Yoshitaka Murayama, the mastermind behind the beloved Suikoden series and the upcoming Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, has tragically passed away.
Murayama brought the Suikoden series to life in the 1990s, writing and directing the first three games before departing from Konami to pursue independent development. In 2020, he established Rabbit & Bear studios and launched a successful Kickstarter campaign for Eiyuden Chronicle, a spiritual successor to Suikoden.
Despite the game’s anticipated release in April, Murayama will not be here to witness it. Rabbit & Bear Studios confirmed his passing on February 6, attributing it to complications from an ongoing illness.
The studio stated, “Throughout the three-plus-year development of the game, it was always the passion from his fans that continued to drive his creative vision and motivate him to put his all into the project. We want to maintain his legacy and vision with this game and know that he would have wanted the rich world he has created with Eiyuden Chronicle to live on.”
Reflecting on Murayama’s passing, publisher Digital Bros expressed its sincere condolences, acknowledging his pioneering spirit and the tremendous impact he has had on the gaming world.
The future of Rabbit & Bear Studios and Eiyuden Chronicle will undoubtedly be affected by Murayama’s absence. The development team, as well as the wider gaming community, will undoubtedly feel the impact of his loss.