Square Enix is boosting its RPG portfolio with a new title under development. And oh, it has brand new studio, as well.
The Japanese company behind the Final Fantasy franchise announced on Feb. 21 that it is developing a new RPG under the working title of Project Prelude Rune. The game is being developed by Square Enix's newest Tokyo studio called Studio Istolia.
The studio is being headed by Hideo Baba, who has 18 years of gaming experience and is known for being the former producer and manager of Namco Bandai's Tales series. Tales of Berseria is Namco's 16th title. Baba had worked on games such as Tales of Zestiria and Tales of Xillia.
Project Prelude Rune
Square Enix made the announcement in its corporate website. The new role-playing game's working title is Project Prelude Rune. According to Square Enix, the project aspires to create an RPG "with a new fantasy."
"Unfolding across a vast land teeming with life. Nurtured by the earth, the many peoples of this land dare to dream, fighting for what is just — and this is their tale," wrote Square in the post.
Not much information has been given but Square Enix said further details will be "revealed at a later time."
The company, however, also released a batch of promotional images for the Project Prelude Rune game.
Studio Istolia
Taking the lead on Project Prelude Rune's development is Studio Istolia, Square Enix's latest studio in Tokyo.
The name "Istolia" is derived from the Greek word for "story" and according to Square, it is "central to the studio's primary value." The studio's goal is to "provide unforgettable stories that will inspire players in their own lives, and bring new game experiences to everyone around the world."
Studio Istolia is headed by Hideo Baba, who has been in the industry for 18 years. He famously worked on Namco Bandai's Tales series, with the most recent being Tales of Zestiria.
In a recent interview, Baba revealed that he plans to "make a straightforward, middle-fantasy RPG. The world will have various races, such as Norse mythology, dwarfs, and elves." He also didn't want to change the "Baba-ness" of the game, which means retaining the "growth of the characters and strength of the message."
Baba also revealed that the studio mascot, which is still unnamed, was designed by Toshiyuki Itahana, designer for the Chocobo series.
On the day of the announcement, Square Enix also announced the studio's official website. Currently, it is looking for creative people to fill up its team to help develop the game. The following openings are:
Planners - Battle Planner, Map Planner, UI Planner,
Designers - Character Designer, Map Designer, Monster Designer, Motion Designer, Effect Designer, UI Designer
Programmers - Battle Programmer, Tool Programmer, Event Programmer, Sound Programmer, UI Programmer, Technical Support
For future updates, follow Studio Istolia's official Facebook and Twitter accounts.
