KEMURI Developer Explains Decision to Skip Xbox Due to Studio Size and Team Wellbeing

Developer UNSEEN has confirmed that its upcoming game KEMURI is not coming to Xbox, with studio head Ikumi Nakamura pointing to team size and porting exhaustion as the primary reasons. The title is currently slated for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and potentially Nintendo Switch 2. Nakamura recently discussed the studio platform strategy during a Q and A session, which subsequently sparked negative reactions and discussions across social media.

Nakamura explained that porting requires substantial engineering work. According to the studio head, larger companies typically employ dedicated personnel to handle platform conversions, whereas UNSEEN operates as a small studio. Nakamura stated that forcing the internal team to manage extra ports independently would lead to exhaustion, emphasizing that staff health and personal lives take priority over releasing an Xbox version.

In KEMURI, players assume the role of Yokai Hunters operating in Kemuri City. Players utilize a power called the FOXWINDOW to detect hidden anomalies and form contracts with yokai. By wearing these powers as Possession Apparel, players can alter their appearance, movement mechanics, and combat styles while navigating a chaotic vertical city alone or alongside up to two friends in online cooperative play. The game is currently slated for a 2027 release window.