Shinji Mikami’s Unbound Studio Sets Course for AAA and AA Game Development

Following his departure from Tango Gameworks, acclaimed game director Shinji Mikami has established an independent studio named Unbound, aiming to deliver both high-end AAA titles and more focused AA experiences for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox platforms.

A Latest Chapter for a Veteran Developer

Mikami, the creative force behind iconic franchises like Resident Evil and Dino Crisis, founded Unbound in late 2022, with business operations fully underway by May 2023 [1]. This move signifies a return to creative independence for the director, allowing for greater control over project vision and execution.

Expanding the Team and Scope

Currently comprised of around 50 employees, Unbound plans to triple its headcount to approximately 150 developers [1]. The studio’s strategy involves a dual approach to game development, encompassing large-scale AAA projects alongside smaller, more experimental AA titles.

Key Collaborations and Expertise

Unbound has assembled a team of experienced developers, including Masato Kimura, a longtime collaborator of Mikami’s and the producer behind Ghostwire: Tokyo and Hi-Fi Rush [1], [2], [3]. Kimura emphasized the studio’s ambition to deliver high-quality experiences across different scales [2]. Other staff members have previously contributed to titles such as Silent Hill and Shadow of the Colossus [3].

Current Project and Technology

Unbound is currently developing a completely original AAA game built with Unreal Engine 5, targeting PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox platforms [2]. Kimura stated the project is “a AAA title for high-end consumers” [2].

A Balanced Approach to Game Development

The studio aims to create both massive, cinematic experiences and smaller, gameplay-focused titles, offering a diverse range of content for gamers [1].