Legendary game designer Shinji Mikami has started a new chapter in his career with the launch of Unbound Games, a studio focused on developing original titles for modern gaming platforms. New information about the company reveals that its first project will be a high-end AAA original IP designed for consoles and PC.
Mikami, best known as the creator of the Resident Evil series, left Tango Gameworks in 2023 after leading the studio behind titles such as The Evil Within, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and Hi-Fi Rush.
Studio Founded in 2023
According to the official website, Unbound Games has been operating since May 2023, with Mikami serving as the representative director. The studio currently has around 50 employees, with plans to expand to approximately 150 developers in the future.
Unbound describes itself as a fully independent studio focused on creating high-end consumer games and building original intellectual properties.
First Project Powered by Unreal Engine 5
Job listings and studio details indicate that Unbound Games is currently developing a new original IP using Unreal Engine 5. The project is being built for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC, aiming to deliver a premium gaming experience.
While the studio has not revealed specific gameplay or story details yet, it has confirmed that the title is designed as a large-scale project for modern gaming platforms.
AAA Quality With a Focused Development Scope
In an interview on the company’s website, producer Masato Kimura explained that the team is aiming for AAA-level quality while keeping development more focused than typical large-scale Western projects.
He noted that many AAA games now require massive budgets and development teams working for several years. Instead, Unbound plans to create a project that still feels ambitious but with a more manageable scope.
The goal, according to Kimura, is to deliver an immersive experience without the enormous production scale seen in some global AAA titles.
Studio Encourages Creative Experimentation
Unbound Games also emphasized its flexible development approach. The studio encourages experimentation during production, allowing ideas to evolve as development progresses.
Kimura explained that the team frequently builds, tests, adjusts, and sometimes removes ideas entirely. This process is meant to help developers create something new rather than following rigid production pipelines.
Mikami’s Legacy in Gaming
Shinji Mikami is widely regarded as one of the most influential developers in the gaming industry. During his time at Capcom, he directed several landmark titles including the original Resident Evil, its 2002 remake, and Resident Evil 4.
In past interviews, Mikami has also mentioned that he hopes to direct one more major game before retiring, and his new studio could potentially be where that project takes shape.
What Comes Next
While details about Unbound’s first game remain limited, the studio’s focus on a new AAA original IP has already generated excitement among fans of Mikami’s previous work.
With development underway and the team continuing to grow, more information about the project is expected to emerge in the coming years.
