Itagaki: The Kikizo Interview 2005

Our latest, extensive chat with the Team Ninja boss reveals new information on Code Cronus and DOA4, his opinion on EA, and thoughts on recent projects.

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Kikizo: There is ongoing speculation about Dead or Alive Code Cronus. You gave us some details when we spoke last year, but fans are always eagerly awaiting any new information. Can you tell us anything more about the game at this time?

Itagaki: Hmm. So far, if you've been listening to my comments, you know I have a very strategic way of thinking. Code Cronus, however, is pure hobby. It's not something that ties into corporate strategy. It's similar to DOAX in that way. I want the players to perceive Dead or Alive as a genre [in itself], rather than just a particular type of game. I can say that Kasumi and Ayane are in it, for sure.

"I can say Kasumi and Ayane are in [Code Cronus]..."

Kikizo: Tecmo was early to realise how important it is to make games that appeal to a worldwide market. Now, while the Japanese games industry is in a slump, Western game markets are thriving. Why do you think this is? What should the Japanese games industry do to recover?

Itagaki: To recover, we have to change the education system. What is good about the Japanese people is that they are hard workers, and know themselves well. Nowadays, a lot of people here are forgetting such basic concepts. Most of them don't realise what they are capable of, and what they aren't capable of. This situation is resulting in criticism from Western game users. Under such circumstances, their minds close, and their vision gets narrower and narrower. I really think the way the Japanese are educated these days is part of it. Many have lost their personal confidence. In [Europe], the level of education is very high. Our educational system is not functioning so well. Most game developers won't say this sort of thing, but I'm willing to say it simply because I really love games and want to see things improve.

There are several books, written by a certain game developer, about how to create games. Some of my staff are reading such books. When I found those books in the office, I was surprised - I told the team that if they wanted inspiration, to read some [of these] books instead, since they'd be much more useful. They should also look at gambling-style games, like poker, backgammon and blackjack, that sort of thing.

Kikizo: Which rival developers to you admire?

Itagaki: There are a lot of great developers. But they have to do a lot. They need to impress management and study a lot. It's not easy work. A lot of the time, creators aren't even creating things by themselves anymore, you need a huge team for this sort of thing. We at Team Ninja can work quickly because I act as producer, but I can act as a planner or programmer as well, if needed.

Kikizo: Outside of your own titles, what sort of games do you enjoy playing?

Itagaki: Right now, Dragon Quest VIII. But I like all kinds of game genres.

Kikizo: Why do you think several big-name industry figures have left to form their own independent firms?

Itagaki: Because they couldn't get along with their companies anymore. What is good about the Japanese people is the ability to work together. Again, many people have begun to forget about such things. In soccer terms, I can find a good goalkeeper or midfielder, but unless you've got a good captain, you're not going to get anywhere. Take a look at our own titles - they are high-quality work. Then look at games from other companies, as well. They all have strengths and weaknesses. It's like I said: you can find a good goalkeeper out there somewhere, but he alone doesn't make the team work.

The designer of the latest Mortal Kombat game came to me recently, and openly said he liked DOA2, and took ideas from my game. Some people would see that like a declaration of war, but it made me feel pretty good. I was glad to be an influence on them. Most Japanese developers won't openly admit such influences.

Some of Team Ninja's well-deserved awards

Kikizo: What will Dead or Alive: The Movie be like? Do you have any actresses you think would fit the roles of the girls the best?

Itagaki: This is a very hot topic. There's already casting going on for a DOA film. We received bios of several actresses recently. I say, let the professionals in Hollywood decide, in this case. I think we can count on them.

Kikizo: Where do you stand with PSP and Nintendo DS?

Itagaki: Before retiring from making games, I want to make games for these systems.

Itagaki says he's still going to make games for PSP and DS

Kikizo: Why do you always wear sunglasses?

Itagaki: I don't want people to read my mind when I'm playing gambling-type games with others [the Japanese consider the eyes to be the windows to the soul]. These are business sunglasses right now. You can see my eyes now, but in different circumstances...

Kikizo: Thank you very much for your time today and we hope to speak again soon.

Dead or Alive Ultimate is out now in the US and finally arrives in the UK on Friday, 18th February. Read our full review here. Stay glued to Kikizo for more on all the titles mentioned in this interview.

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