Visions of Mana Director Leaves NetEase for Square Enix

Visions of Mana Director, Ryosuke Yoshida, Makes the Switch to Square Enix

This surprising industry move sees Ryosuke Yoshida, the director of Visions of Mana and former Capcom game designer, depart NetEase and join Square Enix, as revealed via his December 2nd Twitter (X) announcement. Details surrounding his departure from Ouka Studios remain scarce.

Yoshida's significant contributions to Visions of Mana, a collaborative effort involving Capcom and Bandai Namco, resulted in a critically acclaimed title boasting updated visuals. Following the game's August 30, 2024 release, Yoshida confirmed his transition to Square Enix. While his new role and upcoming projects remain undisclosed, his enthusiasm for this new chapter is evident.

NetEase's Shifting Focus: A Strategic Retreat from Japanese Investments?

Yoshida's departure aligns with NetEase's reported scaling back of investments in Japanese studios. A Bloomberg article (August 30th) highlighted NetEase and Tencent's decision to curtail losses following several successful collaborations with Japanese developers. Ouka Studios, Yoshida's former employer, is directly impacted, experiencing staff reductions in its Tokyo office.

This strategic shift reflects a renewed focus on the revitalized Chinese gaming market. The success of Black Myth: Wukong, a recipient of accolades including "Best Visual Design" and "Ultimate Game of the Year" at the 2024 Golden Joystick Awards, underscores this market resurgence.

In 2020, both NetEase and Tencent invested heavily in the Japanese market amidst a period of stagnation in China. However, apparent friction between these larger companies and smaller Japanese developers emerged, stemming from differing priorities: global market expansion versus IP control.

While not abandoning their Japanese presence entirely, NetEase and Tencent are adopting a more cautious approach, aiming to minimize losses and capitalize on the flourishing Chinese gaming industry. Their established relationships with Capcom and Bandai Namco remain intact.