2025 Speakers
Hideaki Itsuno, Head of LIGHTSPEED JAPAN STUDIO, LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS
Hideaki Itsuno is a highly respected Japanese video game director, with over 30 years of experience. He is known for his player-first approach to game design. His vision is to craft games that create lasting memories and bring people together. As the Head of LIGHTSPEED JAPAN STUDIO, Itsuno leads the development of original AAA action game titles. Itsuno has directed many beloved action game franchises, including “Devil May Cry” series, “Dragon’s Dogma” series, “Rival Schools”, “Power Stone”,” Street Fighter ZERO(ALPHA)” and “CAPCOM vs SNK” series. He has a strong track record of creating globally successful IPs and has been involved in every aspect of game development – from world-building and storytelling to overseeing large-scale projects. Itsuno has led teams of over hundreds of people and succeeded with both domestic and international studios. Notable successes under Itsuno’s direction include “Devil May Cry 5” (2019) and “Dragon’s Dogma 2” (2024). Itsuno believes that no matter what challenges you, if you commit wholeheartedly to making a game that resonates with players, you will achieve great results.
