NIS President Discusses Localization Challenges and Sony's Disc-Less Future
At PAX West 2026, NIS President Kenzo Saruhashi addressed why narrative adventure games from the studio remain unlocalized and how the company is preparing for PlayStation's transition away from physical media.
At PAX West 2026, Nippon Ichi Software President and CEO Kenzo Saruhashi discussed the state of the company and its Western publishing arm, NIS America, in an interview with RPG Site. Saruhashi, who became president approximately 18 months prior, addressed several industry challenges facing the studio.
Regarding localization decisions, Saruhashi stated: "I'd like to localize the Hayaragami series, but we aren't sure if there's an audience." The comment underscores the commercial uncertainty surrounding narrative adventure games in Western markets. Saruhashi highlighted that simultaneous global releases present additional complexity in the localization process, contributing to why certain NIS titles remain Japan-exclusive.
The interview also covered industry infrastructure changes. Saruhashi addressed Sony's announced transition away from physical disc production for new PlayStation releases beginning in 2028, indicating NIS is preparing organizational strategies for a disc-less gaming future.
NIS's next major Western release is Village in the Shade, launching October 27 across PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC. The title previously released in Japan in July 2026.
Sources
- RPG SiteEstablished publication · recorded Sep 8, 2026"I’d like to localize the Hayaragami series, but we aren’t sure if there's an audience" - NIS President Kenzo Saruhashi on why their narrative adventure games aren't localized and how he's preparing NIS for Sony's disc-less future
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