Sad news for fans of classic JRPGs; a notable creator in the field has died.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes creator Yoshitaka Murayama has passed away, according to publisher 505 Games, Digital Bros, and developer Rabbit & Bear. He died on 6th February due to complications from an ongoing illness; the news was made public today via 505 Games. 

“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.”

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— 505 Games (@505_Games) February 14, 2024

Developer Rabbit & Bear has also released the following statement regarding Murayama’s passing:

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.

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.

Rabbit & Bear Studios,
Junko Kawano,
Junichi Murakami,
Osamu Komuta.

Murayama was a renowned game designer, director, and producer of the hit Konami RPG series Suikoden. He was responsible for Suikoden, Suikoden II, and Suikoden III. His other works include 10,000 Bullets and The Alliance Alive. Before his passing, he held a supervisor role in the creation of Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising in addition to creating the mothership RPG title Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes.

Rest in peace, fellow legendary RPG creator. You can be assured that your legacy will live on when Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes comes out for PC and consoles on 23 April 2024.