LightSpeed Studios, a subsidiary of Tencent Games, has announced the establishment of LightSpeed Japan Studio, a new development team dual-based in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan. It will be led by industry veteran Hideaki Itsuno, the director of the Devil May Cry and Dragon’s Dogma series, alongside other Capcom classics.
According to the press release, Itsuno will collaborate with a “team of seasoned game developers,” with the studio currently recruiting for various positions, including engineers, animators, and designers. Itsuno has expressed his desire to create “original AAA action games.”
No further details have been shared about the studio’s first project. However, the team plans to offer a flexible and inclusive work environment, aiming to “foster innovation” through cross-platform and multi-device technologies. Their mission is to create an atmosphere where “creativity and technical excellence thrive” while “pushing the boundaries” of new gameplay and storytelling opportunities.
Hideaki Itsuno announced his departure from Capcom on August 31, marking the end of a remarkable 30-year career. Known for his role as the director of the Devil May Cry series from its third installment onward and for creating the Dragon’s Dogma franchise, Itsuno is now set to embark on this new chapter as the head of Tencent’s LightSpeed Japan Studio.
LightSpeed Studios, a Tencent-owned development house, operates over 10 teams worldwide, with a presence in China, the US, the UK, Europe, and now Japan. The studio has worked on both AAA and non-AAA titles, including co-developing PUBG Mobile and Apex Legends Mobile. LightSpeed Los Angeles also announced the open-world action game Last Sentinel at last year’s The Game Awards.
“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.”
