Koji Igarashi, Castlevania Producer, Leaves Konami
In a move that can be seen as rather fortunate or unfortunate (depending on your optimism), Koji Igarashi has left Konami. As IGN reports, the Castlevania: Symphony of the Night producer intends to open his own development studio.
"I’ve decided to break out on my own to have the freedom to make the kind of games I really want to make — the same kind I think fans of my past games want as well. Leaving Konami was a big decision, and not one I took lightly – I’ve spent my entire career there, made many friends, and had a lot of great opportunities – but I hope all the gamers and fans who have supported me in the past will join me in being excited about what comes next. Wish me luck!"
As someone who appreciated Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 for what it was, I would have loved even more to see a classic -vania game to come out of Konami. With Igarashi leaving to make games that he’s well versed in creating, even if it is with a new IP separate from the Castlevania series, the potential could be great to see something of that vein come from what he is doing.
We are starting to see the first great games come out of studios new and old through Kickstarter, and while it is best not to be used to get as much money from your fans as possible in lieu of a development deal with a publisher, it can be utilized to make new content that would otherwise be impossible to make. It serves as a good option if necessary, even if the famed producer intends to create his next project with a more standard approach.
Good luck, Mr. Igarashi! Classic Castlevania fans will be waiting to hear your future news with bated breath.
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