Spike Chunsoft: Expanding Carefully While Keeping Core Fans Happy
Spike Chunsoft, celebrated for its unique narrative games like Danganronpa and Zero Escape, is strategically expanding its horizons in the West. CEO Yasuhiro Iizuka, in a recent BitSummit Drift interview with AUTOMATON, outlined the company's cautious approach.
While acknowledging their strength in Japanese niche subcultures and anime-style adventure games, Iizuka stressed a measured expansion into other genres. He emphasized a commitment to slow, deliberate growth, avoiding a sudden leap into unfamiliar territory like FPS or fighting games. "We have no intention of drastically widening the range of our content," he stated.
The company's portfolio already showcases a degree of genre diversity, including forays into sports (Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games), fighting (Jump Force), and wrestling (Fire Pro Wrestling). Furthermore, Spike Chunsoft has a history of publishing popular Western titles in Japan, such as Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, Cyberpunk 2077 (PS4), and the Witcher series.
However, Iizuka prioritized fan loyalty above all. He reiterated a dedication to providing their existing fanbase with the games they want while also introducing "some surprises" to keep things interesting. This careful balancing act reflects a deep respect for the long-standing support of their loyal players. "Our fans have supported us for many years, and we don’t want to betray them," Iizuka affirmed.