LightSpeed Studios establishes LightSpeed Japan Studio led by Hideaki Itsuno

Tencent Games subsidiary LightSpeed Studios has announced the establishment of LightSpeed Japan Studio, a new game development studio that operates across two locations in Tokyo and Osaka, focused on the development of original AAA action games. It is led by Capcom veteran Hideaki Itsuno.

Itsuno left Capcom in September after 30 years. He began working for Capcom in 1994, and his first works as a director were Star Gladiator and Rival Schools: United by Fate. He would go on to direct Power Stone, Power Stone 2, Project Justice, Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower, One Piece Mansion, Capcom vs SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001, Auto Modellista, Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening, Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition, Devil May Cry 4, Dragon’s Dogma, Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition, Devil May Cry 5, Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition, and Dragon’s Dogma II.

“Joining LightSpeed Studios is an exciting new chapter for me,” said Hideaki Itsuno in a press release. “With LightSpeed’s strong development capability and global network, I look forward to creating original AAA action game titles together with the amazing team and building aesthetic and innovative experiences for the global player community. We welcome all talented and passionate game creators from the world over to join our vision.”

LightSpeed Studios president Jerry Chen added, “It is our great honor to have Hideaki Itsuno join LightSpeed Studios. The establishment of LightSpeed Japan Studio is a significant step in LightSpeed Studios’ expansion and demonstrates our commitment to bringing the best possible games to our players.”

LightSpeed Japan Studio aims to offer a flexible and inclusive working environment, and is designed to “foster innovation” by integrating multiplatform, cross-device technologies and creating an environment where “creativity and technical excellence thrive.” The team will focus on “pushing the boundaries” of new game creation, “continuously exploring new opportunities in gameplay and storytelling.”

Itsuno will be joined by a “team of seasoned game developers” at LightSpeed Japan Studio, which is currently recruiting across a variety of positions including engineers, animators, designers, and more.