LightSpeed Studios will focus on original IP in future games

LightSpeed Studiosa global game developer, said at GDC 2025 it is revealing the “Original IP Initiative,” a new strategic focus centered on developing original game titles.

Game industry veterans from LightSpeed Studios took the stage at GDC 2025, to reveal plans for its decisive focus on the creation of original IP.

Steve C. Martin will unveil updates from LightSpeed LA, the studio developing the highly anticipated triple-A open-world action game, Last Sentinel, while in parallel legendary game developer and head of LightSpeed Japan Studio, Hideaki Itsuno, will reveal that he has begun leading the early development of a new, unnamed original triple-A action game title. Both are projects that mark the next chapter in LightSpeed’s commitment to creating original game titles.

LightSpeed Studios commits to development of original game IP.

Recognizing that innovation drives player engagement, LightSpeed is sharpening its approach and announcing its commitment to empowering a network of self-sustained, independently run regional studios that will be focused entirely on developing original, cross platform game titles.

LightSpeed , best known for its work with established game title PUBG MOBILE (co-developed with Krafton, Inc.), is strategically expanding and building state-of-the-art development facilities around the world to support original game development.

This strategy enables its development studios, which notably includes LightSpeed LA, the newly established LightSpeed Japan Studio, along with teams across the world, a direct pipeline to LightSpeed STUDIOS’ centralized technical resources. This consists of LightSpeed’s latest R&D breakthroughs, which push the boundaries of graphics and performance to enhance in-game realism, as showcased in workshops during GDC 2025.

LightSpeed Studios Sets the Stage for a New Era for Japan Studio

Building on this approach, legendary game director and head of LightSpeed Japan Studio, Hideaki Itsuno, is revealing at GDC 2025 that he’s entering the arena and embarked on the early stages of bringing his own visionary triple-A game title to life.

Drawing on his extensive experience directing games and building incredible teams at Capcom that drove the remarkable successes of Devil May Cry, the Capcom Alpha series, Capcom VS. SNK, and many more iconic game titles, Hideaki is ready to apply the same principles of creative freedom, efficiency, and humility to assemble an outstanding team and create something truly groundbreaking.

“We’re building a creative environment that combines diverse cultural perspectives with cutting-edge technology,” said Hideaki Itsuno, general manager of LightSpeed Japan Studio, in a statement. “Our focus is on developing gameplay elements that offer players entirely new experiences – the kind of innovations that make players say I’ve never seen that in a game before.”

Leveraging global talent and nurturing creative freedom

Additionally, to foster fresh perspectives in original game development, LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is adopting a model that enables each studio to shape its own culture, advocating for original thinking within teams. Bringing to the table Eastern and Western game philosophies, LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is positioned to encourage regional teams to exchange ideas, blend cultural influences, and unite under a shared vision – creating truly global gaming experiences.

A standout example of this approach is being led by the VP of LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS, Steve C. Martin, known for his commitment to five-year development cycles. Focused on bringing his original AAA open world action title, Last Sentinel, to life, Steve has assembled a world-class, global team. Despite talent from prestigious studios like Rockstar Games, Meta and EA Games, LightSpeed LA has fostered not only a culture of creative freedom but ensures product efficiency, thanks to Steve’s emphasis on humility and a willingness to embrace constructive feedback.

“Any game studio’s ambition lies with developing original games. The creative freedom of creating your own lore from scratch, building a compelling narrative, and all the upsides from this is the dream of any studio, and that’s why LightSpeed Studios is the place to be,” said Steve C. Martin, who brings his extensive experience from Rockstar Games where he contributed to acclaimed titles including Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto V.”

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