# LightSpeed Studios Enhances Emphasis on Original Cross-Platform Games

LightSpeed Studios, a frontrunner in the gaming industry, has declared a significant change in its approach, focusing on the development of original cross-platform games. This strategy was showcased at GDC 2025, where the company announced that the esteemed game designer **Hideaki Itsuno** has joined **LightSpeed Japan Studios** to pursue his latest project.

## Hideaki Itsuno Joins LightSpeed Japan Studios

For those not acquainted with **Hideaki Itsuno**, he is a celebrated game director known for his contributions to several of **Capcom’s** legendary franchises, such as *Devil May Cry*, *Dragon’s Dogma*, and *Capcom vs. SNK*. His acceptance into LightSpeed Studios represents a pivotal moment for the organization as it aims to establish itself as a leader in original game creation.

At GDC 2025, Itsuno provided glimpses into his ambitions for the forthcoming project, although specific information remains confidential.

> *“We’re cultivating an imaginative space that merges various cultural insights with state-of-the-art technology,”* stated Hideaki Itsuno, General Manager of **LightSpeed Japan Studio**. *“Our aim is to create gameplay elements that provide players with unprecedented experiences – the innovations that make players think, ‘I’ve never encountered that in a game before.’”*

This declaration indicates that Itsuno’s upcoming title will explore new horizons in game design, possibly unveiling fresh mechanics and storytelling methods that challenge player assumptions.

## LightSpeed Studios’ Worldwide Expansion and AAA Development

LightSpeed Studios manages multiple developmental teams around the globe, each guided by its unique creative vision. Among them is **LightSpeed LA**, directed by **Steve Martin**, a veteran of **Rockstar Games**. Martin is currently leading the creation of the highly awaited AAA game, *The Last Sentinel*.

Having contributed to major Rockstar titles like *Red Dead Redemption I & II* and *Grand Theft Auto V*, Martin underscored the significance of creative freedom in game design.

> *“Every developer’s true aspiration is to create original games. The creative liberty of establishing your own lore from nothing, crafting engaging narratives and characters, and the influx of ideas and inspiration that emerge from this—this is the dream of any creator. That’s why LightSpeed Studios is the ideal place,”* expressed Steve C. Martin.

## A New Era for LightSpeed Studios

LightSpeed Studios’ refreshed focus on original intellectual property signifies a notable shift from its previous identity as primarily known for **localizing and adapting popular games for mobile platforms**. The studio has participated in titles like *PUBG Mobile* and *Final Fantasy XIV Mobile*, but its latest endeavor indicates a turn towards **AAA game development** on an international level.

At the corporate level, LightSpeed Studios offers innovative technology and research and development backing to its teams. However, each studio under its leadership enjoys **creative freedom**, permitting them to develop games in their own style while reaping the benefits of shared resources.

This strategy has allowed **LightSpeed LA** to assemble what Martin refers to as a *“dream team”* of developers from prestigious studios like **Rockstar Games, Naughty Dog, Obsidian Entertainment, Sony Santa Monica, Meta, and EA Games**. With such a varied and skilled talent pool, LightSpeed Studios is positioning itself as a formidable contender within the AAA gaming sector.

## What’s Next for LightSpeed Studios?

With **Hideaki Itsuno** directing a new venture at **LightSpeed Japan Studios** and **Steve Martin** leading the efforts on *The Last Sentinel* at **LightSpeed LA**, the company is taking daring steps toward becoming a prominent player in original game development.

While specifics about Itsuno’s upcoming title are still limited, his impressive history implies that fans can look forward to **an extraordinary experience** that transcends the boundaries of action gameplay and narrative. In parallel, *The Last Sentinel* is emerging as a significant AAA launch, further reinforcing LightSpeed Studios’ dedication to crafting outstanding, original games.

As LightSpeed Studios continues to broaden its global reach and invest in elite talent, the gaming community will be keenly observing how this ambitious undertaking progresses. One certainty remains: **the future of LightSpeed Studios shines brighter than ever**.