Square Enix announced today that a newly formed studio is working on a new role-playing game under the working title Project Prelude Rune.
Tokyo-based Studio Istolia is developing the new RPG. The studio is led by Hideo Baba, who is no stranger to RPG’s; he previously served as producer on the Tales series – which just released its newest entry Tales of Beseria – from 2006 to 2015. In addition to his work as studio head, Baba will also act as producer for the newly announced project. While he is best known for his work on the Tales series, Baba has also served as producer on other role- playing games such as Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow and Eternal Sonata.
Few details of the game were revealed but Square Enix said that Project Prelude Rune will be a new IP. “The project aims to build a new RPG with a new fantasy: unfolding across a vast land teeming with life,” said Square Enix in a statement.
The studio is named for the Greek word for story. “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,” said the statement.
Project Prelude Rune seems to be following a similar path to last year’s I Am Setsuna. Tokyo RPG Factory was another Tokyo-based studio founded by Square Enix for the sole purpose of developing RPG’s. No release date was announced and only concept art was released along with the announcement.
