Capcom Veterans Join Lightspeed Japan Studio to Develop New Cross-Platform AAA Action Game

Lightspeed Japan Studio, a subsidiary of Tencent's Lightspeed Studios, has made significant headlines in the Japanese gaming industry this week by announcing the establishment of a new office in Osaka and a series of high-profile talent acquisitions.

This move marks a pivotal moment for Lightspeed Japan Studio as it intensifies its efforts to develop a major cross-platform AAA action game—a project drawing on the expertise of renowned figures from Capcom.

Led by industry veteran Hideaki Itsuno, celebrated for his leadership of the Devil May Cry series after taking the helm during Devil May Cry 2, the Osaka-based studio has recruited three celebrated creative talents from Capcom.

The first is narrative designer Toshihiro Nakagawa, also known in the industry as Bingo Morihashi.

Nakagawa worked closely with Itsuno on the Devil May Cry series, playing a crucial role in shaping the franchise's celebrated scenarios and storylines.

Joining him is Daigo Ikeno, whose expertise as a character artist and illustrator has defined the visual direction of iconic games such as Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike and multiple entries in the Devil May Cry series.

Ikeno's distinctive art style has long been associated with Capcom's most beloved franchises, adding an immediately recognizable flair to both characters and marketing art.

Completing the trio is the respected illustrator Bengus, also known as 'Gouda Cheese.' Bengus is credited as a key artist behind some of Capcom’s most notable fighting titles, including Super Street Fighter II, Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors, and Marvel vs.

Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes.

His influence on the aesthetic direction of Capcom's fighting game legacy is substantial.

In a statement provided by Lightspeed Studios, leadership expressed enthusiasm about "building a team with unparalleled action game experience and artistic expertise." The studio emphasized its commitment to creating innovative, high-quality entertainment for players across multiple platforms, including potential targets such as the Nintendo Switch and other contemporary consoles.

With the focus set on a yet-unnamed cross-platform AAA action game, Lightspeed Japan Studio is positioned to blend the best practices of the Japanese game development tradition with Tencent’s global resources.

While specific gameplay details remain under wraps, the collective experience of Itsuno, Nakagawa, Ikeno, and Bengus has raised industry expectations for a project that may draw inspiration from genre-defining series like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta. The loss of these key creative veterans represents a significant change for Capcom, a publisher recognized for its role in shaping the modern action and fighting game landscape.

As the newly expanded Lightspeed Japan Studio ramps up development in Osaka, industry watchers and fans alike will be eager to see the team's future announcements, potentially at major events such as Nintendo Direct or other industry showcases.

For the latest updates on Lightspeed Japan Studio's upcoming titles, Capcom's ongoing projects, and evolving trends in console and cross-platform action games, stay tuned to our site for professional news coverage and exclusive interviews.

Capcom Japan Tencent Osaka Japan Studio developers Hideaki Itsuno Lightspeed Japan Studio Bingo Morihashi Daigo Ikeno Bengus Devil May Cry Street Fighter Nintendo Switch