The latest news surrounding Visions of Mana co-director Kenji Ozawa is particularly noteworthy. After the closure of Ouka Studios, a casualty of shifting investments by major companies like NetEase and Tencent, Ozawa has launched his own studio, Studio Sasanqua, with a mission that resonates deeply within the industry: protecting creators.
For those who might not be familiar, Ouka Studios was behind the development of Visions of Mana. It was abruptly shut down last year as part of a broader retreat by Chinese firms from Japanese game development, leaving many talented individuals without a home. While Ryosuke Yoshida, another co-director, found his way to Square Enix, Ozawa decided to forge his path.
In a recent interview with Automaton, he shared his motivations for establishing Studio Sasanqua. His primary goal? To create an environment where management accepts accountability for project outcomes rather than shifting the blame onto developers. This issue has plagued studios for far too long. When projects flop, the creators often pay the price, while those at the top remain unscathed.
Ozawa expressed frustration over witnessing this dynamic firsthand. He pointed out that while management makes critical decisions about investments and project approvals, the developers usually face layoffs when things go south. “Management needs to protect creators,” he stated emphatically. With Studio Sasanqua, he aims to merge management and development roles, taking on responsibility himself if their first game doesn’t succeed.
The studio plans to develop more miniature games using Unreal Engine before eventually tackling more prominent titles for PC and consoles. This approach reflects a thoughtful strategy that allows for growth without overwhelming pressures right out of the gate.
This move comes at a time when other studios under NetEase are reportedly facing similar fates. More than a dozen are at risk of closure, including notable names like Nagoshi Studio and Grasshopper Manufacture. As these shifts unfold, it’s clear that the gaming landscape is in flux, with companies reevaluating their commitments amid ongoing industry turbulence.
