Unseen Studio: A New Gaming Powerhouse Led by Veteran Developer Ikumi Nakamura
3 min readUnseen Studio, a new gaming powerhouse based in Tokyo, Japan, is making waves in the industry with its unique approach to game development and its first title, Kemuri. Founded by veteran developer Ikumi Nakamura, Unseen Studio is an international collective of artistic talent from all over the world, dedicated to creating innovative and engaging games that push the boundaries of genre and storytelling.
Nakamura, who has worked on some of the most iconic games in the industry, including Okami, Bayonetta, and The Evil Within, brings a wealth of experience and creativity to Unseen Studio. Her vision for the studio is to create a vibrant and diverse team that can bring fresh perspectives to game development and challenge the status quo.
The origins of Unseen Studio can be traced back to Nakamura’s time at Tango Gameworks, where she helped spearhead the development of Ghostwire Tokyo. After leaving Tango Gameworks in the middle of development, Nakamura felt the need for a mental reset and began to explore the idea of starting her own studio. She was inspired by her experiences at Sony Santa Monica and the friendly vibe of the team there.
Unseen Studio’s approach to game development is unique in the industry. The studio is an international school of sorts, with a team of artists and developers from all over the world. This diversity brings a richness and depth to the games that Unseen Studio creates, as well as a fresh perspective on game design and storytelling.
One of Unseen Studio’s first projects is Kemuri, an action game that blends traditional Japanese folklore, modern culture, anime aesthetics, and international flair. The game is influenced by Nakamura’s childhood love of the supernatural and her experiences working on games like Okami and Bayonetta. It features fast-paced combat, freeform exploration, and multiplayer gameplay, making it a true innovation in the genre.
The development of Kemuri has not been without its challenges. The international team requires constant translation, which can slow down the development process. However, Nakamura and her team are committed to the project and are determined to bring their vision to life.
Nakamura’s leadership style is uncompromising, and she is known for her attention to detail and her ability to hone in on a particular vision. This approach has served her well throughout her career, and it is a key factor in the success of Unseen Studio and the development of Kemuri.
The future of Unseen Studio looks bright. With a talented team and a unique approach to game development, the studio is poised to make a significant impact on the industry. Kemuri is just the beginning, and we can expect many more innovative and engaging games from Unseen Studio in the years to come.
In conclusion, Unseen Studio is a new gaming powerhouse led by veteran developer Ikumi Nakamura. With a diverse team of artists and developers from all over the world, Unseen Studio is dedicated to creating innovative and engaging games that push the boundaries of genre and storytelling. The studio’s first project, Kemuri, is an action game that blends traditional Japanese folklore, modern culture, anime aesthetics, and international flair. With Nakamura’s uncompromising leadership style and her team’s commitment to their vision, Unseen Studio is poised to make a significant impact on the industry.