# **Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma – A Daring New Chapter in the Franchise**

The *Rune Factory* series has consistently been a cherished franchise among enthusiasts of farming simulation and RPG adventure titles. With its distinctive fusion of life simulation, relationship development, and dynamic combat, the series has established a niche that keeps capturing the hearts of players globally. Now, developer Marvelous is steering the franchise towards an exhilarating new path with *Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma*, slated for release on **May 30, 2025**, for **Nintendo Switch and PC**.

Recently, **CGMagazine** had the privilege of visiting Los Angeles for an exclusive hands-on preview of the game, alongside a discussion with **Hisashi Fujii**, the game’s producer. Fujii, renowned for his contributions to *DEADCRAFT*, is infusing new concepts into the *Rune Factory* series, unveiling **village-building features**, **novel adventure elements**, and **enhanced gameplay** that enrich the overall experience.

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## **A New Horizon for Rune Factory: Village Development and Customization**

One of the most noteworthy transformations in *Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma* is the transition from **basic farming mechanics** to **comprehensive village construction**. In earlier games, players concentrated on managing a farm, cultivating crops, and selling them for profit. While farming continues to be a pivotal aspect of the game, players now possess the capability to **design and personalize entire villages** from the foundation up.

As per Fujii, this new component enables players to **strategically position buildings** that not only influence the visual appeal of their village but also **affect gameplay mechanics**. For instance, establishing a **restaurant** and designating a villager to oversee it can generate **passive income**, minimizing the need for constant manual effort. This broadening of the core gameplay loop introduces a **new layer of complexity** to the series, emphasizing resource management and town development just as much as farming and adventuring.

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## **Balancing Agriculture, Village Construction, and Adventure**

With the addition of village-building features, one may question how *Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma* harmonizes its **farming, town management, and adventure components**. Fujii clarified that these three elements are **interlinked**, ensuring that players can effortlessly navigate between them.

– **Farming**: Players can continue to cultivate crops, which can be utilized in **recipes** to prepare food items that offer **healing and enhancements** during combat.
– **Village Construction**: Building certain structures and assigning villagers to tasks can **boost character stats**, easing the adventuring process.
– **Adventure**: Navigating the realm of **Azuma** and facing adversaries rewards players with **resources** to enhance their village and farm.

This interwoven system guarantees that **no single facet of the game feels disconnected**, fostering a **cohesive and immersive experience**.

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## **Sacred Treasures: A Fresh Perspective on Traditional Tools**

One of the most captivating additions to *Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma* is the **Sacred Treasures**, a collection of unique tools that substitute conventional farming equipment. In prior games, players wielded a **sickle** to harvest crops and obtain superior seeds. Now, this task is managed by a **sword**, one of the Sacred Treasures.

This modification signifies the game’s **heightened emphasis on adventure**, melding combat mechanics with farming in a way that feels organic. Fujii highlighted that even while the **core functions remain comparable**, the **tools themselves have progressed**, providing a renewed perspective on familiar gameplay mechanics.

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## **Relationships and Combat: Fostering Bonds for Battle**

A hallmark of the *Rune Factory* series is its **relationship-building system**, which enables players to **befriend and romance NPCs**. In *Guardians of Azuma*, this system has been augmented to **directly influence combat**. Players can **recruit up to six NPCs** to accompany them in battle, and as their **bond level rises**, these characters unlock **new skills**.

– **Initial interactions** consist of basic conversations.
– **Increased bond levels** unlock supplementary activities, such as going on outings.
– **Romantic connections** introduce even more interactions, incorporating **hand-holding and deeper dialogues**.
– **Stronger bonds** enhance NPC combat effectiveness, making them more formidable in battle.

This system guarantees that **relationship-building is not merely a side activity** but a vital aspect of both the **story and gameplay**.

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## **Villager Assignments: Selecting the Right Person for the Task**

Another thrilling feature in *Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma* is the option to **assign villagers to particular tasks**. However, not every NPC is equipped for every job. Some villagers excel at **farming**, while others are better suited for **mining or woodcutting**.

