Square Enix News: Newly Established Studio Istolia Is Working on a New RPG
The Japanese video game company Square Enix has recently announced the opening of a new studio called Studio Istolia. It is already up and running with a new role-playing game in the pipeline.
In an announcement through their official website on Tuesday, Square Enix revealed the establishment of Studio Istolia. As for the company's name, Square Enix explained: "The name ISTOLIA originates from the Greek word, 'story' and is central to the studio's primary value. The aim of the studio is to provide unforgettable stories that will inspire players in their own lives, and bring new game experiences to everyone around the world."
Despite having a Greek name, Studio Istolia is based in Tokyo, Japan. In the same news release, Square Enix revealed that Studio Istolia's first project is the new RPG in development titled "Project Prelude Rune."
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The Square Enix statement did not reveal much about the upcoming RPG, but according to Siliconera, "Project Prelude Rune" takes on a new tale of fantasy set in another vast open world described to be full of life. The same report hints that the upcoming game will feature the different people of the land who are willing to fight for what is right. Square Enix promised to reveal more details about the game "at a later time."
While the studio is new, the person that Square Enix chose to lead it is a veteran in the video game industry. Square Enix has appointed Hideo Baba to head Studio Istolia.
Baba entered the industry back in 2001 when he started working for Bandai Namco. His credentials don't fall short either. He used to lead the work on Namco's "Tales of" franchise from 2005 to 2015. And now, apart from leading Studio Istolia, Baba will also act as game producer for "Project Prelude Rune."
While Studio Istolia's operation seems to be in full swing, Gematsu reports that the Square Enix branch is still looking for more staff including Battle, Map, and User Interface Planners; Character, Map, Monster, Motion, Effect and UI Designers; and Battle, Tool, Event, Sound, UI Programmers and Technical Support.
