Why was beloved Macross rhythm game Uta Macross able to make a comeback? Former Square Enix producer Kei Hirono talks about the challenge of preserving live-service games
Interview with AUGUST representative and Uta Macross producer Kei Hirono.
VERACITY IN GAMING
VERACITY IN GAMING
AUTOMATON WEST
Delivering gaming news from Tokyo/Osaka Japan.
The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy’s SRPG gameplay was designed as the “exact opposite of Fire Emblem.” The adrenaline rush of throwing away characters’ lives
Interview with The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academu battle director Akihiro Togawa on the game's strategy RPG design.
What will it take for SRPGs to leave the hardcore gamer niche? We talk to The Hundred Line and Persona 5 Tactica developer about the genre’s potential
AUTOMATON interview with The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy developer Akihiro Togawa on the SRPG genre.
To the Moon creator explains why he still makes games with RPG Maker. The “just right” simplicity that lets you focus on the creative sides of development
Interview with To the Moon developer Kan Gao about making games in RPG Maker.
The official August newsletter for Steam’s chaotic roguelike Elin has been released. Little Sister-roids combine into a giant Little Sister called “Imoutomaton” and attack!
Elin State of the Game – July 2026Elin State of the Game – August 2026edition of Elin's official newsletter.
FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods isn’t the “PvPvE” you’re probably imagining. Miyazaki talks game design, emphasis on “role-playing,” and offering enjoyment beyond pure skill
Joint media interview with The Duskbloods director Hidetaka Miyazaki.
Dead by Daylight devs advise the Obakeidoro team: Should developers trust data or user sentiment? Why is the Japanese player base so unique?
Part 2 of AUTOMATON WEST’s roundtable interview with the developers of Obakeidoro and Dead by Daylight.
Re:Night is a high-difficulty, mentally demanding SRPG x elemental deckbuilder, out now on Steam. A veteran SRPG developer breaks down what makes this game a “time thief”
Re:Night immediately brings the SRPG genre to mind. With that in mind, we called Akihiro Togawa, who loves SRPGs and has developed them at Tookyo Games, to play the game for us.
“Dead by Daylight is like an older brother to Obakeidoro.” Devs discuss asymmetrical multiplayer, their senior-junior relationship, and why winning is not everything
Part 1 of AUTOMATON WEST’s roundtable interview with the developers of Obakeidoro and Dead by Daylight.
Final Fantasy VII Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi addresses rumors about the grand finale, Advent Children ties, and possible DLC
Part 2 of AUTOMATON West's Final Fantasy VII Revelation interview with game director Naoki Hamaguchi.
After Final Fantasy VII Revelation’s reveal, the trilogy has been “selling extremely well.” Director Naoki Hamaguchi on player feedback, the blessing of a heated fandom, and physical games
Interview with Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy.
Acclaimed daughter-raising sim Volcano Princess aimed to reassure players that “any life you lead is equally wonderful.” Developers reflect on the game’s breakout success and new Complete Edition
Interview with the creators of Volcano Princess ahead of the game's major Complete Edition release.