“These Shouldn’t Be The Only Games Being Made”

Mega Man illustrator and Mighty No. 9 innovator Keiji Inafune has been a prominent figure in the sector for almost four decades, so one could argue he possesses considerable expertise. Recently, the producer delivered a presentation at South Korea’s Console Game Developer Conference 2025, sharing some pointed remarks for developers and publishers depending on major IPs and genre fashions.

Reported by ThisIsGame (via Automaton), Inafune criticized studios that depend on established brands and IPs or merely chase “genre fashions” since they’re perceived as a sure way to generate revenue.

“I’m not suggesting it’s wrong to continue existing franchises or create games that draw from popular genres,” Inafune comments (translated via machine by Automaton), “What I imply is that these shouldn’t be the sole games produced.”

It’s challenging to dispute that, although clearly every studio will differ. Nintendo boasts an extensive array of IPs to explore, for instance, and while we often see staples like Mario, Pokémon, and Zelda appear every couple of years (or sometimes annually), the Big N occasionally revisits its deeper history (Rhythm Heaven in 2026, perhaps?).

Regarding “popular genres,” looter shooters, Battle Royales, and extraction shooters are all trends the industry has been striving to pursue for years with mixed results.

In his address, Inafune referred to “Monster Hunter-style” and “Final Fantasy-style” games, noting that in his earlier days, new ideas were “simply the standard” and attributed his own achievements to shifting between varied projects, even though he dedicated the majority of his time to the Mega Man franchise.

He informed the audience that his success “was achievable because I didn’t linger on my prior successes,” and that the industry has adopted a much more “defensive” approach as it has evolved.

While he recognizes that businesses may need to rely on the more popular options, “when reflecting on the fundamentals of game development and the zeal for creation, it should not become the entirety of the gaming landscape.”

Inafune has indeed enjoyed a remarkably diverse career, having worked as a graphic designer on Street Fighter, various Disney Capcom titles, serving as a producer on the DualShock release of Resident Evil, the Onimusha series, executive producer on Lost Planet, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, Ghost Trick… we could enumerate hundreds.

Post-Capcom, Inafune collaborated with Inti Creates on the Azure Striker Gunvolt series and initiated the hugely successful Kickstarter for Mighty No. 9, a title which was profoundly influenced by Mega Man and, regretfully, emerged as a critical disappointment. In 2022, he announced an NFT initiative named Beastroids, again inspired by Mega Man.

Inafune also joined Level-5 following the acquisition of Comcept in 2017, ultimately serving as producer on Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time. He departed the company in 2024, with Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino stating that following his exit, “we had to reevaluate and reorganize the project”. He has since joined Rocket Studio.

What are your thoughts on Keiji Inafune’s remarks? Do you desire more diversity from the major game developers? Share your opinion in the comments.