Hideaki Itsuno, the mastermind behind Devil May Cry 2-5 and both Dragon’s Dogma games, appears to be building an online-focused AAA action game. Recent job listings from his new studio LightSpeed Japan have sparked speculation that the project – Itsuno’s first major work outside Capcom in 30 years – will incorporate multiplayer elements alongside the stylish combat fans expect from the legendary director.
From Capcom Legend to Tencent Powerhouse
Hideaki Itsuno left Capcom in August 2024 after three decades that defined modern action gaming. Credited with reviving Devil May Cry, creating the groundbreaking Dragon’s Dogma formula, and directing Capcom vs. SNK 2, Itsuno joined Tencent-backed LightSpeed Studios to lead LightSpeed Japan. The studio opened offices in Tokyo and Osaka, quickly recruiting veterans from Devil May Cry, Street Fighter, and Dragon’s Dogma teams.
Itsuno immediately announced an original AAA action game targeting global markets. During Game Developers Conference 2025, he described creating “gameplay elements that offer players entirely new experiences – the kind that make players say ‘I’ve never seen that in a game before.'” The project combines Itsuno’s signature elements: Devil May Cry’s combo-driven combat, Dragon’s Dogma’s sophisticated AI, and Rival Schools/Project Justice’s team-based character dynamics.
The Online Twist
Recent job listings spotted by gaming communities reveal LightSpeed Japan seeks talent experienced in “online action games.” Positions mention multiplayer infrastructure, server architecture, and cross-platform networking – suggesting Itsuno’s single-player legacy might expand into live-service territory. This aligns with parent company LightSpeed Studios’ expertise in PUBG Mobile and global live-service hits.
Itsuno addressed multiplayer concerns in Famitsu interviews, confirming his pitch received “no major revisions” from Tencent. “We’re aiming to create a culminating game that brings together the best elements of what I’ve made before – Project Justice’s versus fighting, Devil May Cry’s action with no ceiling, and Dragon’s Dogma’s AI-driven systems.” He emphasized character design as crucial, planning “distinct personalities” rivaling DMC’s iconic roster.
What This Means for Action Gaming
Itsuno’s track record suggests revolutionary combat. Devil May Cry 5 set style meter benchmarks still unmatched, while Dragon’s Dogma 2’s pawn system redefined companion AI. Combining these with online features could birth the first truly stylish multiplayer action game – imagine DMC combos in co-op raids or Dragon’s Dogma pawns joining friends’ worlds.
| Itsuno Classic | Signature Element | Potential Online Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| Devil May Cry | Combo grading system | Competitive combo leaderboards |
| Dragon’s Dogma | Pawn AI companions | Shareable online pawns |
| Rival Schools | Team battle dynamics | 4-player squad combat |
Tencent’s AAA Ambitions
LightSpeed Studios represents Tencent’s aggressive push into premium Western-style titles. PUBG Mobile generated billions, but Tencent seeks prestige hits. Itsuno serves as crown jewel – a proven director with global fanbases delivering exactly the “Japanese-style AAA action” Tencent craves to compete with Sony’s exclusive pipeline.
The studio’s rapid expansion – Osaka office opened August 2025, multiple Capcom veterans recruited – signals aggressive timelines. Itsuno promised a “relatively short development period” for the debut title, avoiding scope creep that plagued Dragon’s Dogma 2. Cross-platform release across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S appears certain given Tencent’s infrastructure.
Why Itsuno Left Capcom
Itsuno departed before potential Devil May Cry 6 development, avoiding sequel obligations. “I’m extremely proud of Devil May Cry 5, and I don’t think I can improve on it,” he told VGC. The move allowed creative freedom denied by Capcom’s franchise obligations, plus Tencent’s resources dwarf Capcom’s action game budgets.
LightSpeed Japan’s structure – independently run regional studios under global infrastructure – gives Itsuno autonomy while leveraging Tencent’s live-service expertise. Recent hires include Devil May Cry 5 combat designers and Street Fighter 6 animators, suggesting top-tier action polish.
FAQs
Will this be single-player or multiplayer?
Job listings strongly suggest online features, likely hybrid model blending Itsuno’s single-player mastery with multiplayer elements. Think co-op raids with DMC combat rather than battle royale shooter.
Is this Devil May Cry 6?
No. Itsuno explicitly left before DMC6 discussions to avoid sequels. This represents his original IP – first major non-Capcom project since Rival Schools in 1998.
When can we expect it?
Itsuno targets “relatively short” development. Given studio launch November 2024 and rapid hiring, 2027 release appears realistic assuming no delays.
PS5 exclusive or multiplatform?
Tencent favors maximum reach. Expect day-one releases across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC with potential Epic Games Store exclusivity.
Will it have microtransactions?
Tencent’s live-service DNA suggests battle passes/cosmetics likely. Itsuno’s focus remains core gameplay loops with monetization supporting rather than defining experience.
Characters like Dante and Vergil?
No Capcom IP. Itsuno plans new roster with “distinct personalities” rivaling DMC icons. Fighting game influences suggest diverse playable cast from launch.
Budget compared to Dragon’s Dogma 2?
Tencent AAA budgets exceed Capcom’s. Expect Dragon’s Dogma 2 scope with Devil May Cry 5 polish across larger online infrastructure.
Conclusion
Hideaki Itsuno’s LightSpeed Japan project represents action gaming’s potential live-service evolution. The man who perfected stylish combat now tackles online infrastructure with Tencent’s unlimited resources. Recent job listings confirm multiplayer ambitions, positioning the game as potential genre pioneer – stylish co-op action blending DMC combos with Dragon’s Dogma AI across persistent online worlds.
Risk exists with Tencent’s live-service focus potentially diluting Itsuno’s single-player genius. Yet rapid studio growth, Capcom veteran recruitment, and Itsuno’s creative control suggest blockbuster potential. If executed half as brilliantly as Devil May Cry 5, LightSpeed Japan’s debut redefines action gaming. The countdown to reveal begins – when Itsuno delivers his “never seen that before” moment, gaming changes forever.