Visions of Mana Director Shakes Up the Industry with Move to Square Enix

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As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for Square Enix and a keen interest in the behind-the-scenes dynamics of game development, I find Ryosuke Yoshida’s move to Square Enix both intriguing and exciting. His rich experience in directing ‘Visions of Mana,’ combined with his tenure at Capcom and Bandai Namco, makes him a valuable addition to the Square Enix family.

Ryosuke Yoshida, director of ‘Visions of Mana,’ announced his departure from Ouka Studios, which is owned by NetEase, at the end of October. He expressed his thanks to his previous team and NetEase for their support throughout his tenure. Now, Yoshida has joined Square Enix in December and is dedicated to developing games that will bring enjoyment to a broad range of players.

It’s not clear yet what specific tasks Yoshida will take on at Square Enix or which projects he’ll work on, but his transition happens during a time of substantial shifts occurring at Ouka Studios.

In 2020, the studio that was founded with skilled professionals from renowned companies such as Capcom and Bandai Namco encountered significant layoffs initiated by its holding company, NetEase.

According to Nintendo Life, the director of Visions of Mana has switched teams and is now working with Square Enix, having previously departed from Ouka Studios under NetEase.

— Nintendo News (@NintendoNews) December 2, 2024

This evolution showcases a widespread shift in strategy among significant Chinese game companies, such as NetEase and Tencent, who are now reconsidering their commitments towards Japanese studio investments. The gaming industry’s hurdles have resulted in decreased financial support and workforce reductions across numerous development teams.

Yoshida’s move to Square Enix signals a potentially fruitful partnership, given his background with ‘Visions of Mana.’ Fan anticipation is high as they wait to witness the impact of his skills on upcoming Square Enix projects.

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2024-12-02 16:14