For over two decades, Hideaki Itsuno’s name has been synonymous with some of Capcom’s most celebrated franchises. From the action-packed realms of Devil May Cry to the ambitious open-world of Dragon’s Dogma, Itsuno’s mastery has been etched into the annals of gaming history. Yet, beneath the surface of these acclaimed titles, a yearning stirs within the veteran game director – a desire to venture into uncharted territories and unleash his creative ambition upon new horizons.
As Itsuno reflects on his illustrious career, which boasts a diverse portfolio spanning fighting games, racing titles, and role-playing epics, a common thread emerges: a relentless pursuit of innovation. From his early days at Capcom, where he found himself leading projects with limited experience due to resource constraints, Itsuno has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible within the gaming realm.
“If I was to ignore all of that and go by my gut feeling, it would be fun to create something new,” Itsuno confesses, his words resonating with a yearning for uncharted creative frontiers. While Dragon’s Dogma 2 represents a continuation of his acclaimed open-world RPG series, the allure of crafting an entirely original vision burns brightly within him.
With the advancements in technology and the ever-evolving landscape of gaming, Itsuno envisions harnessing these tools to breathe life into worlds that transcend mere visuals. His aspirations extend to creating realms that exist as living, breathing simulations, where players can truly immerse themselves and leave an indelible impact.
“With Dragon’s Dogma 1, the best we could do with the technology of the time was making it look like a world of its own. But this time, by focusing more on the AI and taking advantage of current technologies, I believe we were able to create a world of its own with people who live in it, monsters that live in it, and then have your character impact all these elements. I really wanted to think of this as a simulator, and I think we’ve gotten there,” Itsuno explains, revealing the depth of his vision and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of immersion.
As Itsuno stands at the precipice of a new creative era, the gaming world eagerly awaits the manifestation of his boundless imagination. Whether he embarks on an entirely original odyssey or continues to elevate existing franchises, one thing is certain: Hideaki Itsuno’s relentless pursuit of innovation will undoubtedly shape the future of gaming in ways we can scarcely fathom.
