8Bit/Digi

During the 2025 Game Developers Conference, LightSpeed Studios announces its original IP strategy during a panel.

Behind LightSpeed Studios’ Formula for Creating Successful Original Game IP was hosted by Steve C. Martin, President of LightSpeed Studios and General Manager of LightSpeed LA, and industry legend Hideaki Itsuno, head of LightSpeed Japan Studio. Panel took place in Room 2000 on March 20th starting at 11am.

Hideaki Itsuno is a video game director and designer with a robust history in the industry while working on numerous iconic titles. Known for his tenure at Capcom. he is best known for his work on Dragon’s Dogma and every mainline Devil May Cry title starting with the second game. He is also known for his work on Street Fighter Alpha, the Rival Schools, and the Power Stone series.

Steve C. Martin is a video game director, designer, and producer known for his tenure at Rockstar Games and Electronic Arts. During his time at EA, he was the development director on Need for Speed Underground series and 007: Everything or Nothing. During his time at Rockstar Games, he is best known for his work on Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption II.

Behind LightSpeed Studios

The Original IP Initiative marks a strategic shift toward developing original game titles. As part of this focus, Steve C. Martin unveiled Last Sentinel, a highly anticipated AAA open-world action game. Meanwhile, Hideaki Itsuno is leading the development of an unnamed AAA action title. Both projects represent the next chapter in LightSpeed Studios’ commitment to original game creation.

This strategy enables its development studios a direct pipeline to LightSpeed Studios centralized technical resources. This consists of the latest R&D breakthroughs, which push the boundaries of graphics and performance to enhance in-game realism. Additionally, each studio is to shape its own culture, advocating for original thinking within teams.

The panel was followed by a Q&A session with the audience.

Final Thoughts

Behind LightSpeed Studios’ Formula for Creating Successful Original Game IP was one of the many panels that were focused on the direction of major studios. It was also one of many inssightful talks and panels during the 2025 Game Developers Conference.

This article is part of our coverage of the 2025 Game Developers Conference. If you attended the event, please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Disclaimer: GDC provided 8Bit/Digi with press passes for the event.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.