/23 at 4:58 p.m.: 4Gamer.net has published the 2024 edition of its annual end-of-year creator interviews. The website interviewed 176 creators this year, several of which tease new titles and announcements to come in 2024.
Get the notable tidbits below.
Hikaru Yasui
(Known for Neptunia Game Maker R:Evolution, Touhou Spell Carnival)
—Ambitions for 2024
“In 2024, we will officially kick off development on the latest numbered entry in the Neptunia series, and the entire staff is working hard to be able to announce it to the fans as soon as possible. Please look forward to further updates!”
■ ATLUS
Eiji Ishida
(Known for Shin Megami Tensei: Deep Strange Journey, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE,
Shin Megami Tensei IV, and Soul Hackers 2) —Ambitions for 2024
“I’m currently involved in an unannounced title. While the timing of its announcement has yet to be decided, I’m working hard alongside the director toward its completion. Please give us your support when that time comes.”
Hajime Chikami
(Known for Demon Gaze series, Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi, Spirit Hunter series)
—Ambitions for 2024
“After falling behind schedule on its development, we are planning to release our new RPG Moncal Fanta: Hero and the Crystal Maiden, formerly Mawase Moncal Dan, in the first half of coming year. Other than that, we are mainly planning to develop a new entry in the long-silent dungeon RPG series Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi, as well as a horror title.”
—New Artwork: Moncal Fanta: Hero and the Crystal Maiden
■ SNK
Naoto Abe
(Known for The King of Fighters series, Samurai Shodown (2019), Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves)
—Ambitions for 2024
“Please look forward to the continuous release of new information for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, which we have already announced is in development.”
Kazuhiro Fujishige
(Known for Romance of the Three Kingdoms series, Nobunaga’s Ambition series, Kessen III, Dynasty Warriors Online, One Million People’s Nobunaga’s Ambition, Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage!, One Piece: Bounty Rush)
—Ambitions for 2024
“We are currently working on AAA title(s) at our newly established Tokyo studio. If you ‘want to go on a grand adventure’ together, we look forward to meeting you!”
■ M2
Naoki Horii
(Known for DoDonPachi Blissful Death Re:Incarnation)
—Ambitions for 2024
“Next year, a new M2-original title should come out, so I hope you can look forward to it. When I use vague phrases like ‘should come out,’ it might sound like it won’t come out, but that’s because we like to include ideas that we come up with in the final stretch… you know, things like that.”
■ Enhance
Takashi Ishihara
(Known for Tetris Effect: Connected, Rez Infinite, Child of Eden)
—Ambitions for 2024
“While I cannot share details, Enhance is currently working on its next game! While the timing of our announcement might be a bit further down the road, please look forward to it!”
Goichi “Suda 51” Suda
(Known for The Silver Case, killer7, No More Heroes series, Shadows of the Damned)
—Ambitions for 2024
“2024 will be a lively year for Grasshopper. A remaster of Shadows of the Damned will be released. And we are hard at work on a new title!
Ren Yamazaki
(Known for No More Heroes III)
—Ambitions for 2024
“In 2024, we will continue to work hard to create fun games. I think we should be able to announce something in 2024.”
Tomohiko Sho
(Known for Dynasty Warriors 3 to 6, Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree’s Woe and the Blight Below, Dragon Quest Heroes II, Dragon Quest Champions, Fate/Samurai Remnant)
—Ambitions for 2024
“I see 2024 as an important year for delivering the best games to everyone over the next few years. And I hope to make it a year where I can announce such games, so I ask that you please look forward to it with anticipation.”
Akihiro Suzuki
(Known for Dynasty Warriors series)
—Ambitions for 2024
“I am very sorry that we were unable to release any new information regarding the Dynasty Warriors series in 2023. We will do everything we can to be able to do so in 2024, so please continue to give us your support.”
Hiroyuki Kobayashi
(Known for Resident Evil series, Devil May Cry series, Sengoku Basara series, Dragon’s Dogma, etc.)
—Ambitions for 2024
“Our staff is having fun developing a new action RPG that will be unique to our company. While I hope to be able to make an announcement in 2024, I’d like to consider it as I watch over our development progress.”
