Ikumi Nakamura Discusses Her Upcoming Game, Artistic Vision, and the Influence of Horror in Gaming

Ikumi Nakamura, a distinguished Japanese developer, has significantly influenced the gaming industry, particularly in the horror genre. She is renowned for her contributions to acclaimed titles such as Kemuri, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and The Evil Within. Nakamura gained widespread fame after showcasing a trailer for Ghostwire: Tokyo during E3 2019, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike. However, her journey in game development began much earlier as a background production artist for the iconic game Okami at Clover Studios. Following the closure of Clover, she transitioned to PlatinumGames, taking on the role of a concept artist for the legendary Bayonetta.

Nakamura’s career is closely associated with prolific figures in the industry, including Hideki Kamiya from Clover and PlatinumGames, and she also served as an apprentice to Shinji Mikami, the visionary behind the Resident Evil series. In 2019, Nakamura departed from Tango Gameworks and announced in 2021 that she would establish her own studio, Unseen. By 2023, she revealed Kemuri, the studio’s inaugural project, which is currently in development. During BGS 2024, Screen Rant had the privilege of discussing her inspiring career trajectory and the exciting future of her work.

Insights on Kemuri

A Game Shrouded in Intrigue

YouTube Link to Kemuri Trailer

Though specifics about Kemuri remain scarce, the game was unveiled at The Game Awards 2023 alongside an evocative cinematic trailer. Kemuri is characterized as an action game that combines traditional Japanese folklore with modern cultural elements and anime aesthetics, set in a universe where supernatural phenomena lurk just beneath the surface of everyday life. Players will step into the shoes of a yokai hunter, engaging in dynamic, fast-paced combat.

The trailer suggests that Kemuri incorporates parkour-inspired mechanics for navigating a densely urbanized environment infused with cyberpunk influences. Players may have the opportunity to choose or create distinct characters, each possessing unique abilities, while encountering a diverse array of yokai-inspired creatures during their quests. Additionally, the game aims to explore “existential themes and moral dilemmas,” although the depth of these elements is yet to be fully disclosed.

As for the development timeline, Kemuri currently lacks a specified release window and intended platforms, with predictions suggesting the game is still evolving. Unlike larger AAA studios, Unseen operates on a smaller scale, employing approximately 60 staff members across developer and support roles including PR and community management.

A Discussion with Ikumi Nakamura on Influences and Inspirations

Influences from Early Career

Screen Rant: What are your top three games of all time?

Ikumi Nakamura: It’s a difficult question, isn’t it? The first two are
Devil May Cry
and
Resident Evil 3.
And the third is
Kemuri, which I am developing right now.

Screen Rant: How has your perception of art evolved from your work on Okami to Kemuri?

Ikumi Nakamura:
Okami
is stylized, and the experience I gained from it influenced the unique style of
Kemuri.
Kemuri
incorporates a Japanese artistic influence, complemented by American inspirations, such as those from
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse.
We also integrate a brush-like artistic style reminiscent of
Okami.

The Art and Multicultural Ethos of Unseen

Conveying Studio Ideals Through Kemuri

Screen Rant: How does Unseen differentiate itself through its commitment to art?

Ikumi Nakamura: Unseen places a strong emphasis on art, employing a diverse team from various backgrounds, which sets us apart from many other studios. I reached out globally to recruit talented individuals, not limited to Japanese artists.

This approach includes recruitment of artists with varied experiences. For instance, Liam Wong brings a background in photography that enhances our artistic perspective.
This diversity positively influences
Kemuri.

Ikumi Nakamura: A central message for both Unseen and
Kemuri
is multiculturalism. Unseen operates seamlessly across borders and values the integration of diverse ages, backgrounds, genders, and ethnicities. I believe this harmonious blend of talents fosters an environment that is vital for creativity.

Ikumi Nakamura’s Perspective on Horror

Exploring the Depths of Horror

Screen Rant: What draws you to the horror genre and its storytelling potential?

I believe horror uniquely explores the human condition in ways that other genres cannot.
It delves into various facets of human nature, effectively addressing our darker aspects. Such thematic depth is what makes horror an exceptional medium for storytelling.

Further details regarding
Kemuri
and its anticipated release should emerge as development progresses, with expectations set for 2025.

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