Sony wanted Japan Studio to make big budget games, but Siren and Gravity Rush series creator Keiichiro Toyama favored originality over a massive budget.
Speaking in an interview, Keiichiro Toyama shared that Sony had an increasing motive to make more big budget games, and that it wanted to position the Japan Studio brand in that manner. However, he said that his motive was always to create original games. He feels that he can accomplish this without a massive budget.
Toyama further stated that focusing on originality rather than big budget production values allows him to express himself. He added that going independent has given him the opportunity to do just that. Compared to his time at Sony, he felt that he is accomplishing what he wants to do.
Regarding his new studio, Bokeh Game Studio, Toyama stated that the aim was to make original games, and he wants to continue doing that. He said that a lot of youth has been poured into the development team, which has paved the way for an organic learning process. He looked forward to the younger generation of developers at the studio making their own games on a lower budget.
Toyama also talked about current trends in game development, including service games. He said that he understands why companies pursue such projects, but he felt that it is important to balance things out. According to him there’s definitely a need or desire for darker, and more unique games. He believes that, as long as the balance is kept right, there will be players who will want such games.
As for his upcoming title, Slitterhead, Toyama mentioned that the decision to go with an open world was considered early in development, but it didn’t align with the game’s budget. Ultimately, not having and open world and instead boxing in the missions and keeping progression narrative-driven worked out well for the development.
