Welcome to the Shinji Mikami Hub! This community hub — built on top of and serving as a companion to the Wikipedia article — lets you discuss, collect, and organize everything related to Shinji Mikami.
Bethesda Softworks announced on February 23, 2023, that Shinji Mikami would be
leaving Tango Gameworks in the coming months. This marked the end of Mikami's
tenure at the studio he founded, where he directed The Evil Within and oversaw
the development of Ghostwire: Tokyo and Hi-Fi Rush.
ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, announced on October
28, 2010, that Shinji Mikami had joined ZeniMax after they acquired Tango
Gameworks. This acquisition marked a new chapter in Mikami's career, leading to
the development of The Evil Within.
Shinji Mikami is born in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Little is known about his early childhood, but his later career choices suggest a formative interest in storytelling and interactive entertainment.
Joins Capcom
Late 1980s
After graduating from Doshisha University, Mikami joins Capcom, a major video game developer and publisher. This marked the beginning of his professional career in the video game industry, where he initially worked on a variety of games to gain experience.
First Directorial Role: Who Framed Roger Rabbit (NES)
1990
Mikami received his first directorial role with the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) game "Who Framed Roger Rabbit". While not a massive hit, this experience proved valuable in understanding game development processes and leadership.
Director of Resident Evil
1996
Mikami directs the original "Resident Evil" for the PlayStation. This game revolutionized the survival horror genre with its tense atmosphere, limited resources, pre-rendered backgrounds, and terrifying creatures. "Resident Evil" becomes a massive critical and commercial success, solidifying Mikami's reputation.
Supervising Resident Evil Titles and Directing Resident Evil 4
2000s
Mikami oversees development on several "Resident Evil" titles. He eventually returns to the director's chair for "Resident Evil 4" (2005). This game represents a significant departure from the series' traditional fixed-camera perspective, adopting an over-the-shoulder viewpoint and emphasizing action. Despite initial controversy, "Resident Evil 4" is critically acclaimed and widely regarded as one of the best video games ever made. He also was involved in directing Devil May Cry.
Leaves Capcom to form Clover Studio
2006
Mikami leaves Capcom along with other prominent developers to establish Clover Studio. Clover Studio develops titles such as Viewtiful Joe, Okami, and God Hand before being closed by Capcom in 2007.
Founds Tango Gameworks
2010
Mikami establishes Tango Gameworks, a studio later acquired by ZeniMax Media (Bethesda Softworks' parent company). This move allowed him to pursue his creative vision with greater autonomy, free from the constraints of a large corporation.
Directs The Evil Within
2014
Mikami directs "The Evil Within", a return to the survival horror genre. "The Evil Within" is noted for its challenging gameplay, gruesome visuals, and mind-bending story, marking Mikami's continued commitment to creating intense and terrifying gaming experiences.
Departs Tango Gameworks
2023
Shinji Mikami departs Tango Gameworks. The reasons behind his departure are not fully public, but it signals a new chapter in his career, potentially leading to new independent projects or collaborations. His lasting impact on the studio and the horror genre is undeniable.
Brief
Known For
Creating and directing the "Resident Evil" franchise, directing "Resident Evil 4", directing "Devil May Cry", directing "Vanquish", directing "The Evil Within" and "The Evil Within 2".
Key Dates and Places
Born Date: August 11, 1965.
Born Place: Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
Career
Current occupation: Video game designer.
Past occupations: Video game director, video game producer.
Current Place of Work: Currently independent after leaving Tango Gameworks in February 2023. Potentially establishing a new studio or taking on freelance work.
Previous Place of Work: Capcom, Clover Studio, PlatinumGames, Tango Gameworks (ZeniMax/Bethesda Softworks/Microsoft).
Achievements and Recognition
Awards: BAFTA Games Award for Best Action Adventure (Resident Evil 4), D.I.C.E. Award for Adventure Game of the Year (Resident Evil 4), numerous Game of the Year awards for Resident Evil 4 from various publications.
