"We've prepared over 100 different types of visual transformations based on what Karia eats" - Gust's Junzo Hosoi and Taiki Fukui on Atelier Karia, growth in the West, the possibility of localizing Ciel Nosurge DX, and much more
Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom & the Guide of Memories launches on February 25, 2027. Ahead of its launch and following our TGS 2026 interview, I had a chance to chat with Junzo Hosoi (Producer and Head of Gust) and Taiki Fukui (Director) about Atelier Karia, the series' growth in the West, Karia's eating mechanics and transformations, potential localizations of Ciel Nosurge DX and Ar Nosurge DX, Switch 2 challenges, Xbox ports, Halo, and much more.
RPG Site: Each time I interview you, I'm happy to see just how much the Atelier series has grown in the west. We are now at the point where we no longer need to worry about localizations or multiplatform releases. It is just taken for granted. How does it feel for you looking back at the series from its early days to now?
Junzo Hosoi: We truly believe that it is thanks to the fans who have supported the series for so many years. In the past, there were things we wanted to do but simply couldn't because of limitations in our development structure. As a result, we sometimes inconvenienced players with different release schedules and limited platform availability. However, the entire development team worked together to address these issues, making progress little by little in the hope of earning even greater support from our fans.
As a result, everyone on the development team now approaches projects with simultaneous worldwide releases and multiplatform support as a given. There was actually a time when some people would say, "As long as we can release it in Japan, that's good enough!" So this transformation really means a lot to us.
That said, we know there's still plenty of work to be done, and we'll continue doing our best to grow and improve.
Junzo Hosoi: We truly believe that it is thanks to the fans who have supported the series for so many years. In the past, there were things we wanted to do but simply couldn't because of limitations in our development structure. As a result, we sometimes inconvenienced players with different release schedules and limited platform availability. However, the entire development team worked together to address these issues, making progress little by little in the hope of earning even greater support from our fans.
As a result, everyone on the development team now approaches projects with simultaneous worldwide releases and multiplatform support as a given. There was actually a time when some people would say, "As long as we can release it in Japan, that's good enough!" So this transformation really means a lot to us.
That said, we know there's still plenty of work to be done, and we'll continue doing our best to grow and improve.
RPG Site: While Atelier Yumia had some issues, I still enjoyed my time with it and think Yumia is a fantastic character (even design wise). I'm happy to see Karia continue that trend. Are you developing Atelier Karia as a standalone game or is it linked closely to Yumia narratively?
Junzo Hosoi: Thank you so much for playing and enjoying Atelier Yumia! We've designed Atelier Karia to be a story that players can fully enjoy on its own. However, because it takes place in the same world, those who have played Atelier Yumia will be able to appreciate the setting and lore on a deeper level.
Junzo Hosoi: Thank you so much for playing and enjoying Atelier Yumia! We've designed Atelier Karia to be a story that players can fully enjoy on its own. However, because it takes place in the same world, those who have played Atelier Yumia will be able to appreciate the setting and lore on a deeper level.
RPG Site: The recent Switch 2 Edition upgrade for Atelier Yumia was not a good release that Gust has been working to fix. I know a major update has released to improve it, but it really was not a good release. Should we expect Karia to be more polished on Nintendo Switch 2? Can you see what the target platform was for this release before scaling to others?
Junzo Hosoi: We take the inconvenience caused by the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition at launch very seriously, and we've made sure to apply the lessons learned from that experience to the development of Atelier Karia. While we can't provide specific details about the target platform at this time, we're developing the game with the goal of delivering a level of quality that will satisfy players regardless of which platform they choose.
Junzo Hosoi: We take the inconvenience caused by the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition at launch very seriously, and we've made sure to apply the lessons learned from that experience to the development of Atelier Karia. While we can't provide specific details about the target platform at this time, we're developing the game with the goal of delivering a level of quality that will satisfy players regardless of which platform they choose.
RPG Site: Karia's eating mechanic and her character adapting based on what she eats has gotten a lot of coverage internationally. I'm curious how whether you anticipated this and if you will push even more to let her go all out and grow into whatever size and eat whatever over the course of the game? I hope you don't tone things down.
Taiki Fukui: We thought the concept of eating would be easy for players to understand and embrace, but we were delighted to receive a far bigger response than we had anticipated. We've prepared over 100 different types of visual transformations based on what Karia eats. As for the body shape changes we recently announced, we're also working on options that will allow players to turn the feature on or off, or lock it at their preferred level of transformation. Beyond character growth, we want the visual changes themselves to help make eating an enjoyable experience.