■ Synthese (scenario-writing company)
Yukinori Kitajima
(Known for Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius, 428: Shibuya Scramble, Senran Kagura series)
—Ambitions for 2024
“The title we have been unable to announce for quite a long time is finally on its way… It’s a game that many people have been anticipating, so I hope you can look forward to it.”
(Known for NieR series, Voice of Cards series, Gems Company)
—Ambitions for 2024
“I’m working hard! Will I finally be able to announce something new? Or will I not? Please wait just a little longer.”
Kotaro Uchikoshi
(Known for AI: The Somnium Files series, Zero Escape series, Ever17)
—Ambitions for 2024
“Sorry that I can’t officially announce it yet, but I hope to announce a crazy-insane title that will go down in video games history during the year. Stay tuned!”
Kazutaka Kodaka
(Known for Danganronpa series, Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE)
—Ambitions for 2024
“This year, we released Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE, and while in the past I would have been able to take some time off after a project launched, now that I’m the president of a young company, I don’t have any free time, for the sake of our finances, and am already at the critical phase of our next project. Additionally, the project after that is also nearing its critical phase, and new projects are starting up. The reason why I work so hard is because I want to release as many works as possible to the world. We’re not cutting corners with any—if anything we’re putting in more than 100 percent of our effort. When that happens, what’s the result? Naturally, it places a heavy burden on all of our staff. However, the ‘too kyo’ in our company name Too Kyo Games means ‘too crazy.’ We exist to go crazy making new works, and for that reason I will work even harder next year. I will make sure of it. Our next project is particularly befitting of the name ‘too kyo’ (too crazy), being a game that can only come off as insane, and I hope to be able to announce it next year. It’s a game that we’re all extremely passionate about, and are all vomiting blood while making, so please support us when the time comes.”
Yoshimi Yasuda
(Known for Lollipop Chainsaw, GOD WARS series, Root Letter series, Demon Gaze series)
—Ambitions for 2024
“In 2024, we will complete and release Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP. By ‘walking the righteous path’ of carrying over the worldview and scenario from the original game that were so well received, while revising elements that users requested we improve and adding carefully selected new elements, we’re aiming to create a title that many players on modern hardware can fall in love with. And another thing—while we’re not at the stage where we can announce it yet, we’re developing a new title outside of Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP. I think we will be able make an announcement in 2025, but we’re aiming to make it a good game that will satisfy many players.”
(Known for Like a Dragon series)
—Ambitions for 2024
“2024, like 2023, will surely be a year that I put all my effort into the content we’re currently creating. I know there are many saying ‘I want information soon!,’ but now that I’ve decided to carefully create something that I find truly interesting and suitable for a new era, I’d like to proceed without being rushed. Of course, if we come across any information we can share, we will actively share it, so please continue to give us your support.”
Toshihiro Kondo
(Known for Ys series, Trails series)
—Ambitions for 2024
“We’re thinking of setting about and focusing on not only Falcom’s familiar series, but also other new titles. Some preparations are already underway, so I would like to make an announcement at some point this year (2024). However, first I would like to work hard to bring you the latest entry in the Trails series, Kai no Kiseki. Trails has been going on for many years and is celebrating its 20th anniversary, but in the next entry, the truth behind the continent of Zemuria, which has been a mystery throughout the series, will finally be unveiled. Don’t miss it!”
Keishu Minami
(Known for SAND LAND, Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet)
—Ambitions for 2024
“While the [SAND LAND] game is currently under development, the entire team is oorking hard, and we hope to deliver it in the not-too-distant future that is 2024, so please look forward to it with anticipation!”
■ Bandai Namco Studio
Katsuhiro Harada
(Known for Tekken series, Summer Lesson, Pokken Tournament, Soulcalibur series, etc.)
—Ambitions for 2024
“We’re also developing various other things beyond Tekken, so please allow us to advertise them again [on 4Gamer.net] when the time comes.”
Kazunobu Sato
(Known for SIREN series, Puppeteer, The Last Guardian)
—Ambitions for 2024
“Bokeh Game Studio continues its hard work on the development of Slitterhead. I think next year will be a special year for the project.”
