Tetsuya Mizuguchi On REZ, Lumines, and Wii

MizuguchiThe genius behind Lumines, Tetsuya Mizuguchi, has been kind enough to reveal more about himself in an interview. The folks at Spong describe him as “sexy”, pointing out that girls love him, look at him in a daze, and hang on his every word. I’m not sure about that, but the fact that he created one of the most fun PSP game will make me agree that this guy is one hell of an interesting guy. The interview has him talking about the other game he’s famous for (REZ), Lumines, Lumines 2, and possibly developing games for Wii.

Since REZ is Mizuguchi’s original baby, it is but natural that industry insiders ask him whether he has plans of recreating it success. But since the game is currently licensed under Sega and Mizuguchi has now formed his own Q Entertainment, he refuses to comment as to whether he’ll be able to get the license rights to it. He does admit that he is “really interested” in making a next-gen REZ.

With regards to Lumines, which was his studio’s very first game, he says that he really wasn’t nervous when it was debuted on the PSP eventhough the game has a very novel concept. The game was conceptualized based on SCEI’s demonstration of its then new handheld console, which was packaged as “the new interactive video Walkman”. Made with only a small team (five or six), Lumines was first rejected by publishers because “There is no music game market, no puzzle game market.” Good thing Q Entertainment did not give up; Lumines is now being widely-received by PSP owners.

Now, Lumines will be having a followup. Lumines 2 will be published by Disney‘s Buena Vista Games (BVG). When asked how his company ended “up in bed with Disney”, Mizuguchi says it was more of a marketing and business decision rather than a creative one. Since BVG was “really aggressive” and had a good understanding of the game, Q Entertainment let them in on the project.

Mizuguchi went on to tell more about Lumines 2. He divulges that there are 100 new music tracks and the ability to play music tracks will also be included. He adds, “We have tracks from famous artists with videos… So I’m like the party organiser – Lumines One was the image of the party from when the sun sets to the morning. Right now we are contacting many artists worldwide, so it’s a great party, a great gig!”

The last thing that was discussed was Nintendo’s upcoming console, the Wii. When asked if his company has some plans for the Wii, Mizuguchi provides, “No. We haven’t even touched it yet. I’m thinking of it in the future though.”

Via spong

MizuguchiThe genius behind Lumines, Tetsuya Mizuguchi, has been kind enough to reveal more about himself in an interview. The folks at Spong describe him as “sexy”, pointing out that girls love him, look at him in a daze, and hang on his every word. I’m not sure about that, but the fact that he created one of the most fun PSP game will make me agree that this guy is one hell of an interesting guy. The interview has him talking about the other game he’s famous for (REZ), Lumines, Lumines 2, and possibly developing games for Wii.

Since REZ is Mizuguchi’s original baby, it is but natural that industry insiders ask him whether he has plans of recreating it success. But since the game is currently licensed under Sega and Mizuguchi has now formed his own Q Entertainment, he refuses to comment as to whether he’ll be able to get the license rights to it. He does admit that he is “really interested” in making a next-gen REZ.

With regards to Lumines, which was his studio’s very first game, he says that he really wasn’t nervous when it was debuted on the PSP eventhough the game has a very novel concept. The game was conceptualized based on SCEI’s demonstration of its then new handheld console, which was packaged as “the new interactive video Walkman”. Made with only a small team (five or six), Lumines was first rejected by publishers because “There is no music game market, no puzzle game market.” Good thing Q Entertainment did not give up; Lumines is now being widely-received by PSP owners.

Now, Lumines will be having a followup. Lumines 2 will be published by Disney‘s Buena Vista Games (BVG). When asked how his company ended “up in bed with Disney”, Mizuguchi says it was more of a marketing and business decision rather than a creative one. Since BVG was “really aggressive” and had a good understanding of the game, Q Entertainment let them in on the project.

Mizuguchi went on to tell more about Lumines 2. He divulges that there are 100 new music tracks and the ability to play music tracks will also be included. He adds, “We have tracks from famous artists with videos… So I’m like the party organiser – Lumines One was the image of the party from when the sun sets to the morning. Right now we are contacting many artists worldwide, so it’s a great party, a great gig!”

The last thing that was discussed was Nintendo’s upcoming console, the Wii. When asked if his company has some plans for the Wii, Mizuguchi provides, “No. We haven’t even touched it yet. I’m thinking of it in the future though.”

Via spong

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *