2013 was a great year for gaming. After what was accomplished this year, let’s see what Japanese game developers hope to do in 2014.
We’ve seen a sample of what some Japanese game developers have in mind when looking towards the year to come. Japanese gaming magazine Weekly Famitsu, however, asked 100 developers in their latest issue, so obviously we’ve only covered a small bit. Here are some more key phrases and resolutions for 2014 from various Japanese game developers.
Tetsuya Nomura — Square Enix
Key phrase: Constancy
Resolution: My surroundings have been constantly changing, but I don’t have any special expectations for myself in 2014. I do have some new ideas, but I plan to strive to meet fans’ expectations as always.
Hideki Kamiya — Platinum Games
Key phrase: Have fun making games
Resolution: There’s a lot I hold dear in making games, but I think for developers, having fun is most important. The atmosphere of the workplace shows clearly in a game’s quality, so I want to treasure a team atmosphere where each member can have fun developing games. Also, 2014 will be the year where a new project will fully be set in motion. I want to boldly and happily walk that path without fear of failure.
Maya Ito — Namco Bandai
Key phrase: More!
Resolution: For 2014, I want to pursue “more.” By putting together a new proposal, I’d like to expand my horizons. When working and editing, I’d like to come up with better ideas, see if I can be more creative. Even if I think something is good, by constantly thinking “more” I believe I can make many people, including myself, happy. I’d like to always strive for more in 2014 so that more people can enjoy “more.”
Akihiro Hino — Level-5
Key phrase: Interpersonal connections
Resolution: At present, it is impossible to develop an online game or smartphone game without considering other players. I believe that taking into account interpersonal connectivity when developing games will become even more important in the future. For 2014, I’d like to start by moving forward with smartphone games. I’m determined to succeed. I believe that this is just as important now as it was when Level-5 first became a publisher. I want try new things and strive ahead, like when I first started out.
Chiyomaru Shikura — 5pb.
Key phrase: Reality
Resolution: What is “reality” in a game? It’s not something that is necessarily achieved through photorealistic 3D graphics. Even with the high-end CG of the new console generation, such excitement will soon become commonplace. What I’d like to focus on in 2014 is designing scientific and human stories. I believe that what lasts through the generations is not pretty CG and effects, but meticulous and moving stories.
Masahiro Sakurai — Sora
Key phrase: Completion
Resolution: I resolve to complete development on Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U and release it in 2014.
Katsuhiro Harada — Namco Bandai
Key phrase: Kindle the old and learn the new
Resolution: The root of what is entertaining is surprisingly simple, and my wants are surprisingly simple as well. But I do want to seek out new experiences.
Junichiro Tamura — Acquire
Key phrase: Change
Resolution: Recently, the way we play games has undergone a great deal of very rapid change. It’s very difficult to predict how it might change even further. With the arrival of new game consoles potentially changing the face of the gaming world, it all looks to be very interesting and exciting. In the upcoming year, I hope to make a game that can capture the surprise and fascination of gamers everywhere.
Naoki Yoshida — Square Enix
Key phrase: Never forget the basics
Resolution: I’d like to make 2014 truly a “year of 14” with not only the release of the PS4 version of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, but, among other things, we are also planning a tour which will give me a chance to meet with fans. Instead of settling down now that we’re “reborn,” I feel that we reached a point where we can face new challenges. I plan to continue to work even harder than before, but I also intend to constantly remind myself never to forget the basics.
Masayoshi Yokoyama — Sega
Key phrase: Calmi Cuori Appassionati (Between Calmness and Passion)
Resolution: My key phrase is the title of a famous novel, but the novel has nothing to do with why I chose it. 2014 will find me in between the PS3 and PS4, creating games for a new game console. I hope to calmly listen to fan input while passionately taking up the challenge of a new console.
ファミ通.com [ファミ通.com]
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