Game designer Shinji Mikami, creator of Resident Evil, established Unbound Inc. in 2022, commencing operations in May 2023. The studio is developing a high-end AAA original IP using Unreal Engine 5 for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC. South Korean developer Shift Up, known for Stellar Blade, has acquired Unbound Inc. to expand its global publishing and development capabilities.
Studio Formation and Leadership
Shinji Mikami, a veteran game designer credited with creating the Resident Evil series and founding Tango Gameworks, established Unbound Inc. in 2022. The studio began its operations in May 2023, following Mikami's departure from Tango Gameworks that same year (with one report specifying February 2023). Mikami serves as the representative director for Unbound Inc.
Masato Kimura, a producer who previously collaborated with Mikami on titles such as Ghostwire: Tokyo and Hi-Fi Rush, is also a key member of the Unbound team.
Development Focus and Philosophy
Unbound Inc. aims to develop original intellectual property (IP) with a focus on high-end consumer games, ranging from AA to AAA in scope. The studio's debut project is confirmed as an original IP being developed with Unreal Engine 5, slated for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox platforms, and PC.
Masato Kimura has characterized the current AAA project as targeting high-end consumers and striving for "AAA quality and AA content." This approach acknowledges the scale differences compared to some overseas AAA productions, which often require extensive resources and prolonged development cycles. The studio's objective is to deliver a rich and immersive gaming experience.
Unbound Inc. describes its development environment as flexible, encouraging repeated trial and error and an experimentation-driven production style.
The studio currently employs approximately 50 individuals and has stated intentions to expand its workforce to around 150. Its staff includes individuals who have previously contributed to prominent game series such as Silent Hill, Resident Evil, Shadow of the Colossus, and Hi-Fi Rush.
Acquisition by Shift Up
South Korean game developer Shift Up, known for titles like Stellar Blade, has acquired Unbound Inc. The specific financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
The acquisition's stated purpose is to strengthen Shift Up's global PC and console publishing capabilities and enhance its global development competitiveness. Shift Up is set to publish Unbound Inc.'s future titles and provide support for building the studio's global service capabilities.
Shinji Mikami commented that the partnership would enable Unbound Inc. to prioritize its creative process. He cited a strong alignment between his creative vision and Shift Up's strategic direction, noting a significant synergy with Shift Up CEO Hyung-Tae Kim, whom he recognized as an active creator.
Hyung-Tae Kim stated that uniting with Unbound and Mikami would bolster Shift Up's development capabilities and expand its publishing footprint, aiming to provide gaming experiences to users worldwide.