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[Ray Down]

Akihiro Hino, Representative Director and CEO of Level-5

Known for: Yo-kai Watch series, Professor Layton series, Inazuma Eleven series, Ni no Kuni series
Favorite title of 2016: Pokemon GO
“Level-5 will challenge new things in 2017 as well, we want to create a large wave. 4Gamer readers, please pay attention to Level-5 in 2017.”

Hironobu Sakaguchi, CEO of Mistwalker Corporation

Known for: Terra Battle
Favorite title of 2016: Final Fantasy XV
“We plan to announce a new game in 2017. Please look forward to it!”


Teruyuki Toriyama, Japan Studio Producer at Sony Interactive Entertainment

Known for: V! No Heroes Allowed R, Bloodborne, Soul Sacrifice sreies
Favorite title of 2016: Final Fantasy XV
“While I can’t say any details yet, we’re also moving forward with the creation of ambitious new titles and new title concepts at the same time, so please continue to support Sony Interactive Entertainment Japan Studio in 2017.”

Keiichiro Toyama, Creative Director at Sony Interactive Entertainment

Known for: Gravity Rush series
Favorite title of 2016: Inside
“As soon as preparations for the start of a new title begin, it will likely be a busy year again. Outside of that, I will be promoting various this, so please keep an eye out in the future!”

Takeshi Yamazaki, Director at Capcom

Known for: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Justice For All, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies
Favorite title of 2016: Persona 5
“Starting October 2016, Ace Attorney entered its 15th anniversary year. I think 2017 will be an enjoyable year for fans of the series.”

Not all are in OP, click link below for rest.

http://gematsu.com/2016/12/4gamer-interviews-japanese-creators-2017-ambitions

Kill thread if old.

 

[LordKano]

Tomonobu Itagaki :
“We will expand Devil’s Third Online worldwide.”

 

[DriftingSpirit]

Looking forward to Sony Japan next year.

 

[Atcha43]

Masaaki Yamagiwa, Producer at Sony Interactive Entertainment

Known for: Bloodborne, Tokyo Jungle
Favorite title of 2016: Pokemon GO
“Since behind the scenes activities have been ongoing since Bloodborne, I hope this will be a year that bears the fruit of the things we’ve built upon so far.”

This quote caught by eye. Maybe I'm looking too far but new From game? Could be referring to another game.

 

[Newtype-001]

“We were finally able to release a new SaGa title in 2016… While I can’t make an announcement yet, I think everyone will be able to enjoy the SaGa series next year, too.”
🙄🙄🙄

Also stuff sounds exciting at Studio Japan :0

 

[KZXcellent]

Lots of Persona 5, FFXV and Pokemon GO. Nice surprise to see a few picks for Inside.

 

[Ray Down]

Looking forward to Sony Japan next year.

Yeah but it sounds like they got nothing to announce next year.

 

[desmax]

Soheii Niikawa, President and CEO, Producer, & Scenario Writer at Nippon Ichi Software

"We also have Nintendo Switch project(s), so please look forward to that. (There has been some skepticism about our company’s participation, but…. we’re in proper development!)"

brb, buying a Switch

 

[wild wild rice]

Lots of please be excited up in here.

 

[Oregano]

I summarized a few things of personal interest in the media create thread:

Just done a quick read through of Gematsu's translations of (some of) the 4Gamer interviews and some quick notes(about stuff that interests me):

Arc System Works Producer wants to make a game that can be announced in a Nintendo Direct(lol)
Etrian Odyssey and Shin Megami Tensei both have anniversaries.
Inti-Creates has a Blaster Master Zero surprise?
New evolution of Toukiden in 2017?
More SaGa in 2017?(ports of Scarlet Grace)
Puyo Puyo announcement in Mid-January(hmm....)
Nippon Ichi President makes a big point about supporting Switch

 

[TC McQueen]

I'm surprised that so many devs actually played some western games:

Kyuta Yamada, Director at Arc System Works

Known for: Gotcha Racing, Sabaku no Nezumi-dan!
Favorite title of 2016: Inside

Yasuyuki Oda, Producer at SNK

Known for: The King of Fighters XIV
Favorite title of 2016: Broforce

Hiroshi Matsuyama, Representative Director of CyberConnect2

Known for: Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm series
Favorite title of 2016: Life is Strange

Yuichiro Saito, Line Producer at Spike Chunsoft

Known for: Danganronpa series, Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky, Conception series
Favorite game of 2016: “Overwatch“

I remember one of these sorts of things a few years ago that had only one person list any western games (Dai Sato and Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, IIRC), so it's cool to see that more Japanese devs are playing western games and putting them in their #1 slots.

 

[Ray Down]

I summarized a few things of personal interest in the media create thread:

Well seeing how Saga is made in Unity(if I'm remembering correctly) I at least expect a PS4 port.

 

[Acquiescence]

Toriyama is responsible for Bloodborne?

I guess he's not such a bad guy after all.

 

[Venfayth]

Please continue enjoying this post.

