Keiichiro Toyama, the visionary behind Silent Hill and Slitterhead, has confirmed he’s diving into a brand-new game – and no, it’s not Slitterhead 2. 
In a recent interview with Famitsu, Toyama opened up about the mixed reception of Slitterhead, his journey running Bokeh Game Studio, and what lies ahead for the legendary game designer.
While Slitterhead didn’t shatter sales records, it found life as a cult favorite, despite some confusion over whether it was a horror or action title. Toyama acknowledged this blurred messaging but stood by his team’s creative direction. “We expected a bit more commercial success,” he admitted, “but we’re proud of how unique the game turned out.”
Now in his late fifties, Toyama reflected on passing the creative torch: “I believe I must gradually pass the baton to the next generation. We’re only halfway to our goals as a studio.” Despite Bokeh’s indie freedom, Toyama noted the constraints they still face: funding, resources, and market expectations remain hurdles for even the most daring developers.
On his new project, Toyama was tight-lipped but excited. “We’re at the very beginning,” he said. “I can’t share details yet, but the goal was always to explore different genres and nurture younger voices. We’re pouring everything into this next title.” While fans may hope for more Slitterhead, Toyama clearly stated the original was not designed with a sequel in mind.
As Slitterhead fades into cult territory, another iconic franchise looms: Silent Hill f. Konami’s next installment promises a return to Japanese horror roots, this time with heavier combat elements. Could this be the shot in the arm the franchise needs?
Whether you’re a fan of his early psychological horror or his recent grotesque experiments, one thing’s clear – Toyama isn’t done surprising us just yet.