Paranormasight director Takanari Ishiyama believes high-quality indie games are helping smaller projects from big publishers
Takanari Ishiyama, director and writer of the Paranormasight visual novels, believes that the success of high-quality indie games is creating a positive environment for smaller projects from major publishers. The two Paranormasight titles—The Seven Mysteries of Honjo and The Mermaid’s Curse—are among the most celebrated horror visual novels in recent years, and their success under Square Enix’s publishing banner demonstrates how the rising tide of indie gaming can lift all boats.
In an interview with Polygon, Ishiyama discussed his approach to developing both games for a niche audience while reflecting on the challenges of creating smaller-scale projects within a major publisher’s portfolio. His perspective highlights a shift in the industry where indie games’ prominence is validating and encouraging major publishers to invest in more specialized, lower-budget titles that target specific communities rather than pursuing only blockbuster releases.
This development suggests a broader industry trend where the success of independent studios has legitimized niche gaming experiences, making it easier for larger companies to greenlight smaller passion projects. As Ishiyama notes, the growing visibility and critical acclaim of quality indie titles has helped shift market perception, allowing major publishers to fund games designed for dedicated fan communities rather than mass audiences.