To a T, the latest slice of life game by Katamari Damacy maker Keita Takahashi, “did not sell well”.
The title, which features a child stuck in a perpetual T-pose, deals with the subject of physical disability and “fitting in” when your appearance is different.
But the idea failed to resonate with players, and it’s forced its creator to leave his home in California and move back to Japan.
Speaking as part of an interview with GamesRadar, the veteran shared a little more about his situation:
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“I know my games are far from mainstream. I recently returned to Japan, and one of the reasons I had to do was because To a T didn't sell well. This is a risk of being independent, and I'm willing to take it, but I don't think it's a question of niche or traditional, it's a question of whether people like it or not. I believe there is still room for new ideas, and unfortunately To a T just wasn't a good fit. But I think the situation is what it is.”
Takahashi continued that his current goal is to “support his children and find them a school in Japan”.
He added that he will then consider whether he feels like he “belongs in the games industry”, and if not he will “look elsewhere”.
For what it’s worth, we highly recommended To a T, awarding it an 8/10 in our review and describing it as the “most joyful game in the world”.
We wrote:
“From one odd scenario to the next, To a T manages to be just as quirky and ludicrous as it is personal and touching. The overriding emotion, though, is one of joy. To a T is the perfect pick-me-up, guaranteed to make you smile no matter the circumstances.”
Hopefully more people will give the title a try in the future, and Takahashi will decide to stay in the industry and provide us with many more uniquely imaginative games to play.