Monolith Soft's Ambitious Plans for Expansion

Monolith Soft, the creative force behind the beloved *Xenoblade Chronicles* series, is taking a monumental step forward by significantly enhancing its in-house game engine, thanks to the establishment of a new Research and Development (R&D) department. This strategic move, informed by insights from Chief Creative Officer Tetsuya Takahashi and lead programmer Michihiko Inaba, comes amidst ambitious plans for larger-scale development projects.

Insights from Inaba and Takahashi

In a revealing interview with the Japanese gaming outlet CGworld, Inaba shared that the current iteration of the engine is rooted in the technology they originally crafted for 2010's *Xenoblade Chronicles*. Their vision is to eventually hand over complete management of the engine to the dedicated R&D team, which is already hard at work. Different development teams are cooperating to enhance the engine's modelling and effect technologies, paving the way for a cohesive and powerful finished product.

The Benefits of an In-House Engine

Takahashi voiced his thoughts on the challenges of maintaining an in-house engine, emphasizing that the benefits far outweigh the hurdles. “We don’t currently have the option of using engines made by other companies,” he explained. He highlighted the crucial advantages of customization and ease of use, which are essential for the unique gameplay experiences Monolith Soft aims to create.

Collaboration with Nintendo and Future Prospects

The studio's ambition to form an internal R&D department has been a longstanding goal. Initially constrained by a limited workforce, they were unable to establish the team without impacting actual game development. However, their collaboration with Nintendo has revolutionized their operations. As development scales increased, so did the demands on the studio, creating an optimal environment for expansion.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Monolith Soft

With this new R&D unit led by Inaba, Monolith Soft is ultimately looking to refine their development process, improve toolsets, and explore new technological advancements. This decision appears to be a promising gamble as they prepare to launch future titles that may redefine the RPG genre.

Conclusion: A New Era?

Is this the dawn of a new era for Monolith Soft? Will their advancements in technology lead to groundbreaking gameplay experiences? Fans are eagerly waiting to find out! Stay tuned for upcoming announcements that could reshape the landscape of gaming as we know it!