Toshihiro Nagoshi has explained how his first post-Sega, post-Yakuza company – Nagoshi Studio – will approach making games, and the goals for its debut project.

Speaking to IGN Japan, Nagoshi explained how he felt about leaving his extremely successful work at Sega behind for a new studio, backed by NetEase Games:

“Well, when the team and I decided to start a new studio, we knew we’d be leaving the content we had previously been working on behind. But I also have a strong mental attitude and a lot of ideas I would like to try, which could even surpass my previous work, so I was confident that leaving the old series behind will afford the chance to try new things.”

Nagoshi wouldn’t go into detail about his specific plot or gameplay ideas for a new project – which is still at least a few years away – but made clear that he and his team will be looking to replicate the global success of Yakuza, rather than scale back their expectations.

“We are influenced by movies and are interested in creating games that offer a high level of human drama,” Nagoshi explained. “That’s what we find fun. Just as before, I hope to create games in that vein that can reach a global audience. So you won’t find us making, like, smartphone puzzle games or whatever. Those games are fun, but what we’re good at and what the world expects from us is games with dramatic and moving stories, and that’s what we want to make. So that’s where our focus is.”

Asked if he already had an idea what that would mean for the first game, Nagoshi said, “Yes, as a game creator I have always had a number of things I’d like to do one day, and there is one idea in particular from my personal locker that I’d like to try to expand on now. Now the idea is slowly taking shape, with the input of the team.”

Nagoshi made clear that he wants to continue capturing human performances in digital characters, but didn’t go as far as saying he would be continuing the trend of using celebrity actors (like Judgment’s Takuya Kimura) in his games:

“When we started the Yakuza series, at that time it was common to design an original character and have them voiced by a voice actor, and anything beyond that was not considered important. We were able to break through that system, and in doing so we learned a lot. I don’t think we have perfected this approach yet, and I think we can achieve even more emotionally engaging performances, facial expressions and so on. So I do have the desire to keep improving on that. In the meantime, whether or not we decide to work with any particular actors, I think it’s important to keep fostering those connections.”

Similarly, when asked whether his new game would be set in a modern-day real-world setting like the recognisable Japanese locations of the Yakuza series or something more fantastical like the near-future of Binary Domain, Nagoshi commented that the needs of the drama will take priority over the setting.

“Looking at the sales of the Yakuza series, I think having an Oriental setting probably helped to make it feel more unique, but I don’t think that on its own would be enough to make it a million-seller. There must be something stronger, such as an emotional story, or the balance between gameplay and storytelling, and the overall quality being high. So for our next game to be a worldwide success, I don’t think the setting is that important. If the drama is good, then people in France will be moved by a Takeshi Kitano movie, and we in Japan can enjoy a movie from India. If the quality is good then anyone anywhere should be able to enjoy it. I want to return to that pure element of entertainment.”

The studio currently consists of around 10 people, and while they are currently hiring more staff, Nagoshi says he intends not to grow beyond 100. For now, the team is taking it slow and steady, and may not focus on much more than the first game idea, to avoid biting off more than they can chew:

“We haven’t decided how many projects to produce at once. But the studio will have a compact number of staff, which means it would be difficult to focus on several games at a time. So there are limitations. It’s possible that we will work on an extra project in tandem, but the basic idea is to work on one idea and put all of our energy into it, to release a first game that is strong and that is well received.”

As for when we’ll see Nagoshi Studio’s first game, that too remains a secret – but Nagoshi himself wants to do it sooner rather than later: “I like to be able to hear players’ feedback to the games we work hard to develop, to consider the reaction and adjust the end goal accordingly. So I hope to be able to show off the game as soon as it is in a condition that is good enough to share. And we will ensure the game is impressive when we do so. I don’t want to take too long.”

Nagoshi joined SEGA in its early arcade days and worked on such series as Virtua Racing, Monkey Ball, and more before founding Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and creating the Yakuza franchise. He confirmed that he was leaving the company last year, and announced the creation of Nagoshi Studio last month.

Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Capcom has launched a new website that is teasing an announcement for next weekend.

The countdown page, which gives no further information as to what it may be for, is set to end on February 20 at 10pm PT/February 21 at 1am ET/6am GMT/4pm AEST.

It's important to note that the Capcom Pro Tour 2021 season final is set to end next weekend, meaning this very well may be an announcement for Street Fighter 6 or something else in the legendary fighting series.

Street Fighter 6 was part of a massive data breach at Capcom alongside Dragon's Dogma 2, the Resident Evil 4 Remake, Monster Hunter 6, and more.

