Putting the puzzle together
Virtual interview with Fumito Ueda about his new PlayStation 3 game

This virtual interview was put together by picking and sticking with each other all comments made by Fumito Ueda about his third game.

Team ICO Games Magazine UK: We do know that the platform for your next title will be the PlayStation 3. How has been developing for a machine that's so different from its predecessor?

Fumito Ueda: When we started looking what we could do for our third project we immediately realized that the next step forward was the 'next-generation.' We took our time to try and see what we could do with the PlayStation 3 and the ways we could use its power. There's so much freedom with the things you can do on this machine. The level of beauty will really become higher.

TIG: Are you encountering difficulties?

FU: When we started working on ICO ten years ago, we faced many challenges because we wanted to create something which did not exist. We are now facing a similar challenge with our new project. Production has not reached the critical stage and the company is very reasonable thanks to our achievements in the past. So, although I do normally get pressured, that’s not happened yet on the current project, and that’s something I feel gratitude for; that the company gives us the opportunity to focus by giving us time.

TIG: What about the PlayStation Network? Would you develop a title for that particular platform?

FU: Yes, I would work on a smaller-scale PSN game. As long as time permitted and I had the opportunity, yes.

TIG: We know that you can't possibly divulge details about what your new game is all about, but is there anything you could say?

FU: I can't say anything concrete about our next project, yes, but it may use the same theme of 'hold, and perform an action' from ICO and Shadow of the Colossus.

TIG: What key elements are you trying to introduce in this title?

FU: We are creating a game that its function is not just to kill time, but perhaps with a good story, something similar to the previous games. I'm also very interested that it will have a long lifespan. Right now we are looking at games with a lifespan of two and a half years, whereas I'm hoping for the player to be able to go through the content over and over again.

TIG: If we had to ask whether it's visuals or gameplay concepts that really drive your games, what would you answer?

FU: I think it is very difficult to choose what is the more important of the two. They both coexist in my games. Both are equally important. I cannot choose… But if the gameplay is based on collecting things or killing enemies, then I think the aesthetics are more important. In my new project I’m trying to combine both.

TIG: Is this title a direct sequel to either ICO or Shadow of the Colossus?

FU: I do not really like the idea of sequels. I want to try many new things. That is what I feel I have to do every time I start a new project.

TIG: Can you hint at when you will announce the game?

FU: We are very anxious and looking forward to the day when we can finally show it. Please wait a little more, we are sure you’ll like it very much.

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