2013 was a big year for Level-5, as the publisher introduced brand new games like Youkai Watch and Wonderflick, along with a major update to their immensely successful Fantasy Life. A couple key Level-5 developers recently talked to 4Gamer and shared a few thoughts on the year ahead.

“In 2013, we released Fantasy Life Link!, which corresponded to our ‘connecting’ network theme,” director Atsushi Sugano tells 4Gamer. “That was our answer to those from our development staff and players who voiced ‘I want to play more,’ and I’m grateful we were able to meet those expectations.”

“Again, while I can’t say more, there’s one more approach through which we’re currently challenging ourselves,” continues Sugano. “I believe that ‘even if we go against predictions, expectations must be met’ when it comes to creativity.”

“We’re all currently working at our best to prepare something, so please wait just a little longer,” he concludes.

Next, 4Gamer asks Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino to share a message going into 2014, for the readers. Hino says he’d like to think of new ideas for 2014, and that a new game is required to help move the industry along.

“In the midst of a rather sluggish consumer game industry at the moment, I believe that the industry needs a ‘new game’,” says Hino. “We’ll try our best to make a new title that’ll surprise all of you, so please look forward to that.” [Note: “Consumer game” is the term used to indicate retail handheld and console titles.]

Earlier in the year, Hino said to Famitsu magazine that the two kinds of projects he has in mind for the future are cross-media projects for kids like Youkai Watch and games that cater to a wider audience, such as Fantasy Life and Wonder Flick. Something he’s particularly interested in, he revealed, is trying his hand at a game involving humour.