Mega Man artist and Mighty No. 9 creator Keiji Inafune has been a huge name in the industry for nearly four decades, so you could say he’s got a fair bit of experience. Recently, the producer gave a talk at South Korea’s Console Game Developer Conference 2025, and has a few strong words for developers and publishers relying on big IPs and genre trends.
Reported on by ThisIsGame (via Automaton), Inafune was critical of studios that rely on those established brands and IPs or just shoot for “genre trends” because they’re supposedly guaranteed to make money.
“I’m not saying it’s bad to continue existing franchises or make games that riff on popular genres,” Inafune states (translated via machine by Automaton), “What I mean is that these shouldn’t be the only games being made.”
It’s hard to argue with that, though obviously every studio is going to vary. Nintendo has a huge range of IPs to dip into, for example, and while we see regulars such as Mario, Pokémon, and Zelda pop up every other year (or sometimes every year), the Big N occasionally dips into its deeper past (Rhythm Heaven in 2026, anyone?).
In terms of “popular genres”, looter shooters, Battle Royales, and extraction shooters are all carrots the industry has been trying to chase for years with varying results.
In his speech, Inafune mentioned “Monster Hunter-style” and “Final Fantasy-style” games and that, back in his day, new concepts were “simply the norm” and put down his own success to jumping between different projects, even though he spent the most time working on the Mega Man series.
He told the audience that his success “was possible because I didn’t dwell on my past hits”, and that the industry has taken a much more “defensive” stance as the industry has matured.
While he understands that business may need to fall back on the more-popular things, “when considering the essence of game development and the passion for creation, it should not become the entirety of the gaming scene.”
Inafune has indeed had an extremely varied career, worked as a graphic designer on Street Fighter, various Disney Capcom games, producer on the DualShock release of Resident Evil, the Onimusha series, executive producer on Lost Planet, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, Ghost Trick… we could list hundreds.
Post-Capcom, Inafune has worked with Inti Creates on the Azure Striker Gunvolt series and launched the hugely successful Kickstarter for Mighty No. 9, a game which was heavily inspired by Mega Man and, unfortunately, turned out to be a critical flop. In 2022, he announced an NFT project called Beastroids, once again inspired by Mega Man.
Inafune also joined Level-5 after the purchase of Comcept in 2017, eventually working as producer on Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time. He left the company in 2024, with Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino saying that following his departure, “we had to reassess and restructure the project”. He has since joined Rocket Studio.
What do you think of keiji Inafune’s words? Do you wish there was more variety from the big game developers? Let us know in the comments.
[source thisisgame.com, via automaton-media.com]
These shouldn’t Be The Only Games Being Made
The Problem with Genre Saturation in Gaming
The video game industry has witnessed astonishing growth over the last few decades. though,one persistent problem remains: the oversaturation of certain game genres in the market.When prosperous styles-like battle royale games,first-person shooters,or endless runner mobile games-dominate the development landscape,it stifles creative diversity and limits player experience. These shouldn’t be the only games being made.
Players crave innovation and fresh perspectives. When every game looks, plays, or feels the same, the industry risks losing its vibrance and long-term engagement.
Why Variety Matters: Benefits of Diverse Game Development
Including a variety of game types and themes is vital for the health of the gaming ecosystem. Here are some vital reasons why:
- Encourages Creativity and innovation: Games that experiment with new mechanics or storytelling can revolutionize how we play.
- Broader Audience Reach: Different demographics have different preferences.Diverse genres cater to varied tastes.
- Fosters Inclusion and Representation: Unique cultural perspectives and non-traditional narratives help players feel seen and valued.
- Prevents Market Saturation: avoiding repetitive game formulas keeps players excited and willing to invest.
- Increases Longevity: Variety in game libraries encourages players to explore and come back for more.
Current Gaming Trends: Too Much of The Same?
Platforms like Poki offer incredible variety by including everything from casual games to strategy and adventure titles. Yet mainstream AAA developers frequently enough stick to tried-and-true formulas due to financial pressures.
For example, relentless production of similar side-scrollers or pixel-art inspired platformers, like the popular free game Level Devil (https://poki.com/en/g/level-devil), highlight the comfort developers find in classic genres.
table: Popular Genres vs Emerging Innovations
| popular Game Genres | Emerging Innovations |
|---|---|
| Battle Royale | Asymmetric Multiplayer |
| Open-World RPGs | Procedurally Generated Worlds |
| Platformers | Experimental Narrative Games |
| Sports Simulations | Augmented Reality Integration |
| Mobile Endless Runners | educational & Serious Games |
Case Study: Successful Indie Titles That Broke the Mold
Indie developers are often the vanguards of innovation in game development. Their freedom from large publisher constraints allows for risk-taking that can lead to breakout hits.
- “Journey” – A minimalist, emotionally driven adventure that shifted how players engage with each other in-game.
- “Hades” – Combines rogue-like gameplay with rich storytelling and character development, defying the typical perception of action games.
- “Papers, Please” – An unconventional “document-checking” game that delivers a powerful narrative on bureaucracy and choices.
These games show that players welcome unique concepts – and that the market rewards innovation.
Practical Tips for Developers to Foster game Diversity
If you’re a game developer or studio wanting to break the cycle of repetitive game design, consider these practical approaches:
- Experiment Early: Prototype outlandish ideas without fear of failure to discover hidden gems.
- Gather Diverse Feedback: Engage with a wide audience during development to understand different player preferences.
- Blend genres: Mix elements from different game types to create fresh gameplay experiences.
- Highlight Unique Stories: Incorporate underrepresented cultures and narratives to attract new players.
- Leverage emerging Tech: Use VR, AR, or AI to add new dimensions to gameplay.
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Platforms such as Poki demonstrate the effectiveness of letting players try genres ranging from traditional side-scrollers to clever, reflex-testing games like Level Devil-showcasing that varied content thrives better then uniform releases [[1]](https://poki.com/)[[2]](https://poki.com/en/boy)[[3]](https://poki.com/en/g/level-devil).
How Player Experience Benefits From Diverse Game Offerings
A gaming library filled with diverse genres and unique mechanics doesn’t just support creators-it elevates player satisfaction.Here’s why:
- Revelation and Exploration: Players can constantly find new challenges and experiences.
- Better Accessibility: Games designed for different skill levels and interests make gaming inclusive.
- Stronger Community Building: Varied game types bring together distinct player groups, fostering vibrant communities.
Summary Table: Impact of Diverse Game Development
| Impact Area | Player Benefit | Industry Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Innovation | Fresh gameplay that excites | New market trends, higher risk/reward |
| Player Engagement | More sustained playtime | Increased sales and brand loyalty |
| Inclusion | Gameplay for diverse demographics | Expanded global audience |
