LightSpeed Studios Launches New Japan Division Led by Capcom Veteran Hideaki Itsuno

LightSpeed Studios, well-known globally for their work on PUBG Mobile and the survival RPG Undawn, has officially announced the establishment of a new game development studio in Japan.

The new division will be headed by esteemed industry veteran Hideaki Itsuno, a creative force whose three-decade career at Capcom includes directorial credits for genre-defining titles such as Devil May Cry, Dragon’s Dogma, Rival Schools, and Power Stone. This significant move, first reported by GamesIndustry.biz, follows Itsuno’s decision to depart Capcom in August 2024 after more than 30 years of service.

During his time at Capcom, he played a pivotal role in the success of several best-selling franchises, with games like Devil May Cry achieving multi-million sales milestones and establishing lasting impact on the action genre. LightSpeed Studios, based in China and known for its technological innovation within the gaming sphere, is expanding its global footprint with this Japan-based project.

According to official statements, the new studio will operate out of both Tokyo and Osaka, primarily focusing on the creation of AAA titles.

Though specific projects remain undisclosed, LightSpeed’s vision centers on combining multi-platform and cross-device development expertise to deliver innovative gameplay and narrative experiences. In an official statement from LightSpeed Studios, the company said: "The studio is structured to foster a culture of innovation, seamlessly integrating multi-platform and cross-device development.

This environment aims to nurture creativity and technical mastery, empowering the team to redefine what is possible in gameplay and storytelling." Echoing this sentiment, Hideaki Itsuno described his leadership role at LightSpeed Studios Japan as the beginning of an exciting chapter, emphasizing his ambition to assemble a world-class team focused on original AAA action game titles.

"Joining LightSpeed Studios marks an exciting new chapter in my career.

Leveraging LightSpeed’s robust development capabilities and global network, I am eager to craft innovative AAA action games that offer aesthetic and cutting-edge experiences for players worldwide.

We invite talented and passionate game creators from around the globe to join us in realizing this vision," Itsuno asserted. This development comes at a pivotal moment for Japanese game development, particularly as franchises helmed by Itsuno—such as Power Stone—are poised for renewed attention, with Power Stone set to appear in next year’s Capcom Fighting Collection 2 for the Nintendo Switch.

The launch of LightSpeed Studios Japan underscores a sustained commitment to technically ambitious, globally-minded game development. With such a prominent figure at the helm and the backing of an accomplished development powerhouse, industry observers will be watching closely for future announcements regarding the studio’s flagship projects and contributions to the evolving landscape of AAA action titles.

Capcom Japan Devil May Cry game development Hideaki Itsuno LightSpeed Studios Dragon's Dogma Undawn PUBG Mobile Nintendo Switch Rival Schools Power Stone GamesIndustry.biz