On March 3, one of the co-directors behind Visions of Mana, Kenji Ozawa, announced the creation of a new studio called Studio Sasanqua. According to Ozawa, the main objective of the new company is to protect creators and prevent them from meeting the same fate as Ouka Studios, which was shut down by NetEase right after Visions of Mana was released.
Visions of Mana is the latest entry in Square Enix's renowned Mana series, which came out more than 15 years after the previous installment. While Square Enix published Visions of Mana, it was developed by Ouka Studios, a NetEase subsidiary. However, in the same week the RPG launched, NetEase shut Ouka Studios down as part of its strategy to scale back its investment in Japanese studios.
More NetEase Development Studios Could Be at Risk
Even more NetEase Games studios are reportedly at risk of defunding and closure due to the company's ongoing cost-cutting efforts.
After Ouka Studios was closed, one of Visions of Mana's co-directors joined Square Enix. Now, seven months after Ouka shut down, the other co-director of the RPG, Kenji Ozawa, has announced the founding of his own game studio, Sasanqua. In an interview with Automaton, Ozawa said that "management needs to protect creators" and that, often, when management makes high-level decisions that turn out to be mistakes, all the responsibility falls on the developers, even though they have no say in those decisions. Ozawa stated that he will take full responsibility for poor management decisions in his new studio.
Visions of Mana Co-Director Announces New Studio
It is unclear what this dilution of developers means for the future of the Mana series. Square Enix announced a new medium-to-long-term plan last year, claiming it would invest more in its portfolio of renowned IPs and AAA releases, such as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, as well as some smaller titles. However, later last year, CEO Takashi Kiryu reiterated in a new statement that Square Enix would still produce mid-sized games, which is the category the Mana series falls into.
As for NetEase, Ouka Studios was neither the first nor will it be the last studio affected by the company. Recent reports revealed that NetEase laid off a Marvel Rivals US-based team despite the hero shooter's massive commercial success. There are reports that the company is trying to sell a couple of its studios and that, if a buyer isn't found, they could end up close even before shipping any game.
Visions of Mana
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 77 /100 Critics Rec: 71%
- Released
- August 29, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Ouka Studios, Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Franchise
- Mana Series
WHERE TO PLAY
Visions of Mana is a brand new title in this series revolving around the sacred sword and mana. The protagonist Val and his childhood friend Hinna, the newly appointed Alm of Fire, set off on a journey to the Mana Tree.
This game’s iconic vibrant and vast semi-open field contains adorable yet ferocious monsters, allowing you to enjoy swift three-dimensional battles using the power of the Elementals. Through adventures with friends met along the way, they start to see the truth about the world.
Must we accept our fates?
A new “Mana” tale begins here as a classic fantasy series returns to its roots.
Bold graphics full of characteristic “Mana” flair. The characters journey across a vibrant world alive with spirits.
Exploring the world: Explore the vast, semi-open world that stretches as far as the eye can see. Traverse the environment quickly and safely with new companions, the “Pikuls".
Harness the power of the Elementals: In this game, you will fight enemies using weapons that house the power of the Elementals. Change between different classes and characters to suit your playstyle and enjoy combat that has evolved both three-dimensionally and strategically.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
