Visions of Mana Director Leaves NetEase for Square Enix

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

This surprising industry shift sees Ryosuke Yoshida, director of Visions of Mana and former Capcom game designer, transition from NetEase to Square Enix, as revealed in a December 2nd Twitter (X) announcement. Details surrounding his departure from Ouka Studios remain scarce.

Yoshida's prominent role in developing the latest Mana title is well-documented. Collaborating with talent from Capcom and Bandai Namco, the team successfully launched Visions of Mana on August 30, 2024, boasting updated graphics. His departure follows shortly after this release.

While Yoshida confirmed his Square Enix employment starting in December, the specifics of his projects remain undisclosed.

NetEase's Shifting Focus: Reduced Japanese Investments

Yoshida's move isn't entirely unexpected, given NetEase's reported scaling back of Japanese studio investments. A Bloomberg article (August 30th) highlighted NetEase and Tencent's decision to curtail losses after several successful ventures with Japanese studios. Ouka Studios, Yoshida's former employer, is directly impacted, with NetEase significantly downsizing its Tokyo operations.

Both NetEase and Tencent are strategically reallocating resources to capitalize on the revitalized Chinese gaming market, a trend exemplified by the success of Black Myth: Wukong, a recipient of prestigious awards including Best Visual Design and Ultimate Game of the Year at the 2024 Golden Joystick Awards.

The strategic shift contrasts with the 2020 decision by these companies to invest heavily in Japan during a period of stagnation in the Chinese market. However, apparent friction between these large companies and smaller Japanese developers—a difference in global market ambitions versus IP control—appears to have influenced this change.

While NetEase and Tencent aren't completely withdrawing from Japan, their strong relationships with Capcom and Bandai Namco notwithstanding, their current strategy prioritizes loss reduction and preparation for the Chinese market's resurgence.