Keiichiro Toyama, creator of Silent Hill, reveals that even with his final game project, Slitterhead, he won’t feel “unhappy” about ending his career on a high note.
After several years of silence, renowned game designer Keiichiro Toyama brings forth a fresh sports title, marking his return to the industry following the critically acclaimed Silent Hill series, as well as other notable franchises such as Siren and Gravity Rush. Gravity Rush 2 marked the swan song of its director, who subsequently returned to work in 2017. A year later, he is poised to unveil Slitterhead, the inaugural offering from his newly minted studio, Bokeh Game Studio. While Toyama has had several years of experience in the industry, he remains relevant yet thoughtful about his long-term goals as a developer. During a conversation with GamesRadar, the creator shared his aspirations for the future, outlining his objectives and ambitions within the industry.
“As I approach the age of 56,” Toyama noted privately. “With crystal clarity, he asserts that if his current game were to be his last, he wouldn’t feel despair. Instead, he’s driven by a desire to empower future game developers for long-term success.” “I recently established a thriving studio, which has attracted a diverse range of new team members, including many young and enthusiastic individuals.” I’m deeply invested in considering what I can leave behind for their benefit. I clearly understand that this is a work in progress and not my definitive choice. I aim to lay out a trail for these aspiring innovators to forge their own way and pursue the creative endeavors that spark their passion.
While it’s crucial to acknowledge this sentiment, particularly given the industry’s tendency to preserve established hierarchies, one can only hope that Bokeh Sport Studio will seize the opportunity to nurture emerging talent in its ranks.
The studio has officially unveiled gameplay footage of Slitterhead at the Summer Game Fest last month, and it looks undeniably dreadful – in the best possible sense. Fortunately, the wait won’t be too long, as the launch date has been set for November 8 on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