 

[Nirolak]

I'm surprised that so many devs actually played some western games:





I remember one of these sorts of things a few years ago that had only one person list any western games (Dai Sato and Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, IIRC), so it's cool to see that more Japanese devs are playing western games and putting them in their #1 slots.

It ebbs and flows a bit. In 2011, Skyrim and Portal 2 were the top titles.

 

[Ray Down]

Weird to see a Life is Strange mention from Matsuyama

 

[Oregano]

Well seeing how Saga is made in Unity(if I'm remembering correctly) I at least expect a PS4 port.

I think Mobile is equally likely given that Matsuda wants all their handheld projects to release on Mobile nowadays too.

 

[zxcv11223300xi]

Yeah sounds like they got nothing to announce this year.

They announced "V! What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord? R" and "Knack 2" this year.

 

[Ray Down]

They announced "V! What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord? R" and "Knack 2"

What I meant this year was 2017, will fix comment.

 

[javadoze]

Toshihiro Nagoshi, Sega Director and Yakuza Series General Director at Sega

Known for: Yakuza series
Favorite (non-)title of 2016: PlayStation VR
“This year we released Yakuza 6: The Song of Life and achieved a milestone for the Yakuza series. I think that there are pros and cons to the end of the story of Kazuma Kiryu, who served as the protagonist for more than 10 years. Be that as it may, I will work hard to create content that both myself and my staff can enjoy. I also think that’s a way to give back to Kazuma Kiryu. Sooner or later, I want to announce something different. Please look forward to it.”

YES!

 

[Koozek]

Toriyama is responsible for Bloodborne?

I guess he's not such a bad guy after all.

Yeah, and he also is the father of Dragonball! Dude's a beast.

 

[Sumio Mondo]

Masanori Ichikawa, Producer at Square Enix

Known for: SaGa: Scarlet Grace, Emperor’s SaGa, Romancing SaGa 2 remastered version
Favorite title of 2016: Pokemon GO
“We were finally able to release a new SaGa title in 2016… While I can’t make an announcement yet, I think everyone will be able to enjoy the SaGa series next year, too.”

Damn, Square are really going all in on SaGa now, I hope we get all of these SaGa games (including Scarlet Grace).

Toshihiro Nagoshi, Sega Director and Yakuza Series General Director at Sega

Known for: Yakuza series
Favorite (non-)title of 2016: PlayStation VR
“This year we released Yakuza 6: The Song of Life and achieved a milestone for the Yakuza series. I think that there are pros and cons to the end of the story of Kazuma Kiryu, who served as the protagonist for more than 10 years. Be that as it may, I will work hard to create content that both myself and my staff can enjoy. I also think that’s a way to give back to Kazuma Kiryu. Sooner or later, I want to announce something different. Please look forward to it.”

Something new from Nagoshi? I wonder if it's a translation thing or if he actually means something other than Yakuza for a change, like a new IP?

Kazuyuki Yamai, First Production Director at Atlus

Known for: Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
Favorite title of 2016: Pokemon GO
“Next year, the Shin Megami Tensei series will celebrate its 25th anniversary. In order to respond tho the encouragement we have received from everyone and to even the smallest valuable opinions, I hope to make a variety of preparations through events and such.”

I do wonder what Atlus might have planned for the 25th Anniversary of SMT. Surely Kaneko will work on such an anniversary project, at least, I mean, come on, ffs.

 

[FelipeMGM]

Masaaki Yamagiwa, Producer at Sony Interactive Entertainment

Known for: Bloodborne, Tokyo Jungle
Favorite title of 2016: Pokemon GO

“Since behind the scenes activities have been ongoing since Bloodborne, I hope this will be a year that bears the fruit of the things we’ve built upon so far.”

Ok, this is exciting

 

[Hag]

So new GG at FGA and maybe Nocturne HD right guys

 

[Ray Down]

So new GG at FGA and maybe Nocturne HD right guys

If you want to balee, sure.

 

[MarkMan]

Mine is in English, if you wanna read!

http://www.4gamer.net/games/000/G000000/20161208073/index_9.html#others_markman

Triple Perfect / Global Business Development Manager
Razer / Fighting Game Community＆Product Consultant
TEKKEN Brand & Community Advisor
Mark “MarkMan” Julio

[Q1]　What was your most admired, or shocked game title in 2016? (Except your owns)
What was the reasons of?

I really admired Street Fighter V. Regardless of the review scores, sales numbers and even the overall satisfaction of the community… Through all that, it still helped revolutionize the competitive side of the fighting game community. With record numbers at events all over the world, including the biggest open gaming tournament ever at EVO 2016, with over 5000 participants! Great job to everyone at Capcom for continuing to support the community through their difficult road. I have great expectations for the teams in 2017 and beyond. Best of luck!

[Q2]　What was your most impressed Movie, Novels. Comics or
any other entertainments in 2016? (except games and your owns)
What was the reasons of?

I’m a big fan of anime & manga. So when Dragon Ball Super started introducing new characters & challenges this year, it was a great sense of nostalgia from when I first was introduced to Dragon Ball Z in the mid 90s. I can’t wait to see what happens in the future!

