Experience Is More Important Than Graphics, According to Hideki Kamiya

Legendary action figure Hideki Kamiya made some striking statements about the state of the gaming world in a recent interview. Kamiya, creator of cult series like Bayonetta and Devil May Cry, emphasized that providing players with an unforgettable experience is far more important than focusing on the graphical prowess of modern games.

Hideki Kamiya: “The Soul of a Game Is the Experience That Makes It Unique”

Speaking to Japan-based Famitsu magazine, Hideki Kamiya assessed the evolution of the 3D action genre over the years. The veteran director stated that his priority when embarking on new projects is always “to create a gameplay mechanic unique to that game.” He cited the “Witch Time” system, which slows down time in Bayonetta, and the Celestial Brush mechanic, which allows the player to “shape the world with brushstrokes” in Okami, as examples.

Kamiya stated that graphical quality is a key element in enhancing the gaming experience, but the true magic lies in how it makes the player feel. “What matters to me is that it offers an experience I can only experience in that game. It’s this sense of uniqueness that excites me most about new games,” he said. This approach also explains why he can create a unique atmosphere in each of his projects.

The renowned director believes that the action genre has made significant progress today. Recalling the long-standing scarcity of 3D action games, Kamiya stated that they are now seeing many more games with “stylishness and combo-based” elements. “It’s incredible that someone can make a game today and produce such high-quality work,” he praised the new generation of developers.

Kamiya’s statements offer a different perspective on the graphics debate that has been growing in recent years. While the “visuals vs. gameplay” debate frequently takes place in gaming communities, Kamiya’s position is clear: What impacts the player isn’t the number of pixels on the screen; it’s the unforgettable feeling they experience while playing.

Meanwhile, as Devil May Cry 5 continues to break sales records thanks to its Netflix adaptation, Kamiya has expressed his desire to remake the original. It seems the master director has the same passion for both the past and the future—but the “game experience” remains at the heart of everything.

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