Japanese developer CyberConnect2 made waves recently when it announced .hack//Z.E.R.O, a brand-new entry in the long-dormant action RPG series. What makes this one stand out beyond just the revival itself is that CyberConnect2 will be self-publishing the game, a first for the series which has historically been owned and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment.

In a recent interview with 4Gamer, CyberConnect2 CEO and series creator Hiroshi Matsuyama opened up about what it actually means for the studio to take the publishing reins on this one, and whether it makes their jobs easier or just piles on more pressure.

According to Matsuyama, the idea of making a new .hack game wasn’t exactly a sudden decision. Internal conversations about a potential new entry had been happening on and off for over 15 years, but nothing ever moved forward. The turning point came when CyberConnect2 decided to tie a new project to the company’s 30th anniversary, prompting them to go directly to Bandai Namco Entertainment and ask for permission to use the .hack brand and publish a new title themselves.

When asked whether handling publishing in-house makes development smoother or just adds complications, Matsuyama was straightforward about it.

“Everything becomes way easier [with self-publishing]. That’s the only answer. By placing full responsibility on ourselves, we’ll be able to pour all of our know-how, ideas and passion into this work, and push it beyond its limit. That’s why I’m positive that .hack//Z.E.R.O. will be made with a level of passion that’s never been seen before. As for the risks, the only risk would be financial,” he said.

Despite the creative freedom that comes with self-publishing, Matsuyama didn’t shy away from acknowledging the downside. With no publisher sharing the load, the financial risk falls entirely on CyberConnect2. It’s a trade-off the studio appears to have accepted willingly as part of bringing the series back after such a long absence.

.hack//Z.E.R.O is currently in development at CyberConnect2. Further details about the game are expected to be shared in the future.