Silent Hill icon says Sony's desire for more big-budget games at Japan Studio was at odds with his "motive" to "always" create original games

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Keiichiro Toyama speaks on his departure

Slitterhead demo
(Image credit: Bokeh Game Studio)

Slitterhead director Keiichiro Toyama says Sony wanted Japan Studio to make "more highly budgeted games" before it was ultimately closed.

Speaking to VGC in a new interview, Toyama, who departed PlayStation's Japan Studio in 2020, reflected on what Sony wanted from the studio itself. "With Sony, there was an increasing motive to make more highly budgeted games, and it wanted to go that way with the Japan Studio brand," Toyama says.

"My motive was always to create original games. I feel I can do this without a massive budget. This allows me to express myself as well. By going independent, this has allowed me to do that. From my time at Sony, I feel like I’m accomplishing what I want to do," Toyama continues.

Hirun Cryer
Hirun Cryer

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.