VISIONS OF MANA’ PRODUCER MASARU OYAMADA EXPLAINS HOW GAME WILL REACH NEW WESTERN PLAYERS

April 4, 2024

A screenshot from Visions of Mana (2024), Square Enix

Visions of Mana producer Masaru Oyamada recently conducted an in-depth interview about the upcoming game and touched on how it will reach new Western players.

Speaking with Automaton, Oyamada discussed his plans for the Mana series to reach out to Western gamers in the future. He expressed his hope that the series, known for its unique atmosphere and design, would be recommended by older players to their children, emphasizing the timeless appeal of the games.

Oyamada emphasized that the Mana series’ strengths lie in its unique atmosphere and design, which might be perceived as ‘childish’ by some, but are integral to the franchise’s identity. He expressed his desire for new players to appreciate these defining features that have made the Mana series popular in Japan for a long time.

He also highlighted the distinctive visuals of the Mana games as a key characteristic, stating that delivering the game based on the developers’ creative vision is paramount. Oyamada underscored the game’s appeal to various players, including newcomers to the series and genre, while acknowledging the global fanbase of the Mana series.

Oyamada’s commitment to staying true to the franchise was evident throughout the interview. He addressed concerns about broadening the game’s appeal conflicting with its identity as an action game, emphasizing the decision to make Visions of Mana accessible to all types of players, including newcomers to the series and genre.

As the release of Visions of Mana approaches, Masaru Oyamada’s insights provide valuable perspective on the game’s approach to engaging new Western players while staying true to the beloved franchise’s identity.