"Visions of Mana Director Moves from NetEase to Square Enix"

Ryosuke Yoshida, the director behind Visions of Mana, has made a significant career move by leaving NetEase and joining Square Enix. This transition was announced on his Twitter (X) account on December 2, sparking curiosity and excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.

Ryosuke Yoshida's Departure from NetEase

Ryosuke Yoshida, a former Capcom game designer, played a pivotal role at Ouka Studios, a subsidiary of NetEase. As the director of Visions of Mana, he worked alongside talented individuals from Capcom and Bandai Namco to bring this latest installment of the Mana series to life. The game, which features enhanced graphics and a fresh take on the beloved franchise, was released on August 30, 2024. Shortly after its launch, Yoshida announced his departure from Ouka Studios, marking the end of his tenure at NetEase.

In the same social media post, Yoshida shared his enthusiasm about joining Square Enix in December. While the specifics of his new role and the projects he will be involved with remain under wraps, his move to Square Enix is anticipated to bring new creative energy to the company.

NetEase's Strategic Shift in Japan

Yoshida's exit from NetEase aligns with broader strategic changes within the company. According to a Bloomberg report dated August 30, NetEase, along with its competitor Tencent, has decided to scale back its investments in Japanese studios. This decision comes after both companies experienced success with a few Japanese-developed games but chose to cut their losses to refocus their efforts.

The move is part of a larger strategy to prepare for the resurgence of the Chinese gaming market. NetEase has notably reduced its workforce in Tokyo, leaving only a few employees at Ouka Studios. This shift is driven by the need to reallocate resources and capitalize on opportunities in China, as evidenced by the success of games like Black Myth: Wukong, which won accolades such as Best Visual Design and Ultimate Game of the Year at the 2024 Golden Joystick Awards.

In 2020, NetEase and Tencent ventured into Japan as the Chinese gaming market faced stagnation. However, tensions have arisen between these global giants and smaller Japanese developers due to differing priorities. While the Chinese companies aim to expand franchises globally, Japanese developers are keen on maintaining control over their intellectual properties.

Although NetEase and Tencent are not entirely withdrawing from Japan, they are taking a more cautious approach to minimize losses while preparing for a strong comeback in the Chinese gaming industry. Their continued partnerships with major players like Capcom and Bandai Namco suggest a sustained, albeit more conservative, presence in the Japanese market.