It's also possible we may learn more about the DLC for Resident Evil Village, Monster Hunter Rise's Subreak expansion, or even the possible remaster of Marvel vs. Capcom 2.

Whatever it may be, we won't have too long to wait. Let us know below what you'd most be hoping for from Capcom.

Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Capcom has launched a new website that is teasing an announcement for next weekend.

The countdown page, which gives no further information as to what it may be for, is set to end on February 20 at 10pm PT/February 21 at 1am ET/6am GMT/4pm AEST.

It's important to note that the Capcom Pro Tour 2021 season final is set to end next weekend, meaning this very well may be an announcement for Street Fighter 6 or something else in the legendary fighting series.

Street Fighter 6 was part of a massive data breach at Capcom alongside Dragon's Dogma 2, the Resident Evil 4 Remake, Monster Hunter 6, and more.

It's also possible we may learn more about the DLC for Resident Evil Village, Monster Hunter Rise's Subreak expansion, or even the possible remaster of Marvel vs. Capcom 2.

Whatever it may be, we won't have too long to wait. Let us know below what you'd most be hoping for from Capcom.

Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Kirby, a 20-week old Labrador Retriever playing in his rookie year in the prestigious Puppy Bowl, has been officially named the Puppy Bowl XVIII MVP. Hailing from Houston, TX, Kirby was the super star ultra with 4 TDs in a mass attack for his star allies as part of the 2022 Starting Line-Up at the 18th annual Puppy Bowl.

Puppy Bowl XVIII MVP (Most Valuable Puppy) award winner Kirby gave Team Fluff its best chance at adding the Lombarky Trophy to its dream collection with an avalanche of Touchdown runs, including scoring a double-touchdown blowout blast in the 3rd quarter. This star-stacker is training to be Super Kirby in real life, as a member of America's VetDogs, TX team of service dogs for first responders and American veterans.

Rival team Ruff in came to the Bissell Stadium hoping to create a nightmare in dream land for its opponents. The Puppy Bowl reigning champion Ruff squad squeaked out a win last year, stopping the three-peat dream course for Team Fluff. This year, the Ruff ball-blockers would have their paws full against Kirby's extra epic string of TDs. Team Ruff's Ted D. Bear had an amazing air ride of his own with a triple-deluxe of three scores.

Final score: 73 to 69, and Team Fluff are your new chompions -- an amazing mirror of 2021's 69-73 scoreboard tally!

Each and every one of these canine competitors left it all on the field in this year's big game. And in the end, no pup was left out in the cold, as Animal Planet found adoptive parents for the stars of the event. Puppy Bowl XVIII was one for the Hound Hall of Fame. Stay tuned to IGN for more information on Kirby as it becomes apparent.

Kirby, a 20-week old Labrador Retriever playing in his rookie year in the prestigious Puppy Bowl, has been officially named the Puppy Bowl XVIII MVP. Hailing from Houston, TX, Kirby was the super star ultra with 4 TDs in a mass attack for his star allies as part of the 2022 Starting Line-Up at the 18th annual Puppy Bowl.

Puppy Bowl XVIII MVP (Most Valuable Puppy) award winner Kirby gave Team Fluff its best chance at adding the Lombarky Trophy to its dream collection with an avalanche of Touchdown runs, including scoring a double-touchdown blowout blast in the 3rd quarter. This star-stacker is training to be Super Kirby in real life, as a member of America's VetDogs, TX team of service dogs for first responders and American veterans.

Rival team Ruff in came to the Bissell Stadium hoping to create a nightmare in dream land for its opponents. The Puppy Bowl reigning champion Ruff squad squeaked out a win last year, stopping the three-peat dream course for Team Fluff. This year, the Ruff ball-blockers would have their paws full against Kirby's extra epic string of TDs. Team Ruff's Ted D. Bear had an amazing air ride of his own with a triple-deluxe of three scores.

Final score: 73 to 69, and Team Fluff are your new chompions -- an amazing mirror of 2021's 69-73 scoreboard tally!

Each and every one of these canine competitors left it all on the field in this year's big game. And in the end, no pup was left out in the cold, as Animal Planet found adoptive parents for the stars of the event. Puppy Bowl XVIII was one for the Hound Hall of Fame. Stay tuned to IGN for more information on Kirby as it becomes apparent.

Ivan Reitman, director of iconic action comedies Ghostbusters, Stripes, and Kindergarten Cop, has died. He was 75.

