Metroidvania RPG “Bloodcurse: Ritual of the Night” (game director and game designer Shutaro Iida (SHUTARO), who has participated in the development of many KONAMI “Castlevania” games) announced on October 1 that he has been diagnosed with cancer and will be After resigning from his job and focusing on his recovery, the sequel will be continued to be developed by the ArtPlay team.
“Castle of Blood” was created by “Galactic Castlevania Godfather” Koji Igarashi, with music by “Castlevania” series composer Michiru Yamane and famous musician Yamada Ippo. The story is set in 18th-century England, and the protagonist is The orphan “Millian” whose skin gradually turned into crystal was cursed by alchemy. In order to break her fate, she broke into a castle full of demons and defeated the devil and her former friend “Gibel”.
The game director of this game, Shutaro Iida, has participated in the development of many “Castlevania” works, especially as the chief programmer of the Nintendo DS masterpieces “Castlevania Blue Moon Cross” and “Castlevania Labyrinth Corridor”. After leaving KONAMI, he received fifty Koji Arashi was invited to join the ArtPlay studio he led and invested in the production of “Blood Curse City”.
“Bloodcurse City” was launched on PC, PS, and Xbox in June 2019. It combines 3D detailed objects with 2D side-scrolling changing scenes and has been well received by players. As of September 2023, sales have exceeded 2 million units. The final DLC will be released in June this year. Updated “Classic Mode II: Dominic’s Curse”.
“City of Blood” is planning to launch a sequel. Shutaro Iida said that he already has preliminary plot and gameplay ideas, but because he is undergoing treatment for cancer, he will resign as director and the team will take over the related work.
I, SHUTARO, also known as Curry Boy and Curry Sennin, was diagnosed with cancer and began my life fighting the disease.
For the sequel to Bloodstained, I have already come up with a story, a game, etc.
From now on, I will share the responsibility with you.Thank you for your support.
— Curry Hermit (@CurryHermit) October 1, 2024
Koji Igarashi and ArtPlay also reposted Iida’s tweet. Igarashi also revealed that the DS “Castlevania” series and “Blood Curse” are essentially led by Shutaro Iida. His withdrawal from development is a big loss to this game. , also stated that the team is working hard to promote the sequel and hopes that Iida will recover as soon as possible.
We all come together to support Director SHUTARO.
Please do not push yourself too hard and concentrate on your recovery.
I sincerely believe that I will get well soon and that we will be able to work together again.
I look forward to the day when we can all see each other in good health and pray for you. https://t.co/K1PPInSLiC— ArtPlay Official (@ArtplayInc) October 1, 2024
Up until now, the DS series and Bloodstained have essentially been produced mainly by director SHUTARO.
It can truly be said to be his work.
It’s a huge pain to have him away from the project, but I’ll do my best not to let that happen.
I hope you recover enough to work together again. https://t.co/YirZi5fYYD— IGA (@KojiIGA) October 1, 2024