In a major shift in the gaming world, Hideaki Itsuno, the iconic Japanese game designer behind beloved titles like Devil May Cry and Dragon’s Dogma, has announced his departure from Capcom after an impressive 30-year tenure. Itsuno made the announcement via his personal microblog, leaving fans and industry insiders alike abuzz with speculation about his next move.
In his heartfelt farewell post, Itsuno expressed deep gratitude to the gaming community for their unwavering support over the years. “Thank you for championing the games and characters I’ve had the privilege to create,” Itsuno wrote. He encouraged fans to continue their support for Capcom, hinting that his departure is more of a new chapter than an end to his creative journey.
Looking ahead, Itsuno dropped tantalizing hints about his future endeavors. “Starting in September, I will embark on developing a new game in a new environment,” he teased. Although he remained tight-lipped about the specifics, Itsuno’s excitement about crafting “fun and beautiful games” suggests that his next project could rival or even surpass the impact of his previous work.
Itsuno joined Capcom in 1994, cutting his teeth on fighting games like Star Gladiator and Rival Schools: United by Fate. His work on the Devil May Cry series from its third installment and the creation of Dragon’s Dogma cemented his status as a key player in the industry. His recent projects, including the acclaimed Devil May Cry 5 and the highly successful Dragon’s Dogma 2, which has sold over 3 million copies, further highlighted his creative prowess.
As Capcom prepares to move forward without Itsuno, the gaming world eagerly awaits details about his new venture. Whether he joins a new studio or launches a new one, one thing is clear: Hideaki Itsuno’s next project will be one to watch.