Dragon's Dogma director Hideaki Itsuno is leading a new Japan-based studio "dedicated to crafting original AAA action game titles"

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After 30 years at Capcom, Itsuno says this is "an exciting new chapter"

A dragon in Dragon's Dogma 2.
(Image credit: Capcom)

Dragon's Dogma and long-time Devil May Cry director Hideaki Itsuno is now leading a studio "dedicated to crafting original AAA action game titles," after he left Capcom earlier this year. 

After 30 years at the studio, Itsuno announced his departure from Capcom back in August, a few months after the release of Dragon's Dogma 2, at which point he revealed that in September, he'd "start developing a new game in a new environment." He added: "I hope to create fun, beautiful games that are as memorable as, or even more memorable than, the ones I have created so far." 

Well, it seems we now know what this "new environment" is – LightSpeed Studios' new Japan Studio. In a news post shared today, it's confirmed that Itsuno will lead the studio, which will be "dedicated to crafting original AAA action game titles" with a team who "will focus on pushing the boundaries of new game creation, continuously exploring new opportunities in gameplay and storytelling."

Even though we still don't know exactly what game Itsuno is working on currently, it seems like a very safe bet that we now know the genre, at least. Given Itsuno's previous experience on the likes of the Devil May Cry and Dragon's Dogma series, which both have plenty of action, it definitely seems like he'll be well placed to deliver in his new role. 

"Joining LightSpeed Studios is an exciting new chapter for me," Itsuno says in a statement. "With LightSpeed's strong development capability and global network, I look forward to creating original AAA action game titles together with the amazing team and building aesthetic and innovative experiences for the global player community. We welcome all talented and passionate game creators from the world over to join our vision."

Ahead of Dragon's Dogma 2, director says "We don't need to" call the RPG series a cult classic anymore: "It's sold its way and made its way into many gamers' hearts."

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Catherine Lewis
Catherine Lewis
News Writer

I'm one of 12DOVE's news writers, who works alongside the rest of the news team to deliver cool gaming stories that we love. After spending more hours than I can count filling The University of Sheffield's student newspaper with Pokemon and indie game content, and picking up a degree in Journalism Studies, I started my career at GAMINGbible where I worked as a journalist for over a year and a half. I then became TechRadar Gaming's news writer, where I sourced stories and wrote about all sorts of intriguing topics. In my spare time, you're sure to find me on my Nintendo Switch or PS5 playing through story-driven RPGs like Xenoblade Chronicles and Persona 5 Royal, nuzlocking old Pokemon games, or going for a Victory Royale in Fortnite.

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