Reitman passed away in his sleep at his California home on Saturday night, according to The Associated Press.

A respected director and prolific producer, Reitman was best known for his work on a large number of widely celebrated comedies. Reitman initially hit the big time when he produced John Landis’ college classic National Lampoon’s Animal House, before going on to direct Meatballs (1979), Stripes (1981), and Ghostbusters (1984).

Reitman went on to direct Arnold Schwarzenegger in a trio of the action icon’s most memorable comedies – Twins (1988), Kindergarten Cop (1990), and Junior (1994) – before scaling back his directorial work and increasing his role as a producer and executive producer. Reitman produced a wide range of films over several decades, culminating with 2021’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which was directed by son Jason Reitman.

Reitman was set to return to the director’s chair with the long-gestating sequel to Twins, Triplets, with Tracy Morgan joining original stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito as the pair’s long-lost third brother. Production on Triplets was due to commence this year.

The son of Hungarian Jews who survived the Holocaust, Ivan Reitman was born in Czechoslovakia in 1946, but grew up in Toronto, Canada after his family fled Eastern Europe as refugees when he was four years old.

Luke is Games Editor at IGN's Sydney office.

Ivan Reitman, director of iconic action comedies Ghostbusters, Stripes, and Kindergarten Cop, has died. He was 75.

Reitman passed away in his sleep at his California home on Saturday night, according to The Associated Press.

A respected director and prolific producer, Reitman was best known for his work on a large number of widely celebrated comedies. Reitman initially hit the big time when he produced John Landis’ college classic National Lampoon’s Animal House, before going on to direct Meatballs (1979), Stripes (1981), and Ghostbusters (1984).

Reitman went on to direct Arnold Schwarzenegger in a trio of the action icon’s most memorable comedies – Twins (1988), Kindergarten Cop (1990), and Junior (1994) – before scaling back his directorial work and increasing his role as a producer and executive producer. Reitman produced a wide range of films over several decades, culminating with 2021’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which was directed by son Jason Reitman.

Reitman was set to return to the director’s chair with the long-gestating sequel to Twins, Triplets, with Tracy Morgan joining original stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito as the pair’s long-lost third brother. Production on Triplets was due to commence this year.

The son of Hungarian Jews who survived the Holocaust, Ivan Reitman was born in Czechoslovakia in 1946, but grew up in Toronto, Canada after his family fled Eastern Europe as refugees when he was four years old.

Luke is Games Editor at IGN's Sydney office.

“What else is out there,” wonders an unseen narrator as the The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power teaser trailer fades in. It’s a trailer’s job to get viewers asking the right questions, but this feels like a particularly apt question given how little we know about the Second Age of Middle-earth.

Check out the trailer below.

Leading into Super Bowl weekend, Prime Video began to drop all kinds of tidbits for The Rings of Power. We’ve learned character names — which, let’s face it, half of the internet had guessed by the time they were released — more cast images, and have seen full pictures of some members of whatever odd fellowship will form as Middle-earth transitions from its time of peace into what will become an endless war for the rest of many creatures’ entire lifespans. And remember, there’s still way more to come so far as reveals go. We know little about the Second Age (because Tolkien wrote little about it) and the series touts a huge 22-person main cast that will span multiple storylines throughout the Lord of the Ri Rings of Power saga.

The quick, sixty-second Big Game Spot showcases a host of locales and gives us more of a glimpse at what will be iconic moments in the series like Mairon’s — the Ainur who will become Sauron — body engulfed in flame (at least we assume that's the dude chilling out in the fire) and Galadriel’s ascent. But the heady, character-driven stuff will be coming more down the line. This teaser seems to serve a different purpose. Storytelling is always a game of showing, not telling. You can hear over and over again that you’re going to be taken back to Middle-earth, but that awe comes from spectacle.

And that is perhaps the greatest success of this teaser trailer. It feels like The Lord of the Rings. While we learned of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power trailer well ahead of the Super Bowl, we had no way of knowing that it would be able to transport us back to a story many of us grew up with. Back are the sweeping forests, the grand palaces of the Elves, and the grand caves and caverns of the Dwarves. Like the Lord of the Rings trilogy before it, it seems that Rings of Power may once again succeed at balancing the serenity and dangers of Middle-earth.

The teaser hints at the danger to come for the would-be leaders of their varied lands. Though details are still pretty sparse for the upcoming series, we know that it will show us Sauron’s (currently Mairon) rise to power while an unsuspecting Middle-earth sits in a time of peace.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will premiere on September 2nd exclusively on Prime Video. “Shadow of the Past,” the series pilot, will be directed by J.A. Bayona.

