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Ikumi Nakamura, the creative director of GhostWire: Tokyo, stated in a tweet that she has officially left studio Tango Gameworks and publisher Bethesda/Zenimax (via IGN).
At E3 2019, Nakamura’s infectious enthusiasm and excitable persona stood out in the slew of announcements, previews, and trailers. She became a fan favourite, and she retweeted several pieces of fan art and memes about her. ‘These fan arts are my treasures and make me smile. Arigato!’ she said, and it seemed like all was well regarding her project GhostWire: Tokyo.
But in a tweet posted on September 4, Nakamura stated she has now departed the studio. ‘After 9 years as creative director & art director at Tango and Zenimax – I felt here is one of ends of the journeys,’ she said. ‘I learned from the talented people I've worked with and I respect. Contact me if anyone wants to work with me!’ Embedded within the tweet is a link to her LinkedIn account.
After 9 years as Creative director & Art Director at Tango and Zenimax – I felt here is one of ends of the journeys . I learned from the talented people I've worked with and I respect. Contact me if anyone wants to work with me! →　https://t.co/4VKLdY2ejl pic.twitter.com/Hbsuta3Rgo
— Ikumi Nakamura @TGS2019 (@nakamura193) September 4, 2019
Bethesda confirmed her decision to leave the project in a separate statement to IGN. ‘We can confirm that Nakamura-san has decided to leave Tango and we wish her the best of luck in whatever is next for her,’ Bethesda said. ‘Tango continues to be led by the legendary Shinji Mikami and his talented team in the development of GhostWire: Tokyo. We look forward to sharing more on what they’re creating in the coming months.’
In GhostWire: Tokyo’s E3 demonstration, it seemed that the game was Nakamura’s baby and as it has lost its creative director, it is likely that the project will take a very different path now. Bethesda did not comment on the status of Ghostwire Tokyo’s development to IGN, but it is hoped that both parties find new opportunities soon.
