Dragon's Dogma director Hideaki Itsuno appointed head of Tencent's new AAA studio focused on action games
Hideaki Itsuno, the director of Dragon's Dogma and multiple Devil May Cry entries, has been named the head of LightSpeed Japan Studio, a new developer that focuses on creating "original AAA action game titles."
The details:
LightSpeed announced the formation of its Japan studio earlier today, with the developer based in both Tokyo and Osaka. The studio will be led by Itsuno, a former Capcom director, producer, and designer. “Joining LightSpeed Studios is an exciting new chapter for me,” Itsuno said. “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 is a Tencent-owned developer with offices in China, Singapore, Canada, the US, the UK, South Korea, and New Zealand, with plans to expand to more regions in the future. It has released over 50 games to date, with over four billion players worldwide. Most notably, the studio has collaborated with Krafton as the co-developer of PUBG Mobile, and its LA-based team is now developing the upcoming open-world title, Last Sentinel.
Itsuno left Capcom in August after working at the company for more than 30 years. During his time at the developer, he served as the director of Devil May Cry 3, 4, and 5, as well as both Dragon's Dogma games, having taken over the former series following the mixed reception of its second entry. As a designer, he also contributed to a number of well-known titles such as Power Stone, Darkstalkers, Street Fighter Alpha, and Rival Schools.
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