Topic: New Capcom Studio Formed

[StrikerObi]

More games on the way!

CAPCOM® CO., LTD. ANNOUNCES THE FORMATION OF CLOVER STUDIO

TOKYO, JAPAN - April 21, 2004 - Capcom Co., Ltd. of Japan today announced the formation of Clover Studio, an independent studio funded by Capcom Japan, which will be established by July 1, 2004.  Atsushi Inaba, producer of the award-winning Steel Battalion(tm) and Steel Battalion(tm): Line of Contact for the Xbox(tm) video game system from Microsoft and Viewtiful Joe(tm) for the Nintendo GameCube(tm), will be named president and CEO.  The products Clover Studio will have in development include Viewtiful Joe(tm)2 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Nintendo GameCube, Viewtiful Joe(tm) for the PlayStation®2 and Okami (Japanese title) for the PlayStation®2 which is currently scheduled for release in Japan.  Capcom will be the distribution channel for Clover Studio's products.  

"Clover Studio was formed to look at games with a fresh eye and to provide an environment for game-creators to become 'masters of their craftsmanship,'" said Inaba.  "In creating the studio we wanted to choose a name and logo that represents our philosophy and vision.  We selected the four-leaf clover as our symbol because it signifies happiness and creativity.  The symbolic representation of 'Clover' is designed to convey our bold imagination and our approach to creating products, tempered by the delicate concerns of our craft.  CLOVER is also an abbreviation of "creativity lover," reinforcing our mantra even further.  The studio will work closely with Capcom to see that our vision for creating games becomes a reality," concluded Inaba.

"I'm pleased to support the formation of an independent studio whose mission is to develop creative games that are innovative and inspire the future of gaming," said Kenzo Tsujimoto, president and CEO, Capcom Co., Ltd.  "Clover Studio is a creative entity comprised of a group of talented game designers who have a proven record of developing awe inspiring games that push creativity and technology.  Clover Studio is good for Capcom and video gamers around the world."  

Other notable members joining Atsushi Inaba and Clover Studio are Shinji Mikami, the genius behind the masterpiece Resident Evil and Hideki Kamiya, the director for Devil May Cry.  The studio will open with 64 employees.

[SuperLink666]

Viewtiful Joe(tm) for the PlayStation®2

So they are getting the original too.. oh well we still got it way before ps2

[Ian Sane]

This is like the Capcom dream team.  Wasn't it Inaba who said that if VJ didn't sell that he wouldn't be allowed to make games anymore?  Obviously that turned out okay.

I can't think of a better idea than a team designed specifically with the focus of designing creative and innovative games.  The industry needs teams like these.  It's actually rather ironic that Capcom would start this group considering how infamous they are for milking sequels (Mega Man).

I really hope that they're strong Cube supporters.  So far all the games announced are available on the PS2 and while I admit that makes sense from a business perspective the Cube userbase is quite appreciative of innovative game design.  Plus let's not forget that if we didn't go out and buy VJ odds are this studio wouldn't even exist.

[Perfect Cell]

I wont have any problems with VJ on PS2, if Devil May Cry comes to GCN  

[KDR_11k]

I hope we'll be seeing their games on GC, GBA or PC (since those are the only systems I own )

[couchmonkey]

I'm all for it! I just hope products coming out of Capcom's other studios don't go down the toilet after losing all these big names.

[Djunknown]

"Creativity Lover?" Now that's Engrish for you!

So will the RE series have someone else at the helm, seeing as how Mikami got personally involved with RE 4 and all?

Dead Phoenix, anyone? Nah. That's madness. Forget I said anything.

EDIT: Fixed some typos.

[pyrokamileon]

Devil May Cry and Dead Pheonix for the Cube...  at least I can dream...