Tetsuya Mizuguchi on the return of Lumines – and why premium games could bounce back
Tetsuya Mizuguchi’s cult classic puzzle game Lumines has returned to mobile platforms with the July release of Lumines Remastered on iOS and Android. This marks the first significant release for the PSP original since a 2018 remaster on PC and consoles.
According to Mizuguchi, who also created acclaimed titles Rez, Space Channel 5, and Child of Eden, bringing Lumines to smartphones was always part of the long-term vision. Although the game originated as a handheld title, developers had sought to adapt it for phone-style devices even before smartphones became mainstream.
Mizuguchi told mobilegamer.biz that more of his classic games could arrive on mobile soon. He highlighted a significant shift in mobile gaming, noting that players are increasingly receptive to premium-priced games after years dominated by free-to-play models. This suggests a changing market where players may value quality, distinctive experiences over ad-supported or monetized alternatives.
The release exemplifies a broader trend of beloved retro and indie titles finding new audiences on mobile platforms, as developers recognize that premium games can succeed on phones and tablets when offering polished, distinctive experiences.