‘Creators First’
Veteran video game developer Konami has announced that it has opened a new studio in Osaka, Japan. The new offices, located in the Osaka Umeda Twin Towers south building, will support the developer in its efforts both grow and endure over the coming decades.
“Konami Osaka Studio is a developmental relocation of the existing studio and comes with the concept of ‘Creators First’”, said the developer in a press release. “It is characterized by a well-developed environment where creators can demonstrate their full potential, and is set up in a location with convenient transportation access. As the major production center in Western Japan, the facility is fully equipped with motion capture equipments and sound studios necessary for product development.”
Konami, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this week, goes on to suggest that the new building will be a core entity in the studio’s current and future projects, noting that it hopes Konami Osaka will encourage “sustainable growth” over the next 50 years. So I guess Konami is not looking to get out of the gaming biz anytime soon — despite the past decade’s penchant for gyms and pachinko halls.
In addition to the new offices, Konami continues its work on the establishment of a new, next-gen R&D center. Konami Creative Front Tokyo Bay is expected to open in 2025, and provide the central locale for the company’s experiments into new engines and technology. Having already teased several unannounced game reveals for 2023, Konami’s next major release is expected to be a remake of the legendary survival horror title Silent Hill 2, which is in development for PS5 and PC.
Chris Moyse
Senior Editor – Chris has been playing video games since the 1980s and writing about them since the 1880s. Graduated from Galaxy High with honors. Twitter: @ChrisxMoyse
