Keiichiro Toyama confirmed that they are hiring for a Bokeh Game Studio large-scale project. Following the 2024 release of Slitterhead, the studio is now hiring across multiple departments to support a more ambitious title.
Studio Growth and Recruitment
The company currently operates with 35 staff members. Every member of the current team has already transitioned to the new project. To meet the demands of the increased scale, Toyama is looking to grow the headcount by at least sixteen people.
The studio has listed openings for several roles:
- Development Roles: Programmers, artists, and game designers are needed immediately.
- Operations: The team is also looking for marketing staff to handle the upcoming project.
- Urgency: Most of the current listings are categorized as urgent hires.
A New Starting Line
Toyama described Slitterhead as a project that allowed the studio to reach a starting line. This suggests the previous game served as a foundation for the studio before it moved toward more complex development.
While specific details about the setting or mechanics are scarce, the studio confirmed that the project is not a sequel to Slitterhead. The goal remains to pursue originality and create experiences that are only possible through the specific creative vision of the team.
Beyond Slitterhead
While Slitterhead was an AA-scale title, Toyama views it as the studio “reaching a starting line”. This new title is expected to be significantly more ambitious in scope and resources. Although specific details are thin, the studio has confirmed that this project is not a sequel to Slitterhead.
The unnamed project likely aligns with a title Toyama first referenced in July of last year, suggesting the foundation has been in development for several months.
Editor’s Take
The shift toward a Bokeh Game Studio large-scale project is a strong signal that Toyama is ready to return to the prestige of his Silent Hill and Siren days. While Slitterhead was an interesting experiment in AA action, it often felt like a new studio finding its rhythm.
Calling Slitterhead a starting line is a very honest assessment for Toyama. It confirms that the studio was meant to be a bit more ambitious. The urgency of these hires shows they likely have the backing to pursue their most creative ideas yet. If the team can refine the mechanical rough edges found in Slitterhead, this next project has the potential to be a home run for Toyama fans.
Slitterhead is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X. It is currently on sale for $14.99 on Steam until March 19.
Source: AUTOMATON
