Tag: Shinji Mikami

  • Unbound Studio by Resident Evil Creator Shinji Mikami Acquired by Shift Up

    Unbound Studio by Resident Evil Creator Shinji Mikami Acquired by Shift Up

    Key Takeaway

    1. Shift Up has acquired all shares of Unbound, fully controlling the Japan-based studio.
    2. The acquisition aims to expand Shift Up’s focus on developing more PC and console games.
    3. Shinji Mikami, renowned for Resident Evil and other titles, is leading a new large-scale game at Unbound.
    4. The new project is already in development, with additional details to be announced later.

    Shift Up Completes Acquisition of Unbound

    In a surprising move, Shift Up has taken full control of Unbound by acquiring all its shares. This strategic decision was released on April 1, 2026, aiming to expand their portfolio of PC and console games. The move signifies Shift Up’s intention to solidify its position in the gaming industry with more ambitious projects under its wings.

    The Vision Behind the Deal

    Lead by CEO Hyung Tae Kim, the company is eyeing bigger plans, especially bringing prominent figures like Shinji Mikami into their fold. Known for his iconic work on Resident Evil, Mikami’s team is now tasked with creating large-scale original games. The collaboration emphasizes not just development but also strengthening their foothold in publishing, boosting the quality and reach of upcoming titles.

    Future Projects and Expectations

    This partnership hints at exciting future releases, although specific details remain a mystery. Mikami’s team is currently working on a new big game, but no exact info on genres, platforms, or release dates has been shared. Both companies remain focused on development now, promising that more news will be shared in the near future. Fans can absolutely expect some interesting upcoming announcements soon.

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  • Shinji Mikami’s New Unreal Engine 5 Game Could Revolutionize Horror

    Shinji Mikami’s New Unreal Engine 5 Game Could Revolutionize Horror

    Key Takeaways

    1. Shinji Mikami’s Return: Renowned filmmaker Shinji Mikami has launched his independent studio, Unbound, after leaving Tango Gameworks in 2023.

    2. Talented Team: Unbound Studios has assembled a skilled team of developers from famous franchises like Silent Hill, Shadow of the Colossus, and Devil May Cry.

    3. New AAA Game: The studio is developing a new AAA intellectual property using Unreal Engine 5, targeting PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

    4. Quality Focus: Unbound aims to achieve AAA quality while maintaining a AA content approach, promising a rich and immersive gaming experience.

    5. Dynamic Development Process: The studio embraces a flexible production style, involving trial and error, experimentation, and continuous adjustments in game development.

    The renowned filmmaker who was behind Resident Evil 4 and the original Resident Evil game, Shinji Mikami, is returning with his very own independent studio. Shinji previously held a position at Tango Gameworks, where he played a role in the creation of well-loved games like Hi-Fi Rush, The Evil Within, and Ghostwire: Tokyo. In 2023, he departed from the studio and quietly launched his new venture, Unbound.

    Talented Team Assembled

    Unbound Studios has already gathered an impressive team, featuring developers from celebrated franchises such as Silent Hill, Shadow of the Colossus, and Devil May Cry, showcasing some real skill. Among the noteworthy individuals is Masato Kimura, who has collaborated with Mikami for numerous years on projects like Hi-Fi Rush, Ghostwire: Tokyo, Resident Evil, and P.N.03.

    New Developments in the Works

    The website for Unbound Studios has been active for over a year now, but it has only just begun to draw attention. It seems that Shinji Mikami is developing a new AAA intellectual property using Unreal Engine 5, set to launch on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

    In a discussion featured on Unbound’s website, Masato Kimura dropped hints about their future project, saying, “I can’t disclose specifics at this stage, but it’s a AAA game aimed at core gamers. To be truthful, replicating the same level of work found in overseas AAA titles in Japan is quite challenging, as it requires vast amounts of money and large teams working for five to seven years to complete.”

    Aiming for Quality

    He added, “Our goal is to achieve AAA quality while maintaining AA content, which is why we are developing a title that promises a rich gaming experience and immerses players fully into its universe.”

    Unbound is said to be trying out innovative ideas, which is exciting. Kimura talked about this approach, mentioning, “Inventing something fresh involves lots of trial and error, alongside making adjustments, experimenting, and occasionally scrapping ideas.”

    “Since we create through a process of continual building and dismantling, testing various methods, things don’t always unfold as expected, and the situation keeps evolving. On a positive note, it reflects a dynamic production style, a versatile development approach.”

    Unbound currently stands as an entirely independent studio that is concentrating on AAA games, boasting nearly 50 employees, with plans to expand to 150 staff as they progress on their unnamed AAA project as intended.

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