Mana Director Joins Square Enix

Visions of Mana Director Ryosuke Yoshida Moves from NetEase to Square Enix

Ryosuke Yoshida, director of Visions of Mana and a former Capcom game designer, has left NetEase and joined Square Enix. This surprising news was announced via his Twitter (X) account on December 2nd. Details surrounding his departure from Ouka Studios remain scarce.

Yoshida's New Role at Square Enix: Unclear

As a key figure at Ouka Studios, Yoshida played a significant role in the development of Visions of Mana, the latest entry in the popular Mana series. Collaborating with talent from Capcom and Bandai Namco, the team successfully launched the game on August 30, 2024, boasting updated graphics and gameplay. Following the release, Yoshida announced his move to Square Enix, though his specific projects or role within the company haven't been revealed.

NetEase's Shifting Focus: Reduced Japanese Investments

Yoshida's departure aligns with reports of NetEase scaling back its investments in Japanese studios. A Bloomberg article from August 30th indicated that both NetEase and Tencent are reevaluating their Japanese ventures after several successful game releases. Ouka Studios, Yoshida's former employer, is among those affected, with NetEase reportedly downsizing its Tokyo workforce significantly.

This strategic shift is driven by the resurgence of the Chinese gaming market and the need to reallocate resources. The success of Black Myth: Wukong, a Chinese title that won awards including Best Visual Design and Ultimate Game of the Year at the 2024 Golden Joystick Awards, underscores this market's renewed strength.

A Change in Strategy: From Japan to China

In 2020, NetEase and Tencent invested heavily in Japan, seeking to capitalize on the market while China's gaming industry experienced a period of stagnation. However, challenges emerged, stemming from differing priorities between these large companies and smaller Japanese developers. While NetEase and Tencent aimed for global market expansion, Japanese developers prioritized control over their intellectual properties.

While not entirely withdrawing from Japan, NetEase and Tencent are adopting a more conservative approach, reducing losses and preparing for the revitalized Chinese gaming market. Their established relationships with companies like Capcom and Bandai Namco suggest a continued, albeit scaled-back, presence in Japan.