Topic: Koji Igarashi (Castlevania) Leaves Konami, Founding New Studio, Metroidvania GDC talk

http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/17/castlevania-producer-k...

Koji Igarashi, best known for his work on Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, has left Konami. His last day at the Japanese developer was Saturday, March 15.

The producer departed the studio with intent to open a new development studio.

"I've decided to break out on my own to have the freedom to make the kind of games I really want to make — the same kind I think fans of my past games want as well," Igarashi told IGN. "Leaving Konami was a big decision, and not one I took lightly – I’ve spent my entire career there, made many friends, and had a lot of great opportunities – but I hope all the gamers and fans who have supported me in the past will join me in being excited about what comes next. Wish me luck!”

Another high profile developer has decided to go independent or leave the company they made they're mark with. Man at this point is Metal Gear and PES the only thing being worked on by Konami?

I sense he's following Inafune's example. Quality Castlevania knock off coming soon to a kickstarter near you.

I just want Nintendo to ask this guy to make a new Metroid...

I look forward to seeing what he produces. I always wanted to see him branch out, but Konami doesn't seem interested in making much new these days. Hopefully he makes more than just Metroidvanias. I love those as much as the next guy, but he's been making them for over 15 years now...

I'm game for more Metroidvanias, just as long as it isn't another carbon copy of SotN (Still had a blast with the handheld CV's though). Wish him the best and can't wait to see what he has in store for us.

I expect we'll be seeing this guy on Kickstarter sometime in the near future. I'd prefer it though if Nintendo hired him and gave him free reign over a 1st party title, whether it be 3DS or Wii U. I just don't see that happening, unfortunately.

We should hear some early rumblings of his next project at his GDC keynote Given that its on making Metroidvaina's its probably what his next game will end up being.

Its so weird how Konami owns so many good IP's between themselves and aquriing hudsonsoft. You think they'd get around to having a nice amount of retail and digital content. Isntead of a new Metal gear how about working on a new Snatcher game.

Or anything that's not MGS or Castlevania...

Now to make his "Soul of Darkness".