Silent HillandSlitterheadcreator Keiichiro Toyama has dropped an early teaser for an in-development project fromBokeh Game Studios. While the 2024 launch ofSlitterheadwas met with mixed reactions and less-than-expected sales, Toyama has assured fans that his team is happily establishing new goals for the future while also starting work on a brand-new video game.
Keiichiro Toyama began his career in the video game industry by joining Konami in 1994 as a graphic artist. He would go on to find massive success with his creation of the originalSilent Hillin 1999, though he left the studio shortly thereafter. Toyama then directed and wrote the cultclassic horror game seriesSirenbefore moving on to the action-adventure franchiseGravity Rush. His return to horror withSlitterheadwas applauded by fans of his previous work, though the game itself holds mixed reviews from critics and audiences. With a number of iconic releases to his name, audiences are once again excited by an early hint at a new project from Toyama’s Bokeh Game Studios.
During an interview with Japanese media platformFamitsu, Keiichiro Toyama was asked about his thoughts on theoverall underperformance ofSlitterheadand future endeavors at Bokeh. Toyama responded that, while the sales and reception ofSlitterheadfailed to meet expectations, he was pleased to see the game earning a cult status among fans. He noted that commercial success is not the studio’s only goal and mentioned the importance of Bokeh Game Studios' ability to showcase its individuality. The beloved developer teased that his age may limit what he is able to accomplish, but he added that he is happy to hand things off to those following in his footsteps. Looking to the future, Toyama claims the studio is at a “midway” point to reaching its larger goals, and an in-development game aims to expand the team’s overall scope.
Bokeh Game Studios Next Game and Future Endeavors
According to Toyama, Bokeh Game Studios is already working on a new title, with the team pouring in all of its effort to prove that Bokeh is up to the task of achieving more flexibility and freedom as an independent developer and publisher. Toyama mentioned a desire to incorporate ideas from younger generations and to expand to light-hearted topics, though he did not specify if these aims are related to the in-development game. He noted that more details will be revealed “in the future,” leaving audiences to speculate whether anotherhorror game likeSilent Hillis coming or if Toyama and Bokeh Game Studios will bring something entirely unexpected.
Keiichiro Toyama has already cemented a legacy for himself in the realm ofsurvival horror video games, so it should come as no surprise that he wants to focus on trying new things with Bokeh Game Studios.Slitterheadhas already managed to achieve a cult status similar toSiren, and many are keeping their fingers crossed that the new title from Toyama and Bokeh will find similar or greater success to the iconic developer’s previous projects.