Taiki Fukui: We thought the concept of eating would be easy for players to understand and embrace, but we were delighted to receive a far bigger response than we had anticipated. We've prepared over 100 different types of visual transformations based on what Karia eats. As for the body shape changes we recently announced, we're also working on options that will allow players to turn the feature on or off, or lock it at their preferred level of transformation. Beyond character growth, we want the visual changes themselves to help make eating an enjoyable experience.
RPG Site: With this growth for the series, is there any internal discussion on doing more language subtitles and adding an English dub for Atelier Karia?
Taiki Fukui: Adding more subtitle languages and English dub does come up in internal discussions. We greatly value the feedback and responses we receive from our international fans, and take them into account when considering the future of the series.
Taiki Fukui: Adding more subtitle languages and English dub does come up in internal discussions. We greatly value the feedback and responses we receive from our international fans, and take them into account when considering the future of the series.
RPG Site: Are there plans to bring the recent Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack to Xbox and also do Switch 2 versions of prior Trilogy releases? Since the new trilogy with Yumia and Karia is on Xbox, I was curious if we'd see more older titles brought over.
Junzo Hosoi: The feedback and requests we receive from fans regarding the release of older titles are shared internally. While we don't have any specific plans we can talk about at this time, making the Atelier series as a whole accessible to more players is certainly an important direction for us.
Junzo Hosoi: The feedback and requests we receive from fans regarding the release of older titles are shared internally. While we don't have any specific plans we can talk about at this time, making the Atelier series as a whole accessible to more players is certainly an important direction for us.
RPG Site: It has been over 5 years since Ciel Nosurge DX and Ar Nosurge DX released in Japan on PC, Switch, and PS4. I bought them on my Japanese Steam account to play them, but I cannot let an opportunity go by to say I hope you consider releasing them in the West. Are there any plans for it?
Junzo Hosoi: We really appreciate those kind words. There's definitely a desire within the company to bring these titles to international audiences if the opportunity arises. Unfortunately, however, there are various obstacles to overcome, and we haven't been able to move forward with any concrete plans.
Junzo Hosoi: We really appreciate those kind words. There's definitely a desire within the company to bring these titles to international audiences if the opportunity arises. Unfortunately, however, there are various obstacles to overcome, and we haven't been able to move forward with any concrete plans.
RPG Site: You recently showcased a trailer at the Xbox TGS show. I know you are a big fan of Xbox. How did it feel for you to see this? Would you like to do any collaborations with Xbox IP?
Junzo Hosoi: Being able to premiere a trailer at an Xbox event was something that made me personally very happy. It was particularly meaningful to see our game released on a platform I've loved for so many years. As for collaborations, if we're ever given the opportunity, we'd absolutely love to do one!!!!
Junzo Hosoi: Being able to premiere a trailer at an Xbox event was something that made me personally very happy. It was particularly meaningful to see our game released on a platform I've loved for so many years. As for collaborations, if we're ever given the opportunity, we'd absolutely love to do one!!!!
RPG Site: What games have you played this year that you enjoyed? Did you play Halo Campaign Evolved and what do you think of the recent Halo news about it moving to Activision?
Junzo Hosoi: I've been playing a variety of games, but I've particularly been enjoying NTE. And of course, I've also played Halo: Campaign Evolved. Master Chief really is the best! I was also impressed that the Japanese version brought back the same voice actor who portrayed Master Chief in the first game.
I was surprised by the news about Halo moving to Activision, but as a fan, I hope the series continues to thrive and gain even more momentum.
Junzo Hosoi: I've been playing a variety of games, but I've particularly been enjoying NTE. And of course, I've also played Halo: Campaign Evolved. Master Chief really is the best! I was also impressed that the Japanese version brought back the same voice actor who portrayed Master Chief in the first game.
I was surprised by the news about Halo moving to Activision, but as a fan, I hope the series continues to thrive and gain even more momentum.
RPG Site: Gust and Koei Tecmo recently worked with Black Screen Records on Atelier Ryza vinyl releases. I was very happy to see that and also for you to bring Atelier soundtracks to Spotify. Can you comment on what players should expect from Karia's soundtrack?
Taiki Fukui: As with Atelier Yumia, the soundtrack will feature both the warm, comforting music that is characteristic of the Atelier series and the more serious, dramatic compositions associated with the Memories series. We hope players will look forward to experiencing both sides of the music in Atelier Karia.
Taiki Fukui: As with Atelier Yumia, the soundtrack will feature both the warm, comforting music that is characteristic of the Atelier series and the more serious, dramatic compositions associated with the Memories series. We hope players will look forward to experiencing both sides of the music in Atelier Karia.