According to GamesIndustry.biz sources, Ni no Kuni and Yo-Kai Watch developer Level-5 has been phasing out its North American studios since Summer 2019. The Level-5 International America and Level-5 Abby studios were hit with substantial layoffs last year.
In July 2019, Level-5 International America closed its design department and, earlier this year, Level-5 Abby COO Yukari Hayakawa was said to have stepped down from the company. As of right now, Level-5 has not publicly announced any future North American releases, which begs the question: Have North American operations stopped completely?
Personally, I don’t have much experience with Level 5’s Yo-Kai Watch series, but the two Ni no Kuni games were heart-warming Studio Ghibli-informed experiences with great characters and solid combat. While nothing has been confirmed, I’m hoping that Level-5 still plans to release their games in the West.
[Source: GamesIndustry.biz]
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