Keiichiro Toyama
(Known for Silent Hill series, SIREN series, Gravity Rush series)
—Ambitions for 2024
“2024 will be a decisive year in which our studio’s first title Slitterhead will really begin being shown. Given that it will significantly influence our future, it will be an important year, so I would like to face it with enthusiasm.”
Update Published 12/29/23 at 12:15 p.m.
Famitsu has published its edition of its end-of-year creator interviews.
Get the notable tidbits below.
■ ArtPlay
Koji Igarashi
(Known for Bloodstained series, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night)
—Ambitions for 2024
“In 2024, I’d like to shift my focus to a new title. To do that, we must first properly wrap up work on Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. While there is some content still to be released, I believe that we should be able to make a big announcement in 2024. I’d also like to take on new challenges if the opportunity arises.”
■ Idea Factory / Compile Heart
Naoto Tominaga
(Known for Todokero! Tatakae! Calamity Angels, Touhou Spell Carnival, etc.)
—Ambitions for 2024
“We announced a number of titles in 2023, but there are still many projects still to be announced, as well as several initiatives that will make you say, ‘Compile Heart’s doing something like this?'”
—Latest Update
“While I recommend all of our 2024 titles, I hope that you can look forward to an all-new title by Kei Nanameda and a certain title with the letter ‘M’ in it.”
■ Aquaplus
Naoya Shimokawa
(Known for Utawarerumono series)
—Latest Update
“We’re currently in the process of making various preparations. While we may have to keep you waiting a while, please stay tuned. For now, please enjoy Utawarerumono: Lost Flag.”
■ ATLUS
Shinjiro Takada
(Known for Shin Megami Tensei series)
—Ambitions for 2024
“In 2024, we will release Unicorn Overlord from Vanillaware, as well as one other title. At the same time, I would like to prepare for future projects.”
Shinsuke Umeda
—Latest Update
“We’re currently developing the adventure game Dark Auction: Hitler’s Estate, 2D side-scrolling action adventure game AMEDAMA, an unannounced multiplayer battle game, and more, so please look forward to them!”
■ M2
Naoki Horii
—Latest Update
“Until now, we’ve worked on ports and remakes of games that we love, but we will be able to release a new game that can be called ‘a continuation of the game(s) we love.’ I’m working hard each day to live up to the expectations set for us.”
■ Grasshopper Manufacture
Ren Yamazaki
(Known for No More Heroes III, Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes Complete Edition, Black Knight Sword, etc.)
—Latest Update
“I think we should be able to announce something in 2024.”
■ Koei Tecmo Games
Mei Erikawa
(Known for Ruby Party brand)
—Ambitions for 2024
“In 2024, the Ruby Party brand will celebrate its 30th anniversary. We hope to be able to announce various initiatives and new projects, so please look forward to it!”
Tomohiko Sho
(Known for Dynasty Warriors 3 to 6, Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree’s Woe and the Blight Below, Dragon Quest Heroes II, Dragon Quest Champions, Fate/Samurai Remnant)
—Latest Update
“I’m working hard with my colleagues to be able to announce a title that can be said to be a culmination of my 28 years as a game designer (according to me, at least). I would be grateful if you continue to look out for Omega Force‘s games in 2024!”
■ Cygames
Yasuyuki Kaji
(Known for Granblue Fantasy: Relink)
—Ambitions for 2024
“Thanks to everyone’s support I was able to finally complete Granblue Fantasy: Relink, which has been in development for a long time. I hope that as many players as possible check it out. I’m also looking ahead and starting up on something new. I’m looking forward to launching my first title in forever, as well as starting work on a new title!”
(Known for Senran Kagura series, Garnet Arena: Mages of Magicary)
—Latest Update
“I hope to be able to deliver the latest news on Garnet Arena: Mages of Magicary (formerly Project GAMM).”
Hiroshi Matsuyama
—Keyword
“Games, manga, and live-action dramas.”
—Ambitions for 2024
“As mentioned in the keyword, in 2024 we plan to release, distribute, and broadcast various works produced and created by CyberConnect2. We’re also working hard on development to announce our self-published title Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 in the summer!”
