Yoshitaka Murayama, the creator of Suikoden and Eiyuden Chronicle, has passed away at 55 years old

Yoshitaka Murayama has died at 55 years old. Sad news that was confirmed from the official Rabbit & Bear Studios website, the video game company created by Murayama himself which is responsible for the development of Eiyuden Chronicle.

Murayama was a prominent figure in the video game industry known for having created the Suikoden franchise, one of the most legendary JRPGs which stood out in the 32 and 128-bit generation, with some installments that many players consider as the greatest exponent of their genre in their respective generations.

The official statement from Rabbit & Bear Studios reads as follows: “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 6th due to complications with an ongoing illness. Muurayama 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.”

The statement highlights the creator’s hard work on the game, of which he had already finished his responsibilities by this point, but despite the sadness of his passing the rest of the studio will “continue to push forward by releasing Eiyuden Chronicle to the world.”

Suikoden, eternal legacy of Yoshitaka Murayama

When we talk about the JRPG genre, it is impossible for the Suikoden saga to not come to mind as one of its greatest exponents. With five main installments, and several spin-offs over the years, it is one of the greatest franchises of its genre, one that fans dream of seeing again in one form or another. Eiyuden Chronicle is the answer to that, as it brings back Suikoden’s massive scale through its staging, the enormous number of characters it makes available to us, the variety of situations and systems it makes available to players, as well as stories that hook you from the first moment. Especially recognized is the second installment of the saga, one of the great jewels of the first PlayStation, an essential game, but close to it is Suikoden III, a PlayStation 2 exclusive.

Rabbit & Bear Studios are clear about it, they want to “maintain his legacy and vision with this game.” Yoshitaka Murayama has left us, but we will still be able to enjoy his latest creation on April 23, 2024, one that has an old flavor, that is pure nostalgia and that will make us remember his most emblematic saga, which will have a re-release of its first two installments also in 2024. It is a real shame that Murayama will not be able to see it, but his legacy continues and will continue to be very present.