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Tencent Games’ subsidiary LightSpeed Studios has announced the formation of LightSpeed Japan Studio, a new development team focused on creating original AAA action games. The studio, which will operate from locations in both Tokyo and Osaka, will be helmed by veteran game director Hideaki Itsuno, who recently departed Capcom after a 30-year tenure.
Itsuno brings extensive experience from his time at Capcom, where he directed numerous acclaimed titles since joining in 1994. His portfolio includes the Devil May Cry series, Dragon’s Dogma franchise, and fighting games such as Power Stone and Rival Schools. His most recent work was Dragon’s Dogma II.
“Joining LightSpeed Studios is an exciting new chapter for me,” Itsuno stated. He expressed enthusiasm about creating original AAA action titles with the studio’s development capabilities and global network, aiming to deliver “aesthetic and innovative experiences for the global player community.”
LightSpeed Studios president Jerry Chen welcomed Itsuno’s arrival, describing it as a significant milestone in the company’s expansion plans. The new Japanese studio is designed to promote innovation through multiplatform development and cross-device technologies.
The LightSpeed Japan studio is actively recruiting across various positions, including engineers, animators, and designers. It aims to create an inclusive working environment that emphasizes both creative and technical excellence, with a focus on exploring new approaches to gameplay and storytelling.
