BlazBlue creator Toshimichi Mori has left Arc System Works after nearly two decades at the company. Mori didn’t give any specific reason for his departure, but thanked fans and staff for their support before revealing that he plans to work in the gaming industry elsewhere.
“I, Toshimichi Mori, have left Arc System Works after many years of service,” said Mori in a statement.
“Having been involved in the development of Guilty Gear X at a company called Pickpak, I joined Arc System Works and after developing numerous fighting games, I was able to develop my masterpiece, BlazBlue, and have had the opportunity to have relationships with many users. The many experiences I have had over the past 20 years since joining Arc System Works are the treasures of my life. I can only express my gratitude to the Arc System Works staff, the people who have helped me, and the users who have supported me. Thank you so, so much.”
“I know this may cause anxiety, especially for BlazBlue users. I am truly sorry for this,” Mori added. “I hope to be able to deliver more games to users in some form in the future, and I will do my best to achieve this. I would like to thank you in advance for your support.”
Mori originally joined Arc System Works in 2003 where he worked on the fighting game franchise, Guilty Gear. He was later given the reigns to design and produce the BlazBlue fighting series, which went on to be featured in multiple esports tournaments across the globe and amass a devoted following.
Arc System Works released its latest fighter Guilty Gear Strive last year to glowing reviews. The newtest entry in the BlazBlue fighting game franchise, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, will arrive on Xbox Game Pass alongside Strive in 2023.
Source: Twitter
