Platinum Games Says Only Making Original Titles is “Very Difficult”

Platinum Games’ original goal when it was established a decade ago was to create only original games but according to CEO Tatsuya Minami that isn’t easy, prompting the developer to make licensed titles in recent years.

In the most recent issue of Japan’s Famitsu Weekly, Minami explained the rationale behind the studio’s move into licensed game development. In the interview, which was translated by Kotaku, Minami said, “We used to have the idea that we wanted to be a studio that only made 100 percent original games. However, it turns out that only doing that is considerably difficult, and so now we take on various work.”

Making original IP is always risky but taking on well-established series such as Star Fox and Metal Gear – not to mention its adaptations of Korra, Transformers, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – allows the developer to take more risks when it comes to creating its own projects.

Game director Eiro Shirahama added that working on another company’s properties is not a negative thing in the company’s experience as they are given “tremendous freedom” by their clients. This allows Platinum to focus on doing what it’s best known for – making superb action games.

Platinum Games’ upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan will be released this summer for PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. The game was confirmed by publisher Activision last month after the game’s achievements list leaked online and a classification certificate was issued in Australia.

Check out some of the game’s screenshots here.