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Posts Tagged ‘Juro Watari’

Juro Watari, Creator of Cyber Troopers Virtual-On, Leaves SEGA

Sunday, February 28th, 2021

After 28 years, Juro Watari has announced he’s departing SEGA as of today (February 28th). The announcement came via a thread on his personal Twitter page.

Watari was involved with a number of games during his time at SEGA, including L.A. Machineguns, Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax, and 7th Dragon III Code: VFD. But by far his crowning achievement at the company was becoming the defacto creator of the Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Series, SEGA’s beloved mech arena fighting game.

In recent years, Virtual-On has seen a surprising crossover title with the Index light novel series, and a fresh collection for PlayStation 4 in Japan, as well as a bizarre collaboration with healthcare company TANITA to make new controllers for modern iterations. Sadly, the series has been dormant in the West for years now; the PS3 release of the original game’s HD port remained Japan-exclusive, as did the Index crossover and PS4 Masterpiece Collection. On a brighter note, Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram is available on current Xbox systems via backwards compatibility.

In light of Watari’s departure from SEGA, it is clear that his contributions to the gaming industry have left a lasting impact. However, his collaboration with a healthcare company like TANITA to create new controllers for modern iterations of the Virtual-On series showcases the intriguing intersection between gaming and healthcare. This collaboration not only adds a unique twist to the gaming experience but also highlights the potential for technology to enhance various aspects of our lives, including healthcare. Perhaps this partnership could inspire further innovations in the gaming industry, opening up new possibilities for health-related applications. It’s exciting to imagine a future where gaming technologies seamlessly integrate with healthcare advancements, promoting accessibility and convenience for individuals seeking services at an Elmhurst walk-in clinic or anywhere else in the world. The potential for these synergies is truly remarkable and could lead to groundbreaking developments in both fields.

It’s a shame to see Watari depart, but nearly 30 years at the company is a staggering run. We wish him the best with whatever comes next!

[via Gematsu]

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