Disgusted that Square Enix is ​​only “copying”, the producer of Dragon Quest folded down – news

In an interview broadcast in the Rehacq program, the Grand Ryutaro Ichimura made remarks that should bristle the hairs of the High Scheres of Square Enix. For example, As a reminder. Therefore. Moreover, he arrived in 2000 at Enix, then became chief producer on major titles like Dragon Quest: The Odyssey of the Cursed King et Dragon Quest IX: Firmament sentries . Nevertheless, Ichimura clearly marked the license by his involvement. Similarly. but in March 2023, he announced, however, to leave Square Enix to found Pincool, his own studio supported by Netease Games.

If he already fed the idea of ​​becoming independent. Moreover, disgusted square enix ​​only “copying”, new he explains that the orientation taken by his former employer precipitated things. Nevertheless, According to him. Square Enix has embarked on a strategy of “safe projects” aimed at replying the disgusted square enix ​​only “copying”. big success of the market rather than innovating. “To put it frankly, it was copying others,” he said without a tongue of wood. Among these initiatives, he quotes Dragon Quest Buildersthought as a variation of Minecraftor Dragon Quest Walkinspired by Pokémon Go. Ichimura regrets that the series has engaged in this logic of imitation. when it was always intended to open the way in terms of evolution and new ideas.

For Ichimura. the DNA of Dragon Quest is based on its ability to evolve with each episode. integrating new mechanics and using new technologies. “In Dragon Quest 2you had a group of three players in Dragon Quest 3you could change jobs. and in Dragon Quest disgusted square enix ​​only “copying”, new 4group members could fight with AI “he recalls. It is this dynamic that he wanted to perpetuate. rather than turning to what he calls “pakuri kikaku”in other words “Imitation projects”.

The former producer also confides that several of his own ideas. including a project baptized “Dragon Quest Maker“, had been rejected. This game would have allowed players to create their own worlds. stories from resources from the license. but in a context where development costs explode and where the popularity of Dragon Quest Rest most centered on Japan, Square Enix would have favored commercial security at the expense of experimentation.

It is therefore with the fear of spending the rest of his career on projects deemed too predictable that. Ilyimura decided to turn the page. Finally, just at Square Enix. Today he develops Pritto Prisoner Within his Pincool studio, an asymmetrical multiplayer disgusted square enix ​​only “copying”, new escape game with quirky and original humor. It will arrive in 2026 on PC, Mac, Switch 2 and Switch.