Some bits from the 4gamer end of 2016 interview with game creators. Doesn't sound too thrilling for Vita, but there's some mentions (btw, I think "home console" means "not mobile"):
http://gematsu.com/2016/12/4gamer-interviews-japanese-creators-2017-ambitions
Norihisa Kochiwa, Game Development Department Boss at Compile Heart
- Known for: Neptune series, Genkai Tokki series, Mary Skelter: Nightmares, Gun Gun Pixies, Otomate brand
- Favorite title of 2016: Final Fantasy XV
“In 2017, we will release Four Goddesses Online: Cyber Dimension Neptune for PlayStation 4 and Gun Gun Pixies for PS Vita. Both of them are charming with cute characters and 3D action. From there, we’re preparing a new RPG. We’re incorporating new things, so please look forward to the announcement.”
Hajime Chikami, Representative Director & Producer at Experience
- Known for: Demon Gaze series, Stranger of Sword City series, Operation Abyss and Operation Babel, Ray Gigant
- Favorite title of 2016: Persona 5
“With titles like Yomi wo Haku Sana and HRV (project name), we will challenge genres outside of the dungeon RPGs we’re known for, and I’m considering putting on a new dungeon RPG for our core users.”
Juntaro Kouno, Producer at Kadokawa Games
- Known for: Demon Gaze 2
- Favorite title of 2016: Persona 5
“Currently, we are moving forward on preparations for an unannounced home console game to be announced and released in 2017. We’re earnestly developing the game so that you’re surprised and overly delighted, so please look forward to it.”
Yoshimi Yasuda, Representative Director & Game Director at Kadokawa Games
- Known for: Lollipop Chainsaw, God Wars: Future Past, Starly Girls: Episode Starsia
- Favorite title of 2016: Persona 5
“Also, as for home console games, we plan to announce two new titles following God Wars: Future Past in 2017
Kikuchi Keisuke, Gust Brand Producer at Koei Tecmo Games
- Known for: Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon, Fatal Frame series, Deception series
- Favorite title of 2016: Persona 5
“2017 is the 20th anniversary of the Atelier series, so to thank all the fans we will prepare an appropriate title for the 20th anniversary.”
Kikuchi Keisuke, Gust Brand Producer at Koei Tecmo Games
- Known for: Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon, Fatal Frame series, Deception series
- Favorite title of 2016: Persona 5
“2017 is the 20th anniversary of the Atelier series, so to thank all the fans we will prepare an appropriate title for the 20th anniversary.”
Takashi Morinaka, Producer & Director at Koei Tecmo Games
- Known for: Toukiden series, Dynasty Warriors series, Saihai no Yukue
- Favorite title of 2016: Final Fantasy XV
“This year we were able to release a new game in the Toukiden series, Toukiden 2. To all the fans who played it and supported us, thank you very much! We want to deliver a new evolution of the Toukiden series in 2017 as well, so please look forward to it. Also, as titles related to Toukiden, we are working on things like the smartphone app Toukiden: Mononofu and Musou Stars. Please look forward to them!”
Kenichi Ogasawara, Omega Force Brand Boss at Koei Tecmo Games
- Known for: Dragon Quest Heroes II, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Sphere of Influence – Ascension
- Favorite title of 2016: Persona 5
“2017 is the 20th anniversary of Omega Force. We will announce works befitting of such an important year, so please expect it. For now, please focus on Musou Stars, which we will release in March!”
Masanori Ichikawa, Producer at Square Enix
- Known for: SaGa: Scarlet Grace, Emperor’s SaGa, Romancing SaGa 2 remastered version
- Favorite title of 2016: Pokemon GO
“We were finally able to release a new SaGa title in 2016… While I can’t make an announcement yet, I think everyone will be able to enjoy the SaGa series next year, too.”
Yuichiro Saito, Line Producer at Spike Chunsoft
- Known for: Danganronpa series, Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky, Conception series
- Favorite game of 2016: “Overwatch“
“On January 12, 2017, we will release Danganronpa V3, which we’ve devoted all of our energy to. I want to challenge a new title in the 11 months that follow, so continue to pay attention to Spike Chunsoft.”
Yujiro Usuda, Content Production Team A Team Leader & Producer at D3 Publisher
- Known for: Bullet Girls series, Omega Labyrinth, Idol Death Game TV, etc.
- Favorite title of 2016: Berserk and the Band of the Hawk
“As for the titles I’m in charge of in 2017, while I can’t say any details yet, we plan to release several consumer titles. Everyone will be surprised! Shocked! A bulge in your pants!”
Tatsuya Izumi, Director & Game Designer at Nippon Ichi Software
- Known for: The Witch and the Hundred Knight, Coven and Labyrinth of Refrain
- Favorite (non-)title of 2016: PlayStation VR
“This year, we were able to successfully release Coven and Labyrinth of Refrain, and are very grateful to have received good reviews beyond our expectations. While it may not be an ambition for 2017… but the feeling of ‘Can we make