Co-Director of Visions of Mana Establishes Studio to Safeguard Creators
The New Dawn of Studio Sasanqua: A Safe Space for Game Creators
Introduction to Studio Sasanqua
Ryosuke Yoshida, co-director of the game Visions of Mana, has taken an exciting step forward by launching a new game development studio called Studio Sasanqua. This move follows the closure of Ouka Studios last year, which was part of a larger trend where Chinese companies like NetEase and Tencent reduced their investments in Japanese game studios. The closure of Ouka Studios highlighted significant issues within game development companies, particularly regarding how management holds creators accountable for project outcomes.
The Background of Ouka Studios
Ouka Studios was responsible for the development of Visions of Mana, but like many other studios, it faced challenges due to financial cutbacks. The closure led to numerous creators losing their jobs, raising questions about the responsibilities of management versus those of developers. Yoshida and his co-director, Kenji Ozawa, found themselves in a position to rethink how game studios operate.
The Philosophy Behind Studio Sasanqua
Kenji Ozawa has a strong motivation for creating Studio Sasanqua: to establish a work environment where management takes accountability for poor project results. Ozawa detailed his frustrations in a recent interview, where he explained that it’s often the developers who face consequences when projects fail, while management escapes accountability. This situation is not fair, according to Ozawa, as creators have little say in big decisions that shape the success or failure of a project.
Addressing Management Responsibilities
Ozawa emphasizes that it is crucial for management to "protect creators." He believes that conditions in the gaming industry have often put too much pressure on developers regarding project failures. By starting his new studio, he aims to combine management and development roles, so that management also shares in the risks of creating games.
The Aspirations for Studio Sasanqua
Ozawa’s plan for Studio Sasanqua is to begin with developing smaller games using Unreal Engine. He believes that starting small will allow the team to grow and refine their skills before taking on larger projects for PC and console. This step-by-step approach not only promotes a safer environment for creators but also encourages innovation and creativity.
Current Trends in the Gaming Industry
The gaming industry has been experiencing ups and downs lately. Recent reports suggest that multiple studios owned by NetEase, including Nagoshi Studio and Grasshopper Manufacture, are at risk of closure. This indicates broader issues affecting how studios operate, especially those funded by Chinese companies that may be scaling back their ambitions.
The Importance of Creator Well-Being
Ozawa’s commitment to fostering a healthy work atmosphere sets a new standard in the industry. By taking responsibility for the studio’s outcomes, he aims to create a culture where developers feel safe to express their ideas without fear of repercussions when things go wrong. This change is necessary, especially as the demands and expectations of the gaming community continue to grow.
Looking Forward
As Studio Sasanqua begins its journey, it represents a fresh perspective in game development. Ozawa’s vision promises to reshape the relationship between management and creators, potentially leading to more successful and innovative games. By advocating for the rights and responsibilities of developers, he is paving the way for future studios to adopt similar principles.
Conclusion
Studio Sasanqua is poised for a bright future as it opens its doors to create innovative games while ensuring a supportive environment for its developers. By focusing on both management accountability and the well-being of creators, Ozawa’s studio is setting out to redefine what it means to work in game development. It’s a bold step towards a more balanced, fair, and creative industry.
