Keita Takahashi, creator of the beloved Katamari Damacy, is back with a brand-new project — and a fresh perspective on game development. In a recent interview, he opened up about leaving Bandai Namco, working with an international team, and the inspiration behind his quirky but heartfelt new game, To a T.
Leaving Bandai Namco: A Leap for Creative Freedom
Takahashi revealed that his decision to part ways with Bandai Namco Games was driven by a desire to broaden his creative horizons.
“I left the company because I didn’t want to be limited to only working with the people there. I wondered why I was only making games with Japanese people. I thought if I could develop games with more people from other countries, I would be able to get ideas from different perspectives. I’m currently developing games with a range of people from all over the world.”
Now living in the United States, Takahashi collaborates with a global team, enriching his projects with diverse insights and styles.
Japanese Inspiration in a Global Project
Despite his international team, Takahashi notes that much of To a T draws from Japanese school culture, influenced by his personal experiences growing up.
“American schools don’t have the custom of changing shoes like Japanese schools do,” Takahashi explained. “I was once asked by a team member about what the school space full of shoe cupboards was like. I tried to convey to them that there are loads of shoes, and there’s a kind of smell… but it really is something that’s unique to Japan.”
From traffic lights to shoe storage, the game includes subtle Japanese elements — not by design, but because Takahashi admits,
“I don’t know what school culture is like in the US, so I had no choice but to use Japanese elements.”
A Quirky School with a Serious Message
While the game’s setting might feel familiar to Japanese players, To a T is far from an ordinary school simulator. The protagonist, a teen named simply Teen, is permanently stuck in a T-pose — a comical stance known to gamers. However, beneath the humor lies a story about bullying, self-acceptance, and resilience.
“The reason the main character in this game doesn’t want to go to school is because their classmates are bullying them. I think this is something that happens worldwide, not just in Japan. I was actually bullied myself, and never felt like going to school,” Takahashi shared.
The game explores Teen’s daily struggles, eccentric classmates (like a giraffe who loves cooking), and the discovery of a special purpose for their T-pose. Divided into eight chapters, the narrative builds toward a heartfelt conclusion that uncovers the mystery behind Teen’s condition.
Who’s It For? Everyone and No One
When asked about the target audience for his games, Takahashi playfully responded:
“I make games that I feel satisfied with, so I’d like people to play them if they want to. I guess I probably should make games while thinking about the target audience, but I’ll work on that in my next life.”
Release Date
To a T is set to launch on May 28, 2025 for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC via Steam (with the Steam version releasing on May 29).
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