The Japanese gaming culture event “The Tenth Mosaic” took place on September 22 and 23 this year. The event kicked off with a discussion between Yoko Taro, the mind behind the NieR and Drakengard series, and Keisuke Okabe, the director of Ender Lilies and Ender Magnolia. According to Japanese gaming news sites 4Gamer and Denfaminicogamer, the two creators exchanged insights on their game development philosophies, debated the future of Japan’s gaming sector, and shared their personal ambitions.
When discussing his future plans, Okabe mentioned his desire to craft a JRPG. Although he expressed a preference for a 3D JRPG, he also showed interest in a 2D version, as it aligns with his preferred visual style. Regarding 2D JRPGs, he believes the current market is ripe for a new title, noting that “there hasn’t been a definitive title on the market since Undertale.”
Yoko Taro, conversely, stated that he doesn’t have any specific projects in mind for the future. Having achieved most of his creative aspirations with the original Drakengard, he views his remaining work as simply “the remaining days.”
On the financial front, Yoko hinted that his savings and pension might soon allow him to retire from work altogether. “From an emotional standpoint – it’s over. I’m done working, I don’t want to do it anymore,” he remarked.
Despite this, Yoko cited “dementia prevention” as a reason he continues to create games. He explained that he’d heard stories of retirees developing dementia after leaving their careers, which motivates him to keep working, even if it’s stressful. “Even now, there are lot of frustrating things concerning my work, but when they do happen, I overcome them by telling myself – This is good for preventing dementia.” Given Yoko Taro’s reputation for playful remarks, these comments should likely be taken with a grain of salt.
Although Yoko Taro hasn’t released a game under his name recently, he’s reportedly been busy with a new Evangelion anime, which was announced earlier this year. The series is a collaboration between Studio Khara and Clover Works, directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki (known for FLCL and Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX) and written by Yoko Taro himself.
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