That's how Jumo sees itself, Yano says: adult gamers who also appreciate a well-made, collectible figure. Yet despite the proliferation of games that use action figures or other toys as a core gameplay mechanic, Yano explains, the collaborators that went on to form Jumo felt that the industry had yet to combine these two genres in a meaningful fashion, or even a compelling one for those who fancy themselves both gamers and collectors. Toys-to-life didn't even exist five years ago, and now is a major part of a gaming segment." "New types of genres, like virtual reality and augmented reality are coming into play.
![combat arms gameplay 2016 combat arms gameplay 2016](https://cdn.wccftech.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Final-Fantasy-XV-15.jpg)
"And gaming has evolved, too," he continues. "Toys have evolved," Yano says after clicking ahead to a slide bearing the phrase "games-to-life." Not only is there an unease inherent in that - being a young and unproven studio, despite its members' individually impressive track records - but the slideshow presentation that Yano initiates once we're all settled is all about how Jumo, this green developer, is wading into similarly unseen territory. "Toy companies don't understanding gaming." Jumo is a brand new start-up of a studio, with the team splitting time between Tokyo and Seattle to oversee that title's production. It's clear that the three men behind Jumo - chief executive officer Keiichi Yano ( Elite Beat Agents, Gitaroo Man), chief creative officer Chris Esaki ( Gears of War) and chief strategy officer Akio Fujii (former president, Namco Entertainment) - are anxious to unveil it, to reveal what the studio has in development.ĭespite their list of credits and combined years in the industry, it's understandable why the team at Jumo would be palpably nervous to reveal their first project. something at the end of the table, sitting in front of a projection screen. Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder at a long conference table, they make friendly, eager introductions they hop up as soon as we enter the room and wait for us to take a seat opposite them.