Capcom Director Hideaki Itsuno Departs After 30 Years, Begins Work on New Game

Capcom Director Hideaki Itsuno Departs After 30 Years, Begins Work on New Game Veteran Japanese game director Hideaki Itsuno has announced his departure from Capcom after a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years.

Known for his profound influence on titles such as Devil May Cry, Dragon’s Dogma, Rival Schools, and Power Stone, Itsuno leaves an indelible mark on the action and fighting game genres.

His exit is effective immediately, following over three decades of shaping Capcom’s most iconic franchises. The announcement, made via social media on August 31, 2024, saw Itsuno extend heartfelt appreciation to his long-time supporters.

Paraphrasing his statement, Itsuno conveyed gratitude for fans’ ongoing enthusiasm for the games and characters he has brought to life, emphasizing his ambition to continue creating fun, visually engaging, and memorable experiences.

As he shared, development on a new game in an entirely new environment is set to commence in September 2024. Itsuno stated: "I look forward to crafting games that are as unforgettable, if not more so, than my previous projects.

Thank you for your continued support, and please look forward to my next work." During his tenure at Capcom, Itsuno’s leadership and vision guided several major franchises.

He is perhaps best recognized for his stewardship of the Devil May Cry series, acclaimed for its fast-paced combat and stylish presentation.

He also created Dragon’s Dogma, a fantasy action RPG that earned critical praise on platforms including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Earlier in his career, Itsuno contributed to the classic arcade fighters Rival Schools and Power Stone, both of which are set to appear in the upcoming Capcom Fighting Collection 2, reinforcing the enduring popularity of these legacy titles. Capcom’s recent announcement of Capcom Fighting Collection 2 for Nintendo Switch and other platforms—featuring enhanced editions of Rival Schools and Power Stone—highlights Itsuno’s continuing impact on the company’s portfolio even after his departure.

As Capcom continues to celebrate its storied past, Itsuno’s future endeavors are highly anticipated within the gaming industry. As details about Itsuno’s new project remain under wraps, fans and industry watchers alike are eager to follow the next chapter in his remarkable career.

His departure signals the end of an era for Capcom, but also promises exciting horizons for both the renowned director and action game enthusiasts worldwide.

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