Sengoku Basara Producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi Joins NetEase After 27 Years at Capcom

Hiroyuki Kobayashi, a veteran producer who helped shape iconic franchises like 'Sengoku Basara', 'Devil May Cry', and 'Resident Evil', has officially announced his departure from Capcom—the company where he spent 27 years—as of March 31, 2022. He is now joining NetEase Games to continue his career as a producer, with further details on his projects expected to be shared in the future.

This announcement has sparked intense debate within the Chinese gaming community. Some players are already speculating on potential collaborations with popular titles like 'Naraka: Bladepoint', while others joked that hiring such a veteran might grant NetEase a metaphorical 'immunity' from criticism regarding their PvP game designs.

The status of NetEase’s Japanese branch, 'Sakura Studio', has also become a hot topic. Although the studio has yet to release a major title despite being established for some time, and has survived previous internal budget cuts, many wonder if Kobayashi's hiring is a sign of a major upcoming project. Sentiment remains divided: while some are excited to see what a top-tier industry veteran can bring to the table, others remain cynical, criticizing NetEase ('ZhuChang' - Pig Factory) for only collecting famous names without actually delivering finished, high-quality products.