Hideaki Itsuno needs no introduction, as he’s the creator of theDragon’s Dogmafranchise and the director ofDevil May Cry 3,4and5.In 2024, he announced his departure from Capcomand his new position as head of LightSpeed Japan Studio, where work on his next project had already begun.
A new project has already started. We will do our best to announce it to everyone as soon as possible. We are also looking for people to join us in developing the game!開発者募集中です！#LightSpeedStudios#ライトスピードジャパンhttps://t.co/Xi5gKHSwTdpic.twitter.com/YHypnTxEP1
Itsuno recently shared the news onhis personal Twitter/X account: Development of his next project already started, and he and his team at LightSpeed Japan Studio will reveal what exactly it is “as soon as possible”. What’s especially interesting about this announcement is that they’re still looking for new people to join the team, so those interested in working alongside this legendary developer can apply atLightSpeed Japan Studio’s official recruitment page.
While we still know nothing about this upcoming project, Itsuno did already give us a hint of what to expect when he joined the studio back in November: “I’m confident we’ll create original AAA action game titles alongside our amazing team, delivering aesthetic and innovative experiences to players worldwide.”, he stated on his original Instagram announcement. This means that it is extremely likely that he won’t deviate too much from his usual projects and style, so we can expect a new, high-octane action game similar to his previous works (likeDevil May CryandDragon’s Dogma)
What is Hideaki Itsuno working on right now?
Hideaki Itsuno’s announcementcaused rampant speculation among fans of his work. Needless to say, this project will have absolutely no relation to any of his signature franchises since theDevil May CryandDragon’s DogmaIPs belong to Capcom, and it’s extremely unlikely that LightSpeed would have made some sort of contract or arrangement with said company to develop a new entry together. Itsuno left Capcom in order to start fresh in a “new environment” so this project will definitely mark the beginning of a new IP.
Some fans responded to Itsuno’s message with their wishes, withsome of them asking if he’s working on a new high-quality action game(And hoping he will be able to get Takahisa Taura, the director ofAstral Chain, on board),while others are hoping for a spiritual successor to fighting gameslikeRival SchoolsorPower Stone.
While everybody knows Itsuno for his impact on the hack-and-slash franchise due toDevil May CryandDragon’s Dogma, it’s important to remember that he got his start at Capcom by working on arcade fighting games, not to mention thatPower Stonewas the first video game he ever directed. So there’s always a chance that he might want to return to the genre that started it all.
