A Creative Chasm: Hideki Kamiya Says Canceled Scalebound Would Have Been a Different Story With a Japanese Publisher

The cancellation of Scalebound remains one of the most painful “what-ifs” in modern gaming history. The ambitious action RPG from the revered developers at PlatinumGames, a studio known for its stylish and original works, was set to be a major exclusive for Xbox. But after years of development, the project was unceremoniously axed in 2017. While the reasons for the cancellation have been a topic of much speculation, the game’s director, Hideki Kamiya, has offered a new, insightful perspective. In a recent interview, Kamiya stated that he believes the game’s development “could’ve been different” with a Japanese publisher, citing fundamental differences in creative philosophy between Eastern and Western companies.

The Cultural Divide in Game Development

In a wide-ranging interview with VGC, Kamiya, who recently left PlatinumGames to form a new studio, Clovers, discussed his experiences working with various publishers throughout his career. He drew a clear distinction between the development culture of Japanese and Western publishers, stating that the former “tend to be more understanding toward creators” and the struggle of “trying to give birth to something new.” Kamiya views game development as a form of invention, a process of creating unique mechanics that have no clear reference point, such as Bayonetta’s “Witch Time” or Okami’s “Celestial Brush.” He explained that Japanese publishers, in his experience, are more patient and willing to watch over this creative, and often messy, process. “On the Japanese side, my impression is that they see you’re trying to make a new invention,” he said, “and they watch over the process with patience.”

In contrast, Kamiya said that working with foreign companies, like Microsoft, often comes with a different set of pressures. He noted that when a new idea hasn’t fully taken shape, there is a tendency for Western publishers to demand a more concrete vision. He also cited the market’s overabundance of established genres, like first-person shooters, implying that Western publishers often feel safer following a proven format rather than taking a risk on a new, unproven concept. This cultural chasm, according to Kamiya, was a key factor in Scalebound’s tumultuous development.

• Patience vs. Pressure: Kamiya’s commentary highlights a creative divide where Japanese publishers are more patient with the creative process, while Western publishers often prioritize a quick, visible return on investment.
• Creative Risk: The struggle of Scalebound was in its core gameplay—a unique blend of human and dragon control—which had “no clear reference or format,” making it an easy target for doubt.

A Different Outcome? The Legacy of a Canceled Dream

When asked directly if Scalebound would have gone differently with a Japanese publisher, Kamiya was candid. “I do think it would’ve been different,” he said, while also being careful to stress that he did not believe a Japanese publisher would have guaranteed the game’s completion. Instead, he believes the “process itself would have played out differently.” Kamiya suggested that with a Japanese partner, “the conversations would have been more positive, like, ‘Okay, so how should we approach this together?'” rather than the more rigid and results-driven discussions he felt he had with Microsoft.

However, Kamiya was quick to take full responsibility for the game’s failure, stating that the cancellation was ultimately “the responsibility of PlatinumGames, myself as director included.” He noted that the experience was a valuable lesson and that if he were to collaborate with a Western publisher again, he would be better equipped to navigate the cultural differences. Kamiya’s comments are a rare and invaluable look behind the scenes of a high-profile game cancellation, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities of global game development. While Scalebound may never see the light of day, its legacy as a cautionary tale continues to offer crucial lessons about the delicate balance between creative freedom and commercial viability.