[Q３]　Please let us know any executives or persons who you are (or were) focusing on?
(Free genre, industries)

I met Matsuda-san this year during Tokyo Game Show. I tried to hold back my excitement from discussing several things with him. I grew up playing many Square and Enix games such as Final Fantasy VI, Final Fantasy IV, Dragon Quest VIII and my favorite, Chrono Trigger. To meet someone so influential & important in the Japanese gaming industry was an honor. Of course, since Final Fantasy XV was about to launch, I was really excited to experience a new game that many have been waiting for. As a fan of Square Enix games, I am always looking towards the company and now Matsuda-san to see what they will do next! Best wishes to the entire company.

[Q４]　Please let us know your plans on 2017, or may we have any words for 4Gamer readers.

This year has been filled with so much change for myself. When I first changed my career role, I was skeptical about whether or not I could really succeed. Now, thanks to the fans and everyone who believes in my work. I am more confident than ever in success and working within the gaming industry around the world ? especially in Japan, which I love and respect the Japanese games industry so much. It’s because of great minds like Capcom’s Ono-san and BNEI’s Harada-san that I can continue to work within an industry I love and with games & a community I cherish.

My team is working very hard on new products, new events and new experiences. Please look forward to EVO 2017 and of course, EVO Japan. We promise it will be a great time to be a gaming fan. Thanks for all of your support.

 

[LouisaFerre]

I'm surprised that so many devs actually played some western games:





I remember one of these sorts of things a few years ago that had only one person list any western games (Dai Sato and Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, IIRC), so it's cool to see that more Japanese devs are playing western games and putting them in their #1 slots.

The one that surprised me the most was Kitase saying his second favorite game of 2015 was Factorio. Not only is that a western game, it's a Czech, indie, PC exclusive Sim game. I was really impressed by that.

 

[SolidSnakex]

Went through the whole list and counted the GotY votes

Pokemon GO - 22
Persona 5 - 21
Final Fantasy XV - 15
The Last Guardian - 8
INSIDE - 7
Overwatch - 7
Street Fighter V - 7
Uncharted 4 - 4
Summer Lessons - 4
Shadowverse - 4
Dragon Quest Builders - 3
PSVR - 3
Crash Royale - 3
Battlefield 1 - 2
Broforce - 2
Life is Strange - 2
Titanfall 2 - 2
Zero Time Dilemma - 2
Coven and Labyrinth of Refrain - 2
Rez Infinite - 2

And a list of games that got one vote

Fallout 4
Quantum Break
Pandemic Legacy
Shovel Knight
Blazblue CentralFiction
Arcade Archives Darius
Berserk Warriors
KoF 98 Ultimate Match Online
Pavillion
Nintendo Classic
Reigns
Neo ATLAS 1469
Zero Latency VR
Undertale
Kitchen
Tales of Berseria
Idolmaster VR
Idolmaster Starlight Stage
Dead Rising 4
Yakuza 6
Blossom Blast
Civilization VI
Line Wobbler
The Crew Ultimate Edition
Steel Combat
DoAX3
Monster Super League
Seven Knights
Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Links
Yokai Watch 3
Five Nights at Freddy's
League of Legends
Battleshield Empire
The Tomorrow Children
Buried Town

 

[Zaventem]

I'm glad inside is getting love.

 

[Rymuth]

Of these, I'm really piqued by what Nagoshi and Toyama have in store.

 

[Aru]

Sakaguchi's favorite title of 2016 is Final Fantasy 15? I know they used him for marketing purposes and that he said Tabata's team understood what should make a Final Fantasy game with XV, but this is great news.
Acknowledgement from the creator of said series is awesome.

 

[mrmickfran]

Starting October 2016, Ace Attorney entered its 15th anniversary year. I think 2017 will be an enjoyable year for fans of the series

Can't wait for DGS2 to be announced only for it to not come stateside.

 

[FlashbladeGAF]

Yeah, and he also is the father of Dragonball! Dude's a beast.

LOL

Joke post got me.

 

[Astarte]

Can't wait for DGS2 to be announced only for it to not come stateside.

Well I mean it was already announced and it sure as hell isn't coming stateside

 

[Rymuth]

We want to deliver a new evolution of the Toukiden series in 2017 as well, so please look forward to it

Wonder if this means Japan will be getting a Kiwami expansion for Toukiden 2

 

[jimmypython]

so no FromSoftare at all?? LOL

 

[Ray Down]

so no FromSoftare at all?? LOL

Nope, but there's a lot not translate in the Gemastu article.

Like Yoshida fav game was FFXV.

Also a lot of people like Shin Godzilla.

 

[HotHamBoy]

I don't know how anyone's GOTY could be FFXV. I enjoyed playing it but it was hardly the best game this year. Far from it.

I'm very curious about viewing it through the lense of a vetern developer. Maybe they just see it as a major accomplishment that it turned out as well as it did.

 

[pretty done]

Not surprised the top 4 is all Japanese games.

Somewhat surprised none of them mentioned DS3