Wikipedia Article
Welcome to the Shinji Mikami Hub! This community hub — built on top of and serving as a companion to the Wikipedia article — lets you discuss, collect, and organize everything related to Shinji Mikami.
Bethesda Softworks announced on February 23, 2023, that Shinji Mikami would be
leaving Tango Gameworks in the coming months. This marked the end of Mikami's
tenure at the studio he founded, where he directed The Evil Within and oversaw
the development of Ghostwire: Tokyo and Hi-Fi Rush.
ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, announced on October
28, 2010, that Shinji Mikami had joined ZeniMax after they acquired Tango
Gameworks. This acquisition marked a new chapter in Mikami's career, leading to
the development of The Evil Within.
Shinji Mikami is born in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Little is known about his early childhood, but his later career choices suggest a formative interest in storytelling and interactive entertainment.
Joins Capcom
Late 1980s
After graduating from Doshisha University, Mikami joins Capcom, a major video game developer and publisher. This marked the beginning of his professional career in the video game industry, where he initially worked on a variety of games to gain experience.
First Directorial Role: Who Framed Roger Rabbit (NES)
1990
Mikami received his first directorial role with the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) game "Who Framed Roger Rabbit". While not a massive hit, this experience proved valuable in understanding game development processes and leadership.
Director of Resident Evil
1996
Mikami directs the original "Resident Evil" for the PlayStation. This game revolutionized the survival horror genre with its tense atmosphere, limited resources, pre-rendered backgrounds, and terrifying creatures. "Resident Evil" becomes a massive critical and commercial success, solidifying Mikami's reputation.
Supervising Resident Evil Titles and Directing Resident Evil 4
2000s
Mikami oversees development on several "Resident Evil" titles. He eventually returns to the director's chair for "Resident Evil 4" (2005). This game represents a significant departure from the series' traditional fixed-camera perspective, adopting an over-the-shoulder viewpoint and emphasizing action. Despite initial controversy, "Resident Evil 4" is critically acclaimed and widely regarded as one of the best video games ever made. He also was involved in directing Devil May Cry.
Leaves Capcom to form Clover Studio
2006
Mikami leaves Capcom along with other prominent developers to establish Clover Studio. Clover Studio develops titles such as Viewtiful Joe, Okami, and God Hand before being closed by Capcom in 2007.
Founds Tango Gameworks
2010
Mikami establishes Tango Gameworks, a studio later acquired by ZeniMax Media (Bethesda Softworks' parent company). This move allowed him to pursue his creative vision with greater autonomy, free from the constraints of a large corporation.
Directs The Evil Within
2014
Mikami directs "The Evil Within", a return to the survival horror genre. "The Evil Within" is noted for its challenging gameplay, gruesome visuals, and mind-bending story, marking Mikami's continued commitment to creating intense and terrifying gaming experiences.
Departs Tango Gameworks
2023
Shinji Mikami departs Tango Gameworks. The reasons behind his departure are not fully public, but it signals a new chapter in his career, potentially leading to new independent projects or collaborations. His lasting impact on the studio and the horror genre is undeniable.
Brief
Known For
Creating and directing the "Resident Evil" franchise, directing "Resident Evil 4", directing "Devil May Cry", directing "Vanquish", directing "The Evil Within" and "The Evil Within 2".
Key Dates and Places
Born Date: August 11, 1965.
Born Place: Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
Career
Current occupation: Video game designer.
Past occupations: Video game director, video game producer.
Current Place of Work: Currently independent after leaving Tango Gameworks in February 2023. Potentially establishing a new studio or taking on freelance work.
Previous Place of Work: Capcom, Clover Studio, PlatinumGames, Tango Gameworks (ZeniMax/Bethesda Softworks/Microsoft).
Achievements and Recognition
Awards: BAFTA Games Award for Best Action Adventure (Resident Evil 4), D.I.C.E. Award for Adventure Game of the Year (Resident Evil 4), numerous Game of the Year awards for Resident Evil 4 from various publications.