Yoko Taro Reveals How New Game Projects Really Begin: "It Starts With the Money"

May 20, 2026 - 21:48

Nier series director Yoko Taro has offered a blunt and honest look at how game development actually gets started in the industry. During a recent conversation with Clovers studio's Hideki Kamiya, Taro explained that new game projects do not begin with a grand creative vision or a compelling story idea. They start with the money.

"When we begin a new project, the first thing we look at is the budget," Taro said. "We figure out how much money we have to work with, and then we decide what kind of game we can actually make within that limit." He described this as a practical reality that many fans might not fully understand. The creative process, he explained, is shaped by financial constraints from the very first day.

Taro also touched on cancelled projects, noting that many promising ideas never see the light of day simply because the numbers do not add up. He and Kamiya discussed how difficult it can be to pitch a game when the estimated cost exceeds what publishers are willing to risk. Kamiya, known for titles like Bayonetta and Devil May Cry, agreed that the business side of game development often determines which concepts survive and which ones get shelved.

The frank exchange between the two veteran developers has resonated with many in the gaming community. Taro's comments serve as a reminder that behind every beloved game is a series of financial decisions, compromises, and hard negotiations. While creativity matters, the money is what gets the door open.