Shinji Mikami launches independent AAA studio Unbound targeting rich, immersive original IP
Summary
Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami founded *Unbound* in 2022, now operational with ~50 staff
Studio targets *AAA quality at AA scale* — original IP for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
Fully independent structure signals Mikami's long-term creative autonomy post-Tango Gameworks
"Aiming for AAA quality and AA content, which is why we're creating a title that offers a rich gaming experience and allows you to be completely immersed in its world." - Masato Kimura, Unbound
01
Studio profile and founding
Founded *2022*, operations began *2023*
*Fully independent* — no publisher parent disclosed
~50 current staff, targeting growth to *150*
Platforms: *PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC*
Focus: *original IP*, AAA development
02
Key talent anchoring the studio
*Masato Kimura* joins as a core collaborator
Kimura's resume includes *Resident Evil* and *Devil May Cry*
Long-time creative partner of Mikami — signals continuity of creative DNA
03
Development philosophy
Targets the *AAA quality / AA scale* sweet spot — immersive worlds without AAA bloat
"Creating something new requires repeated trial and error, implementation and modification, tinkering, and sometimes even deletion." - Masato Kimura, Unbound
Iterative, fluid production style — build, break, rebuild
Studio explicitly seeks developers who *thrive in ambiguity and constant change*
04
Broader Mikami activity
Mikami departed *Tango Gameworks* in February 2023
Also founded *Kamuy* in 2024 — surfaced via Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered credits
Two active studio ventures signals high entrepreneurial momentum post-corporate career
05
What to watch
Unbound's first title remains *unannounced* — reveal timing will be a major market signal
Talent recruitment push toward 150 staff suggests *active pre-production or early production* phase
Independent AAA model will be closely watched as a test case for mid-scale original IP viability
Explore more: partnerships and co-development
Events
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Locations
Japan
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