If you’re dying to see anything else you can of the series, check out our behind the scenes video on how they made The Rings of Power title sequence.

Amelia is a Streaming Editor here at IGN. She's also a film and television critic who spends too much time
talking about dinosaurs, superheroes, and folk horror. You can usually find her with her dog, Rogers. There may be cheeseburgers involved.

“What else is out there,” wonders an unseen narrator as the The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power teaser trailer fades in. It’s a trailer’s job to get viewers asking the right questions, but this feels like a particularly apt question given how little we know about the Second Age of Middle-earth.

Check out the trailer below.

Leading into Super Bowl weekend, Prime Video began to drop all kinds of tidbits for The Rings of Power. We’ve learned character names — which, let’s face it, half of the internet had guessed by the time they were released — more cast images, and have seen full pictures of some members of whatever odd fellowship will form as Middle-earth transitions from its time of peace into what will become an endless war for the rest of many creatures’ entire lifespans. And remember, there’s still way more to come so far as reveals go. We know little about the Second Age (because Tolkien wrote little about it) and the series touts a huge 22-person main cast that will span multiple storylines throughout the Lord of the Ri Rings of Power saga.

The quick, sixty-second Big Game Spot showcases a host of locales and gives us more of a glimpse at what will be iconic moments in the series like Mairon’s — the Ainur who will become Sauron — body engulfed in flame (at least we assume that's the dude chilling out in the fire) and Galadriel’s ascent. But the heady, character-driven stuff will be coming more down the line. This teaser seems to serve a different purpose. Storytelling is always a game of showing, not telling. You can hear over and over again that you’re going to be taken back to Middle-earth, but that awe comes from spectacle.

And that is perhaps the greatest success of this teaser trailer. It feels like The Lord of the Rings. While we learned of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power trailer well ahead of the Super Bowl, we had no way of knowing that it would be able to transport us back to a story many of us grew up with. Back are the sweeping forests, the grand palaces of the Elves, and the grand caves and caverns of the Dwarves. Like the Lord of the Rings trilogy before it, it seems that Rings of Power may once again succeed at balancing the serenity and dangers of Middle-earth.

The teaser hints at the danger to come for the would-be leaders of their varied lands. Though details are still pretty sparse for the upcoming series, we know that it will show us Sauron’s (currently Mairon) rise to power while an unsuspecting Middle-earth sits in a time of peace.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will premiere on September 2nd exclusively on Prime Video. “Shadow of the Past,” the series pilot, will be directed by J.A. Bayona.

If you’re dying to see anything else you can of the series, check out our behind the scenes video on how they made The Rings of Power title sequence.

Amelia is a Streaming Editor here at IGN. She's also a film and television critic who spends too much time
talking about dinosaurs, superheroes, and folk horror. You can usually find her with her dog, Rogers. There may be cheeseburgers involved.

The official "big game spot" for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 from Super Bowl LVI has teased the epic battle between Sonic and Knuckles.

This new trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is packed with treats for fans, as not only do we catch a glimpse of a Chaos Emerald, but we also get a tease of Dr. Robotnik's giant mech that will surely cause.. well... even more chaos for our heroes.

If that wasn't enough, the official Sonic the Hedgehog Movie Twitter account also shared a few more looks at the upcoming film, including one where Dr. Robotnik is unsuccessfully eating a big bowl filled with popcorn.

It's bad enough the coin didn’t land on #Tails. Now we got Eggman rubbing it in. But don’t despair, advance screenings of #SonicMovie2 are still coming! Keep following for more ways to see it early. pic.twitter.com/K016cWeftT

— Sonic the Hedgehog (@SonicMovie) February 13, 2022

Another shows Dr. Robotnik breaking into Sonic's home in a very rude fashion and... you guessed it... eating more popcorn.

Gear up for the big game with this big bad mustache. Robotnik looks like he’s ready to play. First things first, the coin toss… Let’s go #Tails! pic.twitter.com/MVCP7Fc4d5

— Sonic the Hedgehog (@SonicMovie) February 13, 2022

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is set to be released in theaters on April 8, 2022, and the film will be part of IGN Fan Fest 2022, as we will have a panel discussion with some of the cast and crew.

For more, check out director Jeff Fowler's comments on which emerald appears in the trailer and why Knuckles voice actor Idris Elba thinks his character won't be "sexy" in the movie.

Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.