The video game industry is facing a period of contraction, with companies like Bungie canceling games and laying off developers to focus on a few big titles. The reasoning is simple – investing in larger, well-known franchises offers a higher return on investment compared to smaller, riskier projects. However, Capcom is taking a different approach, committing to both established series and innovative new IPs.
“I believe that the experience with a series or remake is important, but the experience of a new IP is also important,” Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Director Shuichi Kawata shared in an email interview. This perspective is a rare gem in the world of AAA game development, where many studios prioritize established franchises. Capcom, on the other hand, has consistently released games in popular series like Street Fighter, Resident Evil, and Dragon’s Dogma, while also taking the time to create experimental titles like the underwater Metroidvania Shinsekai: Into the Depths, multiplayer dinosaur shooter Exoprimal, and the action-tower defense hybrid Kunitsu-Gami.
These new IPs are just as captivating as Capcom’s flagship titles, giving them one of the most diverse and inspiring game lineups outside of Nintendo.
The genesis of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess came to Kawata around the completion of Shinsekai: Into the Depths. Being a fan of tower defense games, he envisioned a game where players actively participated in the defensive action. The result is a unique and bold game where players command units to defend a maiden from creatures called Seethe as she purifies a corrupted Japanese mountain.
While Kunitsu-Gami shares some similarities to Capcom franchises like Okami and Onimusha, it thrives on its freedom to be wild and creative, unbound by the constraints of those series.
Creating a new IP is a challenging undertaking, but Kawata believes it benefits the entire development team. “I believe that the challenge of creating a new IP with the entire team under limitations will lead to the growth of both the team and each individual, as each team member can experience the process of giving shape to ideas and creating products,” he explained.
Producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, with experience on both original games and well-established franchises like Resident Evil, focuses on the player-facing challenges of new IPs. He recognizes the difficulty in “getting users to recognize the titles” and “getting players to share the fun.” To overcome these hurdles, Capcom emphasizes careful planning in “the order we deliver game elements and how we communicate with the community.”
Kawata echoes the importance of a player-centric approach, emphasizing the need for team members to work together and find solutions to challenges in a “flexible and strong manner without getting caught up in our ideas.” This collaborative approach is evident in all of Capcom’s games.
The enchantment of Kunitsu-Gami is undeniable once you experience it firsthand. The game garnered rave reviews at Summer Game Fest, captivating players who had no prior knowledge of its existence.
The success of Kunitsu-Gami on Xbox Game Pass further exemplifies the power of putting innovative ideas in the hands of players and creators.
Ultimately, both Kawata and Hirabayashi emphasize the crucial role of maintaining a “user perspective” in game development, regardless of whether it’s a new IP or an established franchise. “I think the most important things in game development are still the same: the importance of working together to create the game and the importance of thinking about the people who will be playing the game, regardless of whether it is a series, remake, or a new IP,” Hirabayashi says.
The success of Kunitsu-Gami showcases the demand for new IPs with innovative gameplay ideas from well-known studios. Capcom, by embracing these risks, is finding success in a market where many others are retreating. With its unique gameplay, captivating visuals, and strong reception, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is potentially the start of a new Capcom series, or at the very least, a captivating addition to their game library. The game is now available on PC, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
