Bayonetta Creator Reveals Secret to Game Success: Emotion Matters More Than Visuals

Hideki Kamiya, creator of Bayonetta and Devil May Cry, argues that in action games the core value lies in inventive mechanics and gameplay concepts rather than dazzling visuals.

“When I begin work on a new title, I always aim to conceive something distinctive — a mechanic that players can encounter only in that specific game.”

In Bayonetta that signature element took the form of Witch Time — a time-slowing effect triggered by a perfectly timed dodge. In Okami, the team implemented the Celestial Brush, which allows players to draw directly on the screen and alter the game world.

Kamiya emphasized that, as a player, he values the emotions evoked by fresh ideas more than polished graphics:

“I want to be captivated by unique moments that only one particular game can provide. Graphics naturally advance, but for me they come second.”

He also observed that modern 3D action games are experiencing a genuine renaissance. Where such titles were once rare, we’re now seeing stylish, high-energy projects built around combo-driven combat.

“Recently there’s been an increase in dynamic, visually striking games centered on attack combinations.”

Source: iXBT.games