Inafune: Making Games Is Hard, And I Hate My Job
Dead Rising 2Oh, so that's why. Disgruntled employees are always kinda gloomy.
Capcom boss Keiji Inafune has gone on record several times, talking about the decline of the Japanese gaming industry. One of his more infamous comments came when he told the New York Times that in terms of video games, Japan was "at least 5 years behind." Now, we find the Dead Rising 2 producer talking about "doing the impossible" and his job...which he hates. In a recent interview with Inafune cited by Kotaku, the Capcom executive replied to the allusion that he loves his job as follows:
"It's the opposite. I hate it! I want to retire early and take it easy."
He says that's why he's working so hard now and that "if one likes their work, then they can take it slow." For him, making games just isn't easy and really, it doesn't sound like he gets up every day with a smile on his face. Perhaps this was the fuel behind saying the Japanese gaming industry was "finished" and that Japanese developers are simply making inferior products. Maybe he's saying those things to push everyone in Japan harder and faster. Hideo Kojima was quoted as saying Japanese devs "lack motivation and passion," remember?
But however you view the state of gaming in Japan, if he's unhappy, those statements of his make a lot more sense.
Tags: capcom, keiji inafune, game industry, japanese games
10/12/2010 10:42:06 AM Ben Dutka
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Comments (59 posts)
GuyverLT
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 2:15:50 PM
Last edited by GuyverLT on 10/12/2010 2:21:18 PM
2 up, 6 down
FM23
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 3:42:45 PM
2 up, 2 down
maxpontiac
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 4:26:31 PM
That makes everything else seem like half or even a third of a game.
1 up, 0 down
Fane1024
Saturday, October 16, 2010 @ 5:03:14 PM
1 up, 0 down
Amazingskillz
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 11:02:17 AM
Reply
Last edited by Amazingskillz on 10/12/2010 11:02:42 AM
12 up, 1 down
ace_boon_coon
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 3:38:07 PM
Last edited by ace_boon_coon on 10/12/2010 3:38:21 PM
4 up, 1 down
BeezleDrop
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 11:06:02 AM
Reply
6 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 12:36:15 PM
13 up, 1 down
RobiinzZ
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 11:07:11 AM
Reply
15 up, 0 down
Ergi
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 11:12:30 AM
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I sure hope this isn't something that will happen to more developers in Japan, like a I hate my job epidemic or something.
8 up, 0 down
Akuma07
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 @ 2:54:48 AM
This guy should NOT be a Capcom Exec.
Simple as that.
If he hates his job, he shouldnt do it, not when your job is partly about passion.
Look how passionate Hideo Kojima is about his games, and just about everyone is a masterpiece!
0 up, 0 down
Mornelithe
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 11:15:01 AM
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What a tool.
10 up, 0 down
McClane
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 2:37:09 PM
Working for money from 9 to 5 and that's it...
No commitment, no passion, no dedication...
5 up, 0 down
Hezzron
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 11:15:27 AM
Reply
Last edited by Hezzron on 10/12/2010 11:24:27 AM
13 up, 0 down
ValdiPS3
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 11:20:14 AM
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2 up, 0 down
Sir Dan
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 11:25:10 AM
Reply
5 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 12:14:06 PM
1 up, 0 down
Shams
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 1:13:21 PM
"There are loads of creators like that," Inafune explains. "But I'm not like that. If things are difficult while they are doing it, they can become a leader and a creator."'
Yes, as we can see from more of the interview, his statements don't translate so well.
4 up, 0 down
Guest
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 6:57:21 PM
0 up, 0 down
Scarecrow
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 11:27:49 AM
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Too much "how much is this game gonna make in the end?"
I know money matters and all, but they just need to make quality games. Catering to a crowd is not the way to go. Catering to quality is the way to go. As Ben once said "gamers reward quality."
Anyway, they're gonna lose more money with DmC
7 up, 0 down
Qubex
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 11:45:21 AM
Reply
There are very few decent "Japanese" developers left out there, and it may just be a fact that people have to face up to... only the strongest of the strong are going to survive in the next decade.
Gamers are demanding ever so much more now, and not just form the gameplay mechanic, but from the whole "technical" package. Poor effort on the developers side will equate to poor sales, which in turn, will equate to shut down...
It is a sad state of affairs, but it seems to me that developers will not have many a chance to prove themselves... even indie developers are finding it tough.
I was looking at getting into gaming, and quitting my telco job; but after re-looking at everything and seeing my fantastic earnings and benefits, not to mention world wide travel... why risk all that now for a creative whim... I am going to wait a while... and maybe wait for forever...
Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
7 up, 0 down
Alienange
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 12:03:45 PM
6 up, 0 down
Underdog15
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 12:13:40 PM
I really like it too.
1 up, 2 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 12:48:35 PM
1 up, 0 down
Underdog15
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 2:01:22 PM
I'm thinking the biggest issue I have with the game has something to do with the SE server. I shouldn't stagger across the screen in higher populated areas. (It works perfectly if no one else is around me.)
