Keiichiro Toyama caused quite the stir in December when he left Sony and formed Bokeh Game Studio. The creator behind Silent, Gravity Rush and Siren is working on a new horror title, as outlined in the studio’s most recent video. Titled “Focus”, it sees Toyama discussing influences and ideas for the studio’s first game.
He noted that the direction for it is “quite dark, far from my more recent titles” and noted it to be a return to his horror roots. Though horror elements form the basis, Toyama wants to “keep an entertainment note” and ensure that players feel “exhilarated.” The theme that he wants to pursue is that of “everyday life being shaken. Rather than showing scary things, it should question our position, make us challenge the fact that we’re living peacefully. I like bringing this type of thoughts in my concepts. I would like that to be the theme of my next game.”
Another core theme is that of a “death game” where entertainment collides with “somewhat brutal worlds.” These types of games focus on normal people having to deal with extraordinary circumstances and thus become driven to the edge. While the overall gameplay and mechanics are still a ways off from being discussed, there was plenty of concept art shown throughout the video. Check it all out below and stay tuned for more details on what’s next from Bokeh Game Studio.