Iconic horror mangaka Junji Ito is seemingly taking up with Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama on a new video game. The first game from the game designers new Bokeh Game Studio, Junji Ito is either on board or a huge influence for the upcoming game.
Teased on Twitter, the official Bokeh Game Studio account posted an iconic piece of Junji Ito artwork. The account posted an image of Tomie, the first published series by the iconic mangaka writer and artist.
Bokeh Game Studio shared a cropped image of the titular main character smiling, which fans immediately recognised as the terrifying manga character.
The character of Tomie has been described as a sort of succubus, having the power to make men fall desperately in love with her to the point of committing heinous acts. Tomie is also killed in horrific ways, but always manages to regenerate into a new form, finding a new victim.
It doesn’t seem likely that Bokeh Game Studio will be adapting Tomie into a video game. While the manga series has been adapted into numerous movies, its plot doesn’t really make sense for an interactive title. However, the tease likely means Junji Ito is involved with the studio’s first game.
Bokeh Game Studios is currently working on a game titled Slitterhead. Revealed at The Game Awards 2021, Slitterhead takes place in a city where grotesque parasites take over human hosts and transform into hideous creators.
Initially planned for a 2023 release date, Bokeh Game Studios’ Slitterhead is likely releasing next year instead. At the time of writing, very early pre-alpha combat has been shown, looking like a budget Bloodborne. However, it looks like there’s still a lot of work to be done.
Junji Ito’s involvement in Bokeh Game Studios’ Slitterhead is yet to be revealed. If the iconic manga artist is involved in creature design or even plot elements, prepare to be scared soulless.
Ito isn’t the only iconic horror artist to be involved in the upcoming game. Horror music composer Akira Yamaoka is also returning for the studio’s debut game, as well as Bloober Studios’ Silent Hill 2 remake, releasing next year.