■ GPTRACK50
Hiroyuki Kobayashi
(Known for Resident Evil series, Devil May Cry series, Sengoku Basara series, Dragon’s Dogma, etc.)
—Ambitions for 2024
“GPTRACK50 will celebrate its second anniversary on October 1, 2024, so I hope to be able to announce the action RPG title we’re currently developing for console around that time.”
Michiharu Mori
—Latest Update
“We have received tremendous feedback regarding Urban Myth Dissolution Center since its announcement, and are working hard to increase the quality to a level that will satisfy players. We actually have 13 projects in the works, so I believe there are some that we will be able to tell you about this year!”
■ Square Enix
Tomoya Asano
(Known for Octopath Traveler series, Bravely Default series)
—Ambitions for 2024
“I think we will be able to release various titles and information in 2024, from big ones to not-so-big ones. While handling these tasks with care, I will also be making preparations for future endeavors.”
Yosuke Saito
(Known for NieR series, Voice of Cards series, Gems Company)
—Keyword
“Surprise.”
—Ambitions for 2024
“I’m preparing various things to be able to carry out the ‘surprise’ mentioned in the keyword in early 2024. Also, if I don’t do something about my inability to say no whenever I’m asked anything, I may soon die, so I should probably start paying a little more attention to my health…”
—Latest Update
“Please wait a little longer for a big announcement. Also, the second cour of the NieR: Automata anime should start at some point, so please look forward to it!”
■ SEGA
(Known for Like a Dragon series)
—Ambitions for 2024
“This is my fourth year of the Dragon! I’m incredibly happy to be able to release Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, which I put all my effort into, during such a year. While I’m looking forward to its release, I hope to be able to make another big announcement in 2024! Please stay tuned to Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio in 2024!”
■ Bandai Namco Entertainment
Kazutoki Kono
(Known for Ace Combat series)
—Latest Update
“We’re working on a new Ace Combat game. I’m truly sorry that it’s been so long since we’ve been able to share our progress, but everyone on the team is working rather hard. Please look forward to it.”
■ Bandai Namco Studio
Hiroshi Yoshimura
(Known for Code Vein)
—Latest Update
“For the past few years, I have been working hard on the development of a title I can’t tell you about yet.”
■ PinCool
Ryutaro Ichimura
(Known for Dragon Quest series)
—Keyword
“Debut.”
—Ambitions for 2024
“It’s been about a year since PinCool was established. We currently have four projects in the works, but I hope to release at least one light title by the end of 2024 if possible!”
■ Brownies
Shuhei Yamashita
(Known for Doraemon Story of Seasons series, etc.)
—Latest Update
“I’m working on something! It might take some time, but please look forward to when we can share information!”
■ FuRyu
Fuyuki Hayashi
(Known for CRYSTAR, Monark, CRYMACHINA)
—Latest Update
“In 2024, we plan to release at least three titles. I’m happy to be able to work on so much. We will have various announcements in the first half of the year, so please look forward to them.”
Kenichiro Tsukuda
(Known for DAEMON X MACHINA series, etc.)
—Latest Update
“I believe we will be able to deliver information to everyone on several titles starting in 2024. I also want to start a YouTube channel this year…”
Hironobu Sakaguchi
(Known for Final Fantasy series, Lost Odyssey, FANTASIAN, etc.)
—Keyword
“Development on a new title begins.”
—Ambitions for 2024
“I’m starting work on a new title. I’m currently writing the scenario, having gone through the scenario plot. At this stage, it’s important to condense and infuse what makes it fun. I will do my best.”
Makoto Asada
(Known for Psycho-Pass series)
—Keyword
“Sequel.”
—Ambitions for 2024
“Our company’s flagship title Steins;Gate is celebrating its 15th anniversary. That being said, I believe we will be able to deliver various developments and titles to coincide with this. We’re preparing a ton of content including a long-awaited new title, so I hope we can make this an exciting 15th anniversary year together.”
—Latest Update
“As I mentioned in the keyword, I’m working on a new title that will be a sequel. I think it will be a surprising title, and I myself am looking forward to its release. It’s planned for release in 2024, so please look forward to it.”