Yoshitaka Murayama, creator of Suikoden and Eiyuden Chronicle, has died

Yoshitaka Murayama, the creator of Suikoden and its spiritual successor Eiyuden Chronicle, has passed away.

Murayama created the Suikoden series in the 1990s, and produced, wrote and directed the first three games in the series before leaving Konami to become a freelance developer.

In 2020, Murayama founded Rabbit & Bear studios and launched a Kickstarter campaign for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, a spiritual successor to Suikoden.

The Kickstarter campaign was hugely successful, becoming the third-highest funded game in Kickstarter history.

However, while the game is currently set to be released in April, Murayama will now not be here to see it happen.

The news of his passing was confirmed via a statement by Rabbit & Bear Studios.

“It’s with a heavy heart and deep sadness we must inform you that the scenario writer and head of Rabbit & Bear Studios, Yoshitaka Murayama, has passed away on February 6 due to complications with an ongoing illness,” it stated.

“Murayama first began this journey of the creation of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes in 2020 through the support of his very loving fans on Kickstarter. Throughout the three-plus-year-development of the game, it was always the passion from his fans that continued to drive his creative vision and motivate him to put his all into the project.

“His hard work on Eiyuden Chronicle as scenario writer was finished but as his co-workers and friends, it saddens us to know that he won’t get to see the reactions from his fans. However, even with those feelings we need to accept the reality that he is no longer with us and continue to push his dream forward by releasing Eiyuden Chronicle to the world.

“We want to maintain his legacy and vision with this game and know that he would have wanted the rich world he has created with Eiyuden Chronicle to live on.

“His family sincerely appreciates your prayers and support but asks for privacy and that no flowers, mail, or other offerings be sent.

“We will have more information on organizational changes to Rabbit & Bear as well as changes to some of the Kickstarter rewards in the near future. For now, we appreciate your continued support.”

Publisher Digital Bros, which is set to publish Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes under its subsidiary 505 Games, added its own statement on Murayama’s passing.

“It is with deep and profound sadness that we have learned of the passing of our friend Yoshitaka Murayama, the creator of the forthcoming Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes,” it said.

“Not only was he a true pioneer and visionary, creating cherished memories for millions of people around the world, but he was a wonderful partner and a dear colleague. His enthusiasm and creativity knew no bounds and the gaming world will feel emptier without him.

“All of us at Digital Bros and 505 Games wish to express our most sincere condolences to Murayama-san’s family, friends, and all those at Rabbit & Bear at this time. He will be sorely missed.”