Hideaki Itsuno Joins Tencent: The Visionary Behind Devil May Cry is Set to Shape AAA Gaming

Hideaki Itsuno Joins Tencent: The Man Behind Devil May Cry and Dragon’s Dogma Is Ready to Shake Up the Gaming World Again

Alright, folks, let’s get real for a second. When you think of action-packed, high-octane, adrenaline-drenched video games, who comes to mind? For true enthusiasts, at the top of that list is none other than Hideaki Itsuno. This guy isn’t some background player. Oh no, he’s the mastermind behind Devil May Cry and Dragon’s Dogma, two of the most revered action franchises in the gaming universe. And now, he’s making waves again by leaving Capcom after more than 30 years—yes, you read that right, THIRTY years to join Tencent’s LightSpeed Studios.

The Shift from Capcom to Tencent: What’s Cooking?

The excitement here is monumental. Tencent Games, a behemoth in the industry, isn’t just some casual player—they are a juggernaut. And Itsuno joining the ranks at LightSpeed Studios only ratchets up the intrigue because let me tell you, this man isn’t signing up to make some generic mobile fluff. No, he’s working on AAA action games—you know, the ones that explode onto the scene and get everyone talking.

Let’s break this down:

• Capcom Veteran: Thirty years at Capcom, its golden boy who had his fingerprints all over classic titles like Rival Schools and Power Stone. Not to mention the juggernaut franchises of Devil May Cry and Dragon’s Dogma—that’s a resume that would make any developer drool.
• Director of Dragon’s Dogma 2: His final project at Capcom, Dragon’s Dogma 2, launched earlier this year, and fans ate it up like it was their last meal. This was the grand finale to an illustrious Capcom career. And wow, what a way to bow out.
• Tencent’s Power Play: Tencent doesn’t miss a beat when stacking its teams with talent. Its subsidiary, LightSpeed Studios, co-developed PUBG Mobile, one of the biggest mobile games ever. They don’t play small ball, and with Itsuno, they’re swinging for the fences.

Out with Capcom, In with LightSpeed: Why Does This Move Matter?

Listen, when a creator like Itsuno jumps ship, it’s worth paying attention. Capcom has delivered some of the greatest titles in gaming history, and Itsuno has been at the heart of that process. So when he ditched Capcom and threw his hat into the ring at LightSpeed Studios, you know something serious is brewing.

Let’s put this into perspective:

1. A New Chapter for Itsuno: In his own words, this will be an “exciting new chapter” for him—translation: he’s about to unleash something fresh and unstoppable. He’s got an insane amount of creative firepower, and LightSpeed Studios has the infrastructure to let him go wild. It’s a match made in developer heaven.
2. Tencent’s Dominance: Tencent doesn’t play around. They’ve got the money, the reach, and they own one of the most influential gaming ecosystems on the planet. Add Itsuno into the mix? That’s fireworks. They’re gearing up to deliver AAA experiences that will not only dominate the Asian markets but global ones too.
3. Innovation is Key: Itsuno joining a major player like Tencent should have other companies nervous—Capcom, Ubisoft, you name it. This man built some of the most iconic action games of a generation. What’s he going to do with even MORE resources, a global team, and free creative reign?

Background Check: Who Is Hideaki Itsuno and Why Should We Care?

Some of you might be living under a rock and asking, “Who is Hideaki Itsuno, and why does his move to Tencent even matter?” Well, let me hit you with some facts:

• Devil May Cry Series: It didn’t just redefine action gaming; it obliterated the competition. Fast-paced, stylish combat mixed with a heavy dose of attitude—that’s DMC for you. The franchise built Itsuno into a legend, and it’s doubtful anyone today tackles stylish action better.
• Dragon’s Dogma: Released in 2012, this game was way ahead of its time, with a sprawling open world, fluid combat system, and massive monsters to slay. Fast forward to Dragon’s Dogma 2, and people are still talking about it.
• Legacy: Every major title this guy has been involved with has made waves. From Rival Schools—a criminally underrated fighting game—to Power Stone, which was a fighting game unlike any other, Itsuno’s work has left an indelible mark on the industry.

LightSpeed Studios: Don’t Underestimate This Player

Let’s not forget LightSpeed Studios isn’t just floating in Tencent’s shadow. Known primarily for mobile games, like PUBG Mobile, LightSpeed is pushing hard into the console and AAA markets. Their upcoming project, an open-world action title Last Sentinel, promises to be a visual and narrative feast set in a dystopian future. Do I sense some cross-gen hybrid vibes? Maybe.

Here’s the kicker: with Itsuno on board, LightSpeed could uplift itself to new heights. Just look at the caliber of talent they’re stacking. With Itsuno promising to focus on original action games, don’t be surprised if we see a true masterpiece spawned from this collaboration.

Meanwhile, at Capcom… What’s Next?

Now, let’s not pretend Capcom is just sitting around licking its wounds. They are not in the business of losing, and even without Itsuno, their lineup looks mighty fine, with Monster Hunter Wilds on the way, and trust me, they aren’t done with Resident Evil either. There are whispers about Resident Evil 9 that have fans buzzing louder than a chainsaw-ready zombie.

Capcom may have lost a key figure, but they’re still packing a punch.

Conclusion: Brace Yourselves, Gamers!

Hideaki Itsuno jumping to Tencent’s LightSpeed Studios is like watching Michael Jordan leave the Chicago Bulls in his prime. It’s bold, it’s unexpected, and it’s going to have massive ripple effects throughout the gaming industry. Tencent is set to make a major push into the AAA action space, and Itsuno is undoubtedly the man to lead the charge.

Of course, there will be skeptics. There always are. But with Itsuno’s track record of delivering bangers and Tencent’s monstrous infrastructure, this partnership could very well birth the next defining franchise in action gaming.

Gamers, fasten your seat belts; the ride is about to get wild.