Yoshitaka Murayama, the creator of Suikoden, director of Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, and head of Rabbit & Bear Studios, has passed away at 55 following complications from an ongoing illness.
The sad news was announced by the Eiyuden Chronicles account on Twitter, with an accompanying statement from Rabbit & Bear Studios. Murayama passed last week, and the developer pledged to honour the storied creator's legacy through his final work, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes:
"His hard work on Eiyuden Chronicle as scenario writer was finished, but as his co-workers and friends, it saddens us to know that he won’t get to see reactions from his fans. However, even with those feelings, we need to accept the reality that he is no longer with us and continue to push his dream forward by releasing Eiyuden Chronicle to the world."
How Murayama's passing affects the logistics of the studio will be addressed at a later date, and his family has asked for privacy during this time but thanks well-wishers for their support. Hundred Heroes is billed as the true spiritual successor to the legendary Suikoden series of JRPGs and is only a few months away, releasing on PS5 and PS4 on 23rd April 2024. Pay your respects in the comments section below.
[source twitter.com]
Comments 11
Very sad news. The Suikoden series is truly over now. We will never see Harmonia in it's true glory.
Maybe Konami will do something with it, but likely it won't end well.
Eyuden may be it's spiritual sucessor but it won't be the same. It will be it's own thing.
This is a real shame. The Suikoden series is one of my favourites and Suikoden 2 had an enormous emotional impact on me. Eiyuden Chronicles is one of my most anticipated games as well. It's sad that he won't see the release of it and the fan reaction to something he's been working on for years.
I backed this game on KickStarter when the campaign began probably 2 or 3 years ago. Everyone backing knew upfront that it would be a long and ambitious road toward seeing the finished product, but it was likely the closest thing we'd ever get again to another Suikoden game. The more time went by and the more details regarding Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes were revealed, the more it seemed our faith in the developers' vision (including Murayama-san) was well founded. He and his team really have poured their hearts and souls into this project, and it's a true shame that he won't be around to savor the warm reception I'm sure his work will receive once the game launches.
Thank you so much for the memories, Mr. Murayama. The Suikoden series is one of my favorite JRPG franchises ever and I'm confident that Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes will more than live up to that pedigree. You will be missed, sir.
Suikoden was my introduction to the genre of Eastern rpg's having dabbled in the likes of AD&D Gold Box ones & the odd Dungeon Master style ones on Amiga.
Would never have given FF7 a go if not for the wonderful experience that was Suikoden & lusting after Suikoden II when I learned of its Easter egg quest unlock if you'd unlocked all 108 characters save file from the first one!
Especially loved the family/friends special attacks which seemingly were unique too. Didn't back the Kickstarter but have been keeping an eagle eye on Eiyuden & glad it led to a remaster of the original two games...very sad he won't get to see the fruits of his labour & 55 is way too young but thank you Yoshitaka & will look forward to playing both games again soon.😥
OMG! I beat Eyiuden Chronicles just last night this is not the news I expected to read today it's so heartbreaking now I have to get the new game on launch. rip..
May he rest in peace 🙏 the man went in one of the worst ways possible multiple organ failure Is a terrible thing to experience
I really enjoyed Rising and I will be aiming to enjoy 100 heroes even more now which is what all game creators strive for . RIP.
Damn 😣
RIP Legend 😞
Suikoden I and II was absolute video game bliss, hense my profile pic.
I really enjoyed Suikoden 1 and 2 on the PlayStation 1 all those years ago. The story of war and collecting all the characters was excellent. I will definitely be playing this upcoming game. RIP, Murayama-San.
Sad news indeed. A lot of heart went into those games.
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