Square Enix's Next Action RPG Uses Unreal EngineAnd other tidbits... but it does not yet have a name.11.29.11 - 7:28 PM
This week's issue of Famitsu reveals a new project for Square Enix, but it's neither a
Final Fantasy nor
Dragon Quest title. In fact, despite all the details in the magazine, the game's title wasn't even announced. The news comes in an interview with
Dragon Quest producer Ryutaro Ichimura, who says he has since 'graduated' from
Dragon Quest (he last worked on
DQIX) and is working on other titles, including the one in question.
What we do know is that the unnamed game is an action RPG that makes use of the Unreal Engine. Right now the plan is to bring it to consoles, though depending on timeframe it may also end up on next-gen platforms. The game is being developed internally at Square Enix. Currently 35 employees are involved, and the company will be doing lots recruiting and hiring very soon for the project, including for various types of planners, programmers and designers. It seems like network tech, animation and modelling are main areas for which they will be recruiting. A recruitment site will open later on in the week.
Pictures in Famitsu show a rather western art design, with middle-ages European style locations and characters. Though this suggest the game targets western audiences, Ichimura says the game is targeted for a worldwide release. He and the staff on the project have been travelling the world for the last couple of years, surveying players and getting ideas for the project - including art design, technological aspects, and so on. These have now been decided, and the Japanese staff is working with overseas staff to ensure that the creation of such a setting doesn't come across as 'fake.'
We'll have more details on this unnamed project as they're revealed.