As for the gameplay, I love it. Great customization, and everything has a reward. No more mindless crafting without purpose. And always different quests to go on! Honestly, that 8 hour limit crap? Makes no difference, really. It doesn't affect rank points, only exp for physical level. And trust me, your physical level is not something you ever worry about. It's ALWAYS further than any rank. Plus, it's better to switch classes. You can mix skills of one class with others. You WANT to, for example, give your gladiator a conjurer's cure spell or an archer's accuracy boosting skill.
P.s. Crafting gives you experience in this game. I love FFXIV with the exception of my lag issues. (10MB/second download 2MB/second upload service should not get lag in this...)
1 up, 2 down
Highlander
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 5:12:16 PM
Instead of continuing to focus on simply making good games for the platforms that they were familiar with and focusing on their largest markets first, many of these organizations saw the glitter of cash in the US market and decided to change their direction.
In subtle and not so subtle ways, games were re-focused on the mythical western gamer. Platform focus changed thanks to the whole jumping into bed for money thing. Essentially they moved away from everything that had made them successful, respected game companies. But it wasn't the developers that changed, it was the people leading the companies and deciding strategy.
Look at Polyphony Digital. Very Japanese, and about to deliver a definitive Gran Turismo game. Have those developers changed? Their company remained focused on what it has always been focused on. OK they are a first party studio, but the point still stands because they illustrate how things could have been for others. Companies like Gust and NIS similarly continue to follow their own path. I don't see their games as being altered or changed for this generation or the mythical western gamer.
Perhaps one day, the leaders of these once great development/publishing companies will realize their mistake, perhaps not. but it's not the fault of the developers.
4 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 7:12:04 PM
0 up, 0 down
Clamedeus
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 11:46:08 AM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
Xombito
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 11:51:29 AM
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0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 12:49:30 PM
4 up, 0 down
Highlander
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 11:54:01 AM
Reply
Either way, if you hate your job it's usually a good idea to move on. At the very least, perhaps he should move to a different capacity at Capcom and allow someone with a greater love for the role bring their energy and positive attitude to the role.
6 up, 0 down
daus26
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 11:54:43 AM
Reply
3 up, 1 down
jaybiv
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 12:07:27 PM
Reply
7 up, 0 down
Alienange
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 12:10:22 PM
Reply
3 up, 1 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 12:36:51 PM
Reply
7 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 12:49:51 PM
Reply
What a disgrace.
7 up, 0 down
Lawless SXE
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 12:54:52 PM
Reply
But seriously, why does this guy seem hell-bent on running Capcom into the ground with these statements? He's almost as bad as Kotick when it comes to making people dislike him. Either way, so be it. I don't have a great deal of respect left for him or his company.
Peace.
1 up, 0 down
Wissam
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 1:26:32 PM
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if he retire I will be in peace.he is saying a lot of annoying things lately. 5 years behind.
will laugh if you asked about a new onimusha.
0 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 1:46:52 PM
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9 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 2:21:38 PM
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Pssst, Keiji......Walmart's hiring!
4 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 2:50:52 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 3:14:18 PM
As a greeter.....
No, wait.....his pissy attitude actually dictates that he be the top "urinal scrubber"
Last edited by BikerSaint on 10/12/2010 3:14:56 PM
1 up, 0 down
McClane
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 3:28:49 PM
Seems about right, but maybe he can apply to the "crapper scrubber" position, considering only sh!t is what he's been supervising/producing recently...
Last edited by McClane on 10/12/2010 3:29:01 PM
2 up, 0 down
FM23
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 3:45:17 PM
Reply
1 up, 1 down
RX78Zero
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 4:30:06 PM
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Games like quantum theroy, Front Mission evovled, Dead Rising 2, Resident evil 5, and Final Fantasy 13 are not as great as they should be.
Japan has rich culture that's cappable of producing very good technology,creative ideals are abondant here but life can be strainuous on this small island.
Mr.Keiji should find his resovle for his personal problem however he needs to, if it means changing the structre of the company or assign a replacement.
And everyone else here needs to stop pointing the finger at him or Capcom, they put a good effort into making a game for another distance counrty.
But still, things don't transition well or some ideals don't work.
3 up, 0 down
Metallisnake
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 6:20:17 PM
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1 up, 0 down
Guest
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 7:08:05 PM
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Hideo's passionate, he's good at what he does, that "soul" shows in his games. I respect his opinion.
(Though I must admit I *still* want "Solid Snake" to find a youth formula and save the planet again, the dude frikkin rocks!!)
0 up, 0 down
Temjin001
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 7:38:39 PM
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mmmmh, Infamous...and Infamous 2... can't wait
=p
2 up, 0 down
Snaaaake
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 8:58:16 PM
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0 up, 0 down
___________
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 @ 3:15:57 AM
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honestly!!!!!
come live in my world carting 50KG+ condensing units up ladders in the poring rain!
id have his job over mine any day of the week!!!!!
why have Asian developers turned into whiny b*tches?
they have one of the best jobs in the world, they get paid one of the best salarys in the world, and there STILL complaining!
0 up, 0 down
Kiryu
Reply
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 @ 11:00:17 AM
The Last Guardian is actually 5 years ahead!