- The Gravity Rush creator recently discussed Japan Studio’s closure.
- He states that Sony wanted big-budget games from the developer, but the team was interested in unique games.
- This seems to have been the reason behind the studio’s eventual closure in 2021.
The team behind Gravity Rush was once one of PlayStation’s most renowned studios. Japan Studio was known for delivering various high-profile IPs for PlayStation, but the team was eventually closed down in 2021.
Reflecting on this closure, Gravity Rush creator Keiichiro Toyama recently highlighted a major reason for Japan Studio’s decline. He outlined that PlayStation wanted big-budget games from the team despite the studio’s knack for more creative and experimental releases.
Why it matters: PlayStation has recently been criticized for playing it too safe with some of its games. This is partly because of the big budget and risks associated with AAA gaming.
Speaking to VGC, Keiichiro Toyama explained that he does not necessarily need big budgets to deliver great games. However, PlayStation may not have been fond of such projects.
He highlighted that Sony envisioned a future similar to its other big teams for Japan Studio.
There was an increasing incentive to make more highly budgeted games.
-Keiichiro Toyama
The developer eventually went on to form his own independent studio, and he believes this decision has been for the better. Keiichiro Toyama says that he can now make games to express himself better.
Ultimately, it sounds like Japan Studio closed down due to different visions. PlayStation’s fixation on creating high-profile games has become a problem for the gaming giant lately, resulting in a mostly barren first-party lineup this year.
Budgets growing out of control are also becoming an industry-wide problem, so Keiichiro Toyama’s approach is a breath of fresh air.
The Gravity Rush creator is currently working on Slitterhead, a brand-new horror game. Another one of his IPs, Silent Hill, is also set to make a comeback with Konami’s remake later this year.
Slitterhead is scheduled for launch in late 2024, presenting a unique take on the horror genre.
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