Ryosuke Yoshida, the director of Visions of Mana and a former game designer at Capcom, has made a significant career move by leaving NetEase to join Square Enix. This transition was announced on his Twitter (X) account on December 2, marking a surprising shift in the gaming industry.
Ryosuke Yoshida Leaves NetEase
Role in Square Enix Uncertain
Ryosuke Yoshida played a pivotal role at Ouka Studios, where he was instrumental in the development of Visions of Mana, the latest installment in the beloved Mana series. Collaborating with talent from Capcom and Bandai Namco, Yoshida's team successfully launched the game on August 30, 2024, with enhanced graphics and innovative gameplay features. Following the game's release, Yoshida announced his departure from Ouka Studios.
In his Twitter (X) post, Yoshida expressed excitement about joining Square Enix in December. However, details regarding his specific role or the projects he will be working on at Square Enix remain undisclosed, leaving fans and industry watchers eager for more information.
NetEase Scaling Down Japanese Investments
Yoshida's move to Square Enix aligns with broader shifts in NetEase's strategy. A Bloomberg article dated August 30 highlighted that NetEase, along with its competitor Tencent, has begun scaling back investments in Japanese studios. This decision follows the release of several successful games but reflects a strategic pivot towards the revitalizing Chinese gaming market.
NetEase's downsizing efforts have directly impacted Ouka Studios, with the company reducing its workforce in Tokyo to a minimal number of employees. This move is part of a larger strategy to reallocate resources to capitalize on the resurgence of the Chinese market, exemplified by the success of games like Black Myth: Wukong, which has garnered accolades such as Best Visual Design and Ultimate Game of the Year at the 2024 Golden Joystick Awards.
The decision to scale back in Japan comes after NetEase and Tencent initially expanded their investments in 2020, seeking to tap into new markets as the Chinese gaming industry faced stagnation. However, tensions have arisen due to differing priorities between these giants and smaller Japanese developers. While the Chinese companies aim to expand franchises globally, Japanese studios prioritize maintaining control over their intellectual properties.
Despite these adjustments, NetEase and Tencent are not completely withdrawing from Japan. Their ongoing collaborations with major players like Capcom and Bandai Namco indicate a continued, albeit more cautious, presence in the Japanese market as they balance their strategies between East and West.
