What it means for the future

So, guys, let's start with a bombshell that shook the gaming world: Hideaki Itsunothe guy behind iconic titles like Dragon's Dogma and Devil May Cryis leaving Capcom after 30 years. Yes, that's right, the master who gave us some of the most epic and frustrating experiences (who has never screamed in rage while playing Devil May Cry?) is setting off to develop a new game, but this time in a completely different environment.

But wait, who is Hideaki Itsuno?

If you don't recognize the name right away, you're certainly familiar with the guy's work. Itsuno joined Capcom back in the 90s and has since been a creative force behind some of the company's most legendary franchises. He not only revitalized the hack and slash genre with Devil May Crybut it also brought a new lease of life to action RPGs with Dragon's Dogma.

Remember that first time you played Devil May Cry 3 and got his ass kicked by the first boss? That was Itsuno saying, “Welcome to my world.” And what about Dragon's Dogma? That game that looked like a cross between The Elder Scrolls and Shadow of the Colossusbut with its own identity. Itsuno didn't just direct these games; he shaped them into experiences that many of us remember fondly (and with some frustration, of course).

What does Itsuno's departure mean for Capcom?

Now that Itsuno is saying goodbye, the question remains: what does this mean for the future of the franchises? Dragon's Dogma and Devil May Cry?

First, it's important to remember that Capcom is in a very good place, even with Itsuno's departure. The company has been exceeding expectations, despite a slight decline in sales and operating income. According to their latest fiscal report, Capcom sold almost 10 million units of software in the last quarter, which shows that they still have plenty of gas left in the tank.

What to expect from the future?

So what does the future hold? Well, Itsuno has already said that he’s starting development on a new game in a “new environment.” That could mean a lot of things. Is he joining a new studio? Starting his own development company? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: whatever he does, we’re going to want to play it.

And speaking of the future, Capcom has already demonstrated that it is investing heavily in its intellectual properties. We're talking about movies, TV series, licensed merchandise, and even esports initiatives. This means that even without Itsuno, Capcom still has big plans for the franchises he helped define.

But let's be honest, we can't help but feel that future iterations of Dragon's Dogma and Devil May Cry will miss that special touch that only Itsuno could bring. Sure, Capcom has a talented team that can pick up the torch and run with it, but replacing someone like Itsuno isn't easy.

Comparing to other iconic exits

Now, let's compare this exit to other big industry exits. Remember when Hideo Kojima left Konami? That left fans Metal Gear in a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Or when Shinji Mikami, the creator of Resident Evilleft Capcom? In both cases, the studios continued, but the franchises these directors left behind were never the same again.

Will Itsuno's departure have a similar impact? You can bet it will. But like Kojima and Mikami, Itsuno has the talent and experience to do something incredible outside of Capcom. And that's something we'll have to keep an eye on.

Itsuno's Legacy

We can't end this conversation without talking about Itsuno's legacy at Capcom. He transformed fighting, action and RPG games into experiences that marked generations. Devil May Cry 3 is considered by many to be the best of the series, and Dragon's Dogma continues to have a devoted fan base even years after its release.

And let's not forget to mention the sequel, Dragon's Dogma IIwhich is already in development. It will be interesting to see how the game fares without Itsuno at the helm. Will it maintain the essence of the original or will it go in a completely new direction? We can only wait and see.

What's next?

Ultimately, Hideaki Itsuno's departure from Capcom is a big moment for the gaming industry. We're talking about a director who shaped not only games, but also the tastes of many gamers over the years. Capcom will continue, of course, but Itsuno's absence will be felt.

And for the fans? Well, it's time to keep an eye out for Itsuno's next move. Whatever he's planning, you can bet it's going to be worth checking out.

So if you haven't played yet Devil May Cry or Dragon's Dogmanow is the time. And if you're like me and are wondering what's next, keep an eye on the news, because something big is coming.