The acclaimed director of Metaphor: ReFantazio has already embarked on a new gaming venture, just under two weeks following the RPG’s launch.
In a recent interview conducted in Japanese with Famitsu, first highlighted by PC Gamer, director Katsura Hashino engaged in a conversation with Keiichiro Toyama, the mastermind behind Silent Hill, and Katsuhiko Hayashi, CEO of Famitsu Group, discussing the project’s future and the development team’s next objectives.
When specifically queried about the upcoming plans for Studio Zero and its parent company, Atlus, Hashino opted for a somewhat ambiguous approach, yet he confirmed that “they’ve already started” on the new title. When further questioned about his potential leadership role in the game’s development, Hashino humbly affirmed that he would take the lead.
“I don’t view it as a solo endeavor,” he stated. “My perspective encompasses Atlus as an entity, focusing on what our team as a collective should accomplish. My primary goal is to ensure our users find joy, and from there, I want our company to thrive as well. That’s always been my guiding principle.”
Details surrounding this upcoming project remain sparse; however, although Studio Zero was initially formed to develop Metaphor, it is possible that what comes next isn’t a direct sequel. While Hashino was intentionally vague about specifics, he did allude to exploring a new creative direction and reassured that the studio is committed to longevity in development.
“We’re not planning to dissolve after this release, so my hope is for us to embrace new challenges as a united team, irrespective of the nature of our next creation,” he expressed, offering a glimpse into the aspirations of his studio.
Hashino emphasized that Studio Zero’s core identity is “a hub for innovative projects,” suggesting that a straightforward sequel may not be the chosen path for their next game.
Regardless of what lies ahead, the feedback for Metaphor: ReFantazio has been remarkably favorable among both critics and gamers. The title surpassed one million copies sold within its first day on the market, and Atlus is undoubtedly looking to harness that success as Studio Zero moves forward with its next undertaking.
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