Kenji Ozawa Launches New Studio After Leaving NetEase

Kenji Ozawa, co-director of Visions of Mana, has established a new game development studio called Sasanqua after leaving Ouka Studio, which was predominantly responsible for the RPG Visions of Mana published by Square Enix. Ozawa’s departure comes amidst reports of Ouka Studio facing major job cuts shortly after the release of the game. In an interview, he expressed a desire to create a studio where management decisions prioritize and protect the creators. Ozawa aims for Sasanqua to focus on developing smaller projects initially using Unreal Engine, with plans to transition to original PC and console games as the studio grows.

Kenji Ozawa's goals for Sasanqua include creating a studio where management supports creators and mitigating risks by taking direct responsibility for project outcomes. The plan is to start with smaller projects in Unreal Engine and eventually develop original titles for PC and consoles.

Visions of Mana, an RPG that released to favorable reviews, is part of a long-standing franchise that originally started in the early 90s. Its blend of action, storytelling, and multiplayer elements has garnered a dedicated fan base, making it a noteworthy title for RPG enthusiasts. The game's connection to the management issues faced by Ozawa at NetEase highlights ongoing challenges in the gaming industry regarding creator autonomy and project viability.