Kamiya Reflects on Microsoft’s Urgency for Quick Game Releases and His Ongoing Attachment to Scalebound

Reflections on Scalebound: Hideki Kamiya Discusses Cultural Differences in Game Development

Over eight years have passed since Microsoft officially canceled Scalebound, the highly anticipated action game from PlatinumGames, which was intended as a PC and Xbox exclusive. Despite this significant time gap, the game’s director, Hideki Kamiya, has frequently expressed his disappointment regarding the project’s demise.

Hideki Kamiya, a seasoned game designer known for iconic titles such as Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, Viewtiful Joe, Ōkami, Bayonetta, and The Wonderful 101, remains hopeful about the future of Scalebound. Earlier this year, he openly stated his desire to potentially revive the game one day, signaling that his passion for the project hasn’t dwindled.

Insights from Recent Interviews

In a recent interview with VideoGamesChronicle, Kamiya shared his thoughts on the contrasts between Japanese and Western publishers, shedding light on the creative processes that shape game development.

According to Kamiya, the experience of collaborating with Japanese publishers often feels more intimate and nurturing. He remarked, “The development culture feels closer to mind, and they tend to be more understanding toward creators.” This patience, he believes, stems from an appreciation for the innovative challenges involved in bringing a new game to life. He emphasized how Japanese publishers tend to support the creative struggle rather than imposing rigid deadlines.

The Impact of Publisher Expectations

When confronted with the question of whether Scalebound might have succeeded under a Japanese publisher, Kamiya reflected on the pressures often exerted by overseas entities like Microsoft. He noted that Western publishers typically push for quicker project completions, contrasting this with what he perceives as a greater tolerance for complexity among Japanese companies.“If it had been a Japanese publisher, I feel they might have given us more leeway, ” he said.

Kamiya also acknowledged the unique challenges faced by PlatinumGames during the development of Scalebound, particularly due to the unprecedented concept of allowing players to control both a dragon and a human character simultaneously. Despite these obstacles, he took ultimate responsibility for the project’s outcome, implying a willingness to learn from the experience. Importantly, he conveyed that he feels better equipped to work with Western publishers moving forward, thanks to the lessons learned from this endeavor.

Looking Ahead: New Beginnings at Clovers

Currently, Kamiya is channeling his creativity into Clovers, a new studio tasked with developing a sequel to Ōkami for CAPCOM. This venture signals the game director’s ongoing dedication to crafting engaging video games while potentially navigating the intricate dynamics between different cultural approaches to publishing.

Source & Images