The World of Game Development: Interview with Game Conceptor Keiji Inafune on “Soul Sacrifice” [3/3]

This is the last part of a 3-part interview with the man behind the PS Vita game Soul Sacrifice, Keiji Inafune.
　
**TOM: While we are on the topic of Japan and overseas, here's something we are curious about: as a creator abroad, what are some differences between domestic and international industries that you have experienced?**
Inafune: I feel that people are more tolerant toward people in the creative industry overseas. For example, at airport customs, they stop you and ask you some questions, right? The moment I told the customs officer that I make games, his scowl turned into child-like excitement as he asked me what kind of games I make. In the end, he told me, "You're such an amazing creator so it's ok, you can pass!" (laughs) That was an extreme example, but overseas I feel that there is more respect for creators. I am motivated by that respect.

TOM: If that is the case, would you have to consider targeting your games at international and the domestic audiences separately?
Inafune: Honestly, I don't want to differentiate between games made for Japan and for overseas. A truly brilliant creator should be able to create games that people of any gender, age, and nationality can enjoy. So far, the only person who has accomplished this is Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto (1). There isn't a child in the world who doesn't know Mario. He is indeed the God of games. Miyamoto is the role model I want to, and have to look toward. Of course, there are ups and downs. Not every game can be made for everyone in the world. If you force such a work on your audience, they wouldn't respond well either. Nobody wants to play a game that was made without enough thought put into it, right? For a creator to put his soul into the game he is making, he has to like it first. Soul Sacrifice is that kind of game for me. It is what I want to do, a work conveying all my ideas.

TOM: It's true that through this work we can feel very strongly what you are most particular about. However, because of the design and the perspective of the game, it seems that the target audience has been narrowed to a certain extent. What are your views on that?
Inafune: Of course, I have considered this issue. Personally, I love producing games for a specific, enthusiastic niche audience. Because they are hardcore gamers, they are able to respond exactly to the parts of the game that I am most particular about.

TOM: The game was released in Asia this month. How are the responses so far?
Inafune: Actually, it's so well-received it's almost scary (laughs). Up to now, a lot of times, even if the game is critically acclaimed, it doesn't sell well because of piracy problems. However, this time, they have made sure to sell it properly, so I am looking forward to that as well. I was surprised that even though we did not localize the trial version of the game, many players downloaded the Japanese version to test out the game. When we conducted a survey, many of the respondents came from all over Asia. With such great response, I was reassured of the direction in which I was taking with this game. I hope to make more games centered upon the important theme of "emotions" from now on as well.

TOM: Does that mean there might be a Soul Sacrifice 2?
Inafune: For that, I'd have to say "no comment" (laughs). It is true that if we receive support from players around the world, there might be talks of having a sequel. I have received a lot of support from fans and hope that they will continue their support for my games from now on as well. Starting with Asia and into new regions such as South America, I hope that this game will light the way for our game industries to market our consumer games. While our current market is important, we should also recognize the need to broaden our user base in order to revitalize the game industry as a whole.

When I was in Mexico this April, I was really surprised at the number of fans in those regions. When I was at E3, the number of interviews I had with South American media also increased. People were wondering if new Mega Man (2) games had come out in South America. (laughs) I hope to use these opportunities to introduce more players to Soul Sacrifice.

TOM: We are looking forward to your activities here in Japan as well! Lastly, please send our international fans a message.
Inafune: Soul Sacrifice is the first game I have produced independent of Capcom, and it has been very well received. While there were some constraints on what I could do, SCE (Sony Computer Entertainment) has been extremely supportive in allowing me to be creative in making the kind of games I want to make. As such, I was able to put my heart and soul into this game. I am confident in this game. This is a game that Inafune has made. It won't let you down. Please try it out!

Soul Sacrifice Official English Blog:
http://blog.us.playstation.com/tag/soul-sacrifice/

Notes:
1: Shigeru Miyamoto is the Entertainment Analysis and Development General Manager at Nintendo. He is best known to international fans as the producer of the Mario and Zelda series, and has produced many excellent titles.

2: Inafune was the character designer and producer for the game series Mega Man when he worked for Capcom. He is also known for being the producer of popular game series such as Onimusha, Resident Evil, and Dead Rising.

© 2013 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.