Phil Spencer Drops Capcom Bomb at Gamescom 2024

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is Capcom’s latest IP, released in July 2024 on Xbox, PC, and PS5 to positive reviews. The game is a fresh take on the action-strategy genre as it combines real-time strategy and tower defense and blends it into a unique title. 

Recently, new details about the game’s development were revealed by none other than Xbox’s Phil Spencer, shedding light on the process behind the game’s creation and release as he spoke at Gamescom 2024 about some of the future plans. 

Xbox Funded Capcom’s Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

Capcom’s Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess was developed by the same team behind iconic titles like Resident Evil and Devil May Cry. The game, directed by Shuichi Kawata, took over four years to develop and drew significant inspiration from Japanese folklore. 

It was officially revealed in June 2023 and was released on July 19, 2024, across multiple platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. Moreover, the Game Pass subscribers could access the game at no additional cost on launch day, which only increased the game’s popularity. 

Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, during his appearance at Gamescom 2024, disclosed that Xbox had a crucial role in financing the game’s development. 

According to Phil Spencer at Gamescom, Xbox helped by financially funding and supporting Capcom’s new title, Kunitsu-gami Path of The Goddess (@ 38.55) pic.twitter.com/OWrcsCUGQl

— HazzadorGamin, Dragon of Dojima (@HazzadorGamin) August 31, 2024

He came forward to say that Xbox is committed to supporting innovative IPs and said that the financial support helped the company explore bold creative directions seen in the game, such as art style, boss design, and overall game’s color palette. 

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Steeped In Japanese Folklore 

The success of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess can be accredited to the Game Pass inclusion, but it is no secret that games with mythology and folklore as themes are becoming more popular. 

The action-strategy game has roots deep into Japanese folklore, with both story and gameplay influenced by old Japanese legends. The game’s combat system is inspired by kagura, an ancient Japanese ceremonial dance that symbolizes the connection between humans and deities. 

This is translated to the main protagonist, Soh, as their movements and attacks mimic the ritualistic dance. The main enemies in the game, Yokai, are based on various supernatural creatures from Japanese mythology.

These yokai are depicted with designs that reflect their mythical origins, such as the Tengu, a bird-like demon, and the Oni, a fearsome ogre. 

The Japanese developer went a step further by collaborating with the Ningyo-Joruri Bunraku Theater to create a Bunraku puppet theater prequel. This prequel, titled Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden’s Destiny, was released on YouTube and shows just the eerie and mystical nature of Japanese legends. 

With Microsoft by its side, Capcom was able to bring all this to players at a detailed level, thanks to creative freedom and funding. As Spencer explained, Xbox is supportive of unique IPs and this is a one-of-a-kind title in the vast sea of video games. 

What are your thoughts on this revelation? Are you surprised? And what are your thoughts on the game? Let us know in the comments below.