Ghost of Yotei’s Erika Ishii Describes Their Ideal Game Studio

by

I was reading an interview with Erika Ishii, who played Atsu in Ghost of Yotei – it’s a PlayStation 5 exclusive that came out in October 2025. She was talking about what her dream game studio would be like, and she really admires how Dropout treats its employees and creates content. It’s cool to see someone who was nominated for Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2025 thinking about the bigger picture of game development!

Erika Ishii isn’t just known for her voice work in video games – she’s also a regular performer on Dropout, a comedy streaming service created by the team behind CollegeHumor. Dropout has become a popular online destination for consistently fresh and funny content. Shows like Dimension 20 and Game Changer are particularly successful, often featuring hilarious, unscripted moments as performers react to unexpected challenges. Game Changer, for example, is based on game show formats, but with a twist – the rules are different every episode, keeping everyone on their toes. Beyond the entertainment itself, Dropout also stands out for its commitment to its creators, sharing profits with them to help improve their livelihoods.

Erika Ishii’s Ideal Game Studio Includes Profit Sharing

Erika Ishii recently described their dream video game studio during an interview with Game Rant, drawing on positive experiences from their time at Dropout. While Ishii clarified they aren’t a game developer themselves, they have many friends who are. They believe the entertainment industry is currently too focused on profits, often leading to overpromising and difficult conditions for workers. Ishii highlighted how developers frequently face layoffs or other repercussions for company mistakes. This resonates with many fans, as several large gaming companies have had layoffs in recent years.

Ishii highlighted the importance of prioritizing enjoyable, high-quality work over simply maximizing profits, and shared how Dropout applies this philosophy to both its content and its employees. He explained to Game Rant that Dropout focuses on creating things its team loves, and then shares any resulting profits with those who helped make it happen. This approach benefits everyone, as it encourages a stronger commitment to the company and its work, and ensures shared success. When asked about the types of games Dropout might produce, Ishii expressed confidence in the studio’s talent, suggesting they could create something as innovative as The Stanley Parable or a narrative adventure similar to those made by Telltale Games.

Erika Ishii clarified that this wasn’t a formal game proposal, but rather a spontaneous brainstorming session. She added that she’d gladly put together a team of skilled developers if the chance ever arose. Though not a game developer herself, Ishii is well-known in the industry, having lent her talents to popular games like Destiny 2, Apex Legends, Mortal Kombat 1, Ghost of Yotei, and others. Following her 2025 Game Awards nomination for Best Performance, fans are eager to see what Erika Ishii does next.

Read More

2025-12-19 19:06