Fujii explained that **selecting

# LightSpeed Studios Enhances Emphasis on Original Cross-Platform Games

LightSpeed Studios, a frontrunner in the gaming industry, has declared a significant change in its approach, focusing on the development of original cross-platform games. This strategy was showcased at GDC 2025, where the company announced that the esteemed game designer **Hideaki Itsuno** has joined **LightSpeed Japan Studios** to pursue his latest project.

## Hideaki Itsuno Joins LightSpeed Japan Studios

For those not acquainted with **Hideaki Itsuno**, he is a celebrated game director known for his contributions to several of **Capcom’s** legendary franchises, such as *Devil May Cry*, *Dragon’s Dogma*, and *Capcom vs. SNK*. His acceptance into LightSpeed Studios represents a pivotal moment for the organization as it aims to establish itself as a leader in original game creation.

At GDC 2025, Itsuno provided glimpses into his ambitions for the forthcoming project, although specific information remains confidential.

> *“We’re cultivating an imaginative space that merges various cultural insights with state-of-the-art technology,”* stated Hideaki Itsuno, General Manager of **LightSpeed Japan Studio**. *“Our aim is to create gameplay elements that provide players with unprecedented experiences – the innovations that make players think, ‘I’ve never encountered that in a game before.’”*

This declaration indicates that Itsuno’s upcoming title will explore new horizons in game design, possibly unveiling fresh mechanics and storytelling methods that challenge player assumptions.

## LightSpeed Studios’ Worldwide Expansion and AAA Development

LightSpeed Studios manages multiple developmental teams around the globe, each guided by its unique creative vision. Among them is **LightSpeed LA**, directed by **Steve Martin**, a veteran of **Rockstar Games**. Martin is currently leading the creation of the highly awaited AAA game, *The Last Sentinel*.

Having contributed to major Rockstar titles like *Red Dead Redemption I & II* and *Grand Theft Auto V*, Martin underscored the significance of creative freedom in game design.

> *“Every developer’s true aspiration is to create original games. The creative liberty of establishing your own lore from nothing, crafting engaging narratives and characters, and the influx of ideas and inspiration that emerge from this—this is the dream of any creator. That’s why LightSpeed Studios is the ideal place,”* expressed Steve C. Martin.

## A New Era for LightSpeed Studios

LightSpeed Studios’ refreshed focus on original intellectual property signifies a notable shift from its previous identity as primarily known for **localizing and adapting popular games for mobile platforms**. The studio has participated in titles like *PUBG Mobile* and *Final Fantasy XIV Mobile*, but its latest endeavor indicates a turn towards **AAA game development** on an international level.

At the corporate level, LightSpeed Studios offers innovative technology and research and development backing to its teams. However, each studio under its leadership enjoys **creative freedom**, permitting them to develop games in their own style while reaping the benefits of shared resources.

This strategy has allowed **LightSpeed LA** to assemble what Martin refers to as a *“dream team”* of developers from prestigious studios like **Rockstar Games, Naughty Dog, Obsidian Entertainment, Sony Santa Monica, Meta, and EA Games**. With such a varied and skilled talent pool, LightSpeed Studios is positioning itself as a formidable contender within the AAA gaming sector.

## What’s Next for LightSpeed Studios?

With **Hideaki Itsuno** directing a new venture at **LightSpeed Japan Studios** and **Steve Martin** leading the efforts on *The Last Sentinel* at **LightSpeed LA**, the company is taking daring steps toward becoming a prominent player in original game development.

While specifics about Itsuno’s upcoming title are still limited, his impressive history implies that fans can look forward to **an extraordinary experience** that transcends the boundaries of action gameplay and narrative. In parallel, *The Last Sentinel* is emerging as a significant AAA launch, further reinforcing LightSpeed Studios’ dedication to crafting outstanding, original games.

As LightSpeed Studios continues to broaden its global reach and invest in elite talent, the gaming community will be keenly observing how this ambitious undertaking progresses. One certainty remains: **the future of LightSpeed Studios shines brighter than ever**.

# **Mojang Studios Unveils the Happy Ghast: Minecraft’s Inaugural Flying Mount**

Mojang Studios has officially revealed an exhilarating new feature for *Minecraft*—the **Happy Ghast**, a unique mob anticipated to launch in the second content drop of 2025. This charming, ghostly being will not only add a new gameplay dimension but also become *Minecraft’s* first-ever **flying mount**, transforming the way players navigate the Overworld.

## **A Fresh Perspective on the Ghast: From Nether Menace to Overworld Ally**

Veteran *Minecraft* enthusiasts are well-acquainted with the **Ghast**, the chilling, drifting entities that terrorize the Nether, firing fireballs at unwary explorers. In contrast, the Happy Ghast presents a wholly different character.

### **Discovering and Reviving a Dried Ghast**
To acquire a Happy Ghast, players must first find a **Dried Ghast** in the Nether. These beings manifest as parched versions of standard Ghasts, lying still upon the ground. As placing water in the Nether is impossible, players need to **mine the Dried Ghast using a pickaxe** and carry it back to the Overworld. Once there, they can **revive it by pouring a bucket of water over** it.

The revival process requires roughly **20 real-world minutes**, during which the Dried Ghast gradually transitions its expression from a frown to a neutral face, and ultimately to a smile. At this point, it evolves into a **Ghastling**, a smaller and friendlier variant of the original Ghast.

### **Accelerating the Transformation**
For those unwilling to wait, providing the Ghastling with **snowballs** can hasten its metamorphosis. However, this demands a considerable supply of snow, and players must take care not to inadvertently strike the Ghastling, as it responds with a sorrowful sound.

## **The Happy Ghast: A Devoted Flying Friend**
Upon full maturation, the Ghastling transforms into a **Happy Ghast**, a significantly larger and cheerier counterpart to its Nether origins. Unlike typical Ghasts, Happy Ghasts **do not pose a threat to players** and can even bond with them, trailing them like other amiable mobs.

### **Unveiling the Ghast Harness**
The most thrilling aspect of the Happy Ghast is its potential as a **flying mount**. Players can craft a **Ghast Harness**, enabling up to **four players** to ride the Happy Ghast simultaneously. This marks a groundbreaking moment in *Minecraft* history, as players will finally have access to a **mountable flying creature**.

– **Flight Dynamics:** The Happy Ghast does not soar at high velocities but instead provides a **soft glide**, making it an ideal means of transportation for traversing extensive terrains.
– **Personalization:** Players can **dye the harness** in various colors and even **name their mounts**, adding a unique flair to their airborne companion.
– **Visual Appeal:** The Happy Ghast is adorned with **aviator-style goggles**, imparting a delightful and adventurous appearance when seen from the front.

## **How to Gear Up for the Happy Ghast Update**
Before players can acquire a Happy Ghast, there are several considerations to keep in mind:

1. **Entry to the Nether:** Players must have accessed the Nether to locate a Dried Ghast.
2. **No Requirement for The End:** Unlike other advanced game features, there is no need to reach The End.
3. **Creative Mode Alternative:** For those looking to explore, **Ghastling spawn eggs** will be available in Creative Mode, allowing players to bypass the transformation stage.

## **A Transformative Addition to Minecraft**
The launch of the Happy Ghast along with its flying mount functionalities is poised to **reshape the player experience in Minecraft**. Whether utilized for **exploration, travel, or simply as a delightful companion**, the Happy Ghast is destined to become a beloved element among fans.

While Mojang has yet to specify an exact release date, the Happy Ghast will be featured in *Minecraft’s* **second significant update of 2025**. One thing is certain—**the experience of flying in Minecraft will be transformed forever!** 🚀👻