KEMURI, the highly anticipated yokai-themed action game, has stirred discussions within the gaming community due to the absence of plans for an Xbox version. UNSEEN founder Ikumi Nakamura recently shed light on the reasons behind this decision, emphasizing the complexities and challenges associated with porting the game to additional platforms.

In a recent Q&A session, Nakamura addressed concerns regarding the lack of an Xbox release for KEMURI, stating, “No! No. I just want people to understand that porting takes a lot of work. We develop the game for PC first. Then bringing it to Nintendo or PlayStation.”

She further elaborated on the limitations faced by her independent studio, highlighting the insufficient manpower required to support another console port without overburdening the existing engineering team. Unlike larger publishers who can assign dedicated specialists to handle porting tasks, the KEMURI team would have to rely on their current engineers, potentially leading to exhaustion and unsustainable workloads.

Nakamura made it clear that prioritizing the well-being of her team members was paramount, stating, “If we had to do the porting ourselves, our engineers would be exhausted. I’d rather prioritize people’s lives. I don’t want anyone dying just to release an Xbox version. People come first. That’s all.”

While some fans speculated on Nakamura’s past experiences at Tango Gameworks and the mention of Nintendo and PlayStation as potential platforms for KEMURI, there is no confirmation of personal resentment or technical limitations influencing the decision to exclude Xbox from the initial release plans.

Despite the disappointment that Xbox players may feel, the importance of safeguarding a development team from unsustainable workloads cannot be overstated. KEMURI is currently confirmed for release on PlayStation 5 and PC in 2027, offering players a unique gameplay experience centered around solo play and online cooperation for up to three players. The game’s concept of hunters forming contracts with supernatural creatures and utilizing their abilities as “Possession Apparel” adds an intriguing twist to the action genre.

Ultimately, while the absence of an Xbox version may be disheartening for some, the decision reflects a commitment to maintaining a healthy work environment for the KEMURI team. Prioritizing the well-being of individuals over commercial demands is a noble stance that resonates with many in the gaming industry.