Capcom Veteran Hideaki Itsuno Departs After 30 Years, Teases New Game Project

Capcom’s legendary director Hideaki Itsuno, the creative force behind renowned franchises such as Devil May Cry, Dragon’s Dogma, and Powerstone, has officially announced his departure from the company after an illustrious career spanning more than three decades.

The news was revealed through his personal account on X (formerly Twitter), marking the end of an era for both Capcom and Itsuno’s dedicated fanbase. Over his 30 years and five months at Capcom, Hideaki Itsuno has become synonymous with innovative action game design and character-driven storytelling.

His work on the Devil May Cry series revolutionized the action-adventure genre, while Dragon’s Dogma became a standout RPG, later receiving a notable re-release on the Nintendo Switch in 2019.

The reappearance of these titles on modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch eShop has continued to solidify their influence within the gaming community. Reflecting on his career and his decision to move on, Itsuno shared a message of gratitude to fans, stating that he will be leaving Capcom at the end of August 2024.

In his remarks, he thanked supporters for standing by the games and characters he’s helped shape over the years and expressed continued hope that fans would support Capcom’s catalog moving forward.

From September, he will be joining a new development environment, where he aims to create games that are as engaging and beautiful as those that helped define his legacy. "I want to deliver enjoyable, memorable experiences in my next chapter, striving to surpass the games I have made so far," Itsuno conveyed in his statement, underscoring his dedication to advancing the medium regardless of the studio behind his future work. Itsuno’s body of work is closely tied to Capcom’s history of success: Devil May Cry has sold millions of copies across PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch platforms since its debut in 2001, and Dragon’s Dogma celebrated critical acclaim and a dedicated global fan following, boosted by its 2019 Nintendo Switch port.

Powerstone, another gem from Itsuno’s portfolio, remains a cult classic revered among fighting game aficionados. Itsuno’s departure comes at a high point for Capcom, whose recent successes include strong sales on the Nintendo Switch and a robust lineup of titles available via the eShop.

While the identity of Itsuno's new studio remains undisclosed, the gaming industry will be watching closely for his next creation, with expectations high for another landmark entry in action or RPG game development. With Hideaki Itsuno’s next project set to begin in September 2024, the anticipation surrounding his future contributions makes clear his continued impact on the industry—a testament to his decades-long influence and visionary approach to game design.

Capcom Devil May Cry Hideaki Itsuno Dragon’s Dogma Powerstone Nintendo Switch