While prominent teams in Japan from the likes of Sega, Capcom, and Square Enix remain to be one of the most definitive publishers for content in the east, Bethesda does as well. With Tango Gameworks, the team has conjured multiple IP that holds attention from both its native country as well as the west. Most recently, the firm did this with its surprise launch for Hi-Fi Rush in late January.

Part of that is thanks to the leadership helmed by Shinji Mikami. Originally the director for Resident Evil 4 went on to form Tango and oversee the developer for more than a decade with The Evil Within & GhostWire: Tokyo. Mikami did explain that he wants to give new minds the keys with John Johannes & Kenji Kimura on Hi-Fi & GhostWire respectively to offer fresh ideas that breaks the formula of veteran developers such as himself.

Now this week, Tango Gameworks reveals in an email to TrueAchievements that Shiji Mikami is to officially leave the game studio later in 2023. senior vice president of development at Bethesda Todd Vaughn issued a company-wide email disclosing the decision which you can read below:

“I am writing today to let you know that studio head Shinji Mikami has decided to leave Tango Gameworks in the coming months. Mikami-san has been a creative leader and supportive mentor to young developers at Tango for 12 years through his work on The Evil Within franchise, Ghostwire: Tokyo, and of course, Hi-Fi RUSH.” Currently, there is no set date for when Mikami is to state his final farewell to Tango Gameworks.

The decision does come at a surprise when reflecting on Mikami’s previous statements. In that, he did press in one interview that he would appreciate directing one more project. And noticing the little involvement Microsoft has in the development process with other teams – it appeared a clear pathway for this to happen. You can read the full report by heading here.

What do you think about Shinji Mikami leaving Tango Gameworks?

Source: TrueAchievements