The gaming world in 2025 is still buzzing about a major move from one of its most celebrated directors. Hideaki Itsuno, the visionary behind legendary series like Devil May Cry and Dragon's Dogma, has embarked on a thrilling new adventure. After decades at Capcom, his final masterpiece, Dragon's Dogma 2, became one of the standout fantasy RPGs of 2024, landing impressive scores and captivating players worldwide. Now, he's steering a brand-new ship, leading LightSpeed Japan, a fresh studio under the Tencent umbrella, with the ambitious goal of creating original triple-A action experiences for a global audience. It's the start of a fascinating new era for a creator with an already iconic legacy.
Itsuno's journey is the stuff of industry legend. Joining Capcom back in 1994, he steadily climbed the ranks to become one of their most prolific and respected directors. His fingerprints are all over some of the most stylish and impactful action games ever made. Think about the lightning-fast combat of Devil May Cry 3, 4, and 5—that's his signature style. Then there's the cult classic turned mainstream hit, Dragon's Dogma. The original 2012 game was a gem that found a dedicated, passionate fanbase, while the long-awaited 2024 sequel, Dragon's Dogma 2, exploded onto the scene as one of the year's most anticipated releases.
That sequel, which many saw as Itsuno's Capcom swan song, proved his vision was more potent than ever. It delivered a vast, mysterious world filled with epic battles and the unique Pawn system that fans adored. While it faced some critique for certain design choices, its overall reception was overwhelmingly positive, solidifying Itsuno's status as a master of his craft. His departure from Capcom in August 2024 marked the end of an era, but as we now know, it was far from the end of his story.
Fast forward a few months, and Itsuno made a major announcement: he would be at the helm of LightSpeed Japan, a new branch of Tencent's LightSpeed Studio. This isn't just any new job—it's a leadership role in a studio specifically created to craft triple-A action games. Based in the creative hubs of Tokyo and Osaka, LightSpeed Japan is poised to blend Itsuno's legendary design philosophy with new resources and a global perspective.
"Joining LightSpeed Studios is an exciting new chapter for me," Itsuno shared. "I look forward to creating original triple-A action game titles together with the amazing team, and building aesthetic and innovative experiences for the global player community." This statement alone has set expectations soaring. What does "aesthetic and innovative" mean in the hands of the man who defined stylish combat?
So, what can we expect from this new venture? While LightSpeed is known for hits like PUBG Mobile and Undawn, Itsuno's hiring signals a bold push into premium, console/PC-focused action gaming. His roots run deep, not just in character action games but also in fighting titles like Power Stone and Capcom vs SNK 2. This diverse background suggests the new project will be a complex, mechanically rich experience.
Will it be a spiritual successor to Devil May Cry's relentless combat or Dragon's Dogma's adventurous spirit? 🤔 Or will it forge a completely new path? Most industry watchers in 2025 agree it will likely carry the DNA of his past work—think deep combat systems, memorable characters, and a unique creative flair—while exploring new frontiers with the support of LightSpeed's resources.
Of course, patience is key. LightSpeed Japan is a brand-new studio, and crafting a triple-A game from the ground up takes time. Fans shouldn't expect concrete details, trailers, or release dates anytime soon. The team is in the exciting, early phases of building something new.
This move also leaves interesting questions for Capcom. With Itsuno's departure, how will the company handle its beloved Devil May Cry and Dragon's Dogma franchises? In recent years, Capcom's spotlight has shone brightly on other giants:
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Resident Evil (Survival Horror Reigns)
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Monster Hunter (Global Phenomenon)
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Dead Rising (Cult Favorite)
Will these iconic Itsuno series continue, be reinvented by new directors, or lie dormant? Only time will tell. For now, all eyes are on Tokyo and Osaka, where a gaming legend is quietly assembling a team for his next masterpiece. The future of action gaming just got a lot more interesting. ✨