Shinji Mikami recently shared in an interview why he left Tango Gameworks. Read on to understand his insights about his career trajectory, the founding of his studios, and his aspirations for the future.
Shinji Mikami’s Exceptional Career
Mikami Left Tango Gameworks to Provide More Opportunities for Young Talent
Resident Evil director Shinji Mikami recently sat down for an interview on the Japanese YouTube channel 株式会社バイキングチャンネル (Byking). In the discussion, Mikami commented on his departure from Tango Gameworks, the studio behind The Evil Within.
He stated that the decision to leave Tango Gameworks stemmed from a desire to provide more opportunities for young talent and to explore new creative avenues. He emphasized the importance of nurturing fresh talent and accelerating the creative process within the industry.
Mikami also clarified that he was only CEO of Tango Gameworks for 6 months and he described himself as akin to an ordinary employee, highlighting his lack of influence within the company's board or decision-making processes after being bought by Zenimax Asia due to financial difficulties in 2010.
He shared that he had been deliberating his desire to leave for approximately eight years. This prolonged deliberation stemmed from considerations about the feasibility of sustaining himself and his team outside the company, as well as the studio's alignment with his creative aspirations.
With his departure comes the birth of his own studio, Kamuy. Although the studio had been and continues to be shrouded in mystery, buried within Mikami's bio on the Shadows of the Damned website can be seen "founded a new company called KAMUY after departing from Tango Gameworks." While Mikami is still tight-lipped about the company’s future projects, Mikami's reputation for delivering groundbreaking experiences ensures that all eyes will be on his latest venture.
Taking a Break From The Horror Genre
Discussing his creative inspirations, Mikami revealed his interest in horror and his extensive exposure to the genre, both in film and other mediums. However, he expressed a desire to break free from the constraints of traditional survival horror and explore new narrative avenues, hinting at potential future projects.
Intriguingly, Mikami hinted at a desire to adapt his game PsychoBreak (known as The Evil Within outside Japan) into a horror film, while also expressing a longing to create a game reminiscent of classic beat 'em ups like God Hand. He emphasized the importance of creating experiences that offer a sense of exhilaration and satisfaction to players, suggesting a departure from pure horror in his future endeavors.
Mikami directed the first installment of the Resident Evil franchise. With its atmospheric storytelling coupled with its innovative gameplay mechanics and haunting soundtrack, Resident Evil captivated audiences worldwide and established the franchise as a seminal pillar of the survival horror genre.
Mikami's visionary direction laid the foundation for a franchise that would continue to evolve and resonate with audiences for decades to come, cementing his status as a trailblazer in the realm of video game development.
Founding A New Company
Mikami's career in the gaming industry is characterized by a pattern of founding and departing from various studios, each marked by groundbreaking titles and innovative contributions to the medium. This cycle of creation and departure underscores Mikami's restless pursuit of creative fulfillment and his willingness to chart new paths in pursuit of his artistic vision.
In 2004, Mikami parted ways with Capcom to embark on a new venture, founding Clover Studios. Under his leadership, Clover Studios produced titles such as Viewtiful Joe, solidifying Mikami's reputation as a game designer. However, the studio's closure in 2007 marked the end of an era, prompting Mikami to once again forge ahead in pursuit of new horizons.
Mikami co-founded PlatinumGames in the wake of Clover's dissolution. This collaboration birthed titles such as Vanquish, further cementing Mikami's legacy as a driving force in the gaming industry. Yet, Mikami's insatiable thirst for creative exploration led him to seek new opportunities, ultimately leading to the establishment of Tango Gameworks which was bought by ZeniMax in 2010.
At Tango Gameworks, Mikami helmed the development of The Evil Within, a chilling masterpiece that captivated audiences with its immersive gameplay and atmospheric storytelling. Subsequent releases under Mikami's executive production, including The Evil Within 2, Ghostwire Tokyo, and Hi-Fi Rush, further solidified Tango Gameworks' reputation as a powerhouse in the gaming landscape.
As Mikami prepares to unveil his next project under the banner of Kamuy, his new studio, anticipation runs high for yet another groundbreaking creation from the mastermind behind some of gaming's most iconic titles. With a career spanning decades and a legacy marked by innovation and excellence, Shinji Mikami's next endeavor is poised to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the gaming industry once again.
Source:
Byking Interview
Video Games Chronicle Article
Automaton Article
GameDeveloper Article
Shadows of the Damned Website
