Fumito Ueda, the visionary behind Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian, has revealed a glimpse of his next project. A recently released trailer showcases a young character scaling a colossal robot as a 60-second countdown ominously ticks away. While details remain scarce, the aftermath suggests a devastating shockwave has shattered the robot, leaving only its head and the protagonist intact. This new venture appears to embrace a sci-fi dystopian setting, marking a departure from Ueda’s previous fantasy-inspired works. This will be the second title from genDESIGN, following their 2016 release of The Last Guardian.
Ueda has solidified his place as a prominent figure in the gaming world. His minimalist storytelling, coupled with his unique visual language, have garnered a devoted following and established his games as cult classics.
From Ico to a New Frontier
Ueda’s distinctive style first emerged with Ico in 2003, where he served as director and lead designer. He then led Team Ico in the development of Shadow of the Colossus, released in 2005. The game received widespread acclaim for its stunning HDR lighting and captivatingly minimalist gameplay.
The Last Guardian, initially unveiled at E3 2009 as Project Trico, marked Ueda’s next endeavor. After a protracted development period, the game resurfaced at E3 2015 under its final title. It was also announced that development had transitioned to genDESIGN, a studio founded by Ueda and comprised of former Team Ico members. The Last Guardian finally launched in 2016, receiving positive reviews despite its challenging development cycle.
A New Era for genDESIGN
This latest project represents a significant step for genDESIGN. While the trailer offers only a fleeting glimpse into the game’s world and mechanics, it’s clear that Ueda’s signature artistic vision remains. The shift towards a sci-fi dystopian setting suggests a compelling new direction for the studio and promises an intriguing experience for players.
This upcoming title will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and critics alike, eager to see how Ueda’s distinct style translates into this new genre. The anticipation builds as we await further details about this mysterious and promising project.
