Horror games are back in vogue. The resurgence of the Resident Evil franchise as a major horror-focused series, a renaissance of indie horror games, and constant speculation regarding franchises like Silent Hill are proof of the demand. Fittingly, there's one horror franchise that's looping around to its 20th anniversary, that being Fatal Frame. Capitalizing on the timing, Koei Tecmo producer Keisuke Kikuchi is teasing that maybe Fatal Frame should be a part of the ongoing conversation next year.
In an interview with Japanese magazine Famitsu, Kikuchi acknowledges that 2021 will be the 20th anniversary of the original release of Fatal Frame. He said that, if it's possible, he'd like to celebrate that anniversary in some way. This comment alone doesn't promise anything about a new game necessarily, as he could be implying anything from a special interview, a panel with Fatal Frame's creators, or a new soundtrack rerelease.
Continuing from there, however, Kikuchi gives Fatal Frame fans hope. He said, "We're working hard to announce some titles by spring. We're developing a wide range of titles, from those currently under adjustment to those with pending names." This second statement isn't necessarily connected to the first. However, it wouldn't be a leap to believe they're intended to be tied together, which offers a message of hope for the future of Fatal Frame.
One other portion of the interview worth mentioning is a single, "Keyword for 2021." The interviewer only asked three questions, those being "Ambitions for 2021," "What's New," and this keyword for 2021. Kikuchi's chosen word was "Rebuild." Bringing back the Fatal Frame franchise on its 20th anniversary would certainly fit with that keyword, but even if Fatal Frame isn't meant to be included, it's clear that Koei Tecmo has big plans moving forward.
It almost sounds crazy to say that a Fatal Frame game could be made in 2020. The franchise was never particularly large compared to other mainstream horror series, and most of its games often struggle with middling reviews. Regardless, it's still very well known, and the horror game series with cameras deserves to be rebuilt, as Kikuchi may have implied.
Whether or not Koei Tecmo is already working on a new Fatal Frame game, Fatal Frame fans should take this opportunity to remind Koei Tecmo they're out there. If a game isn't already being made, Koei Tecmo could potentially be persuaded. The Fatal Frame series' 20th anniversary may be the best opportunity to do that, so perhaps fans will hear more about Koei Tecmo's plans in 2021.
Source: Famitsu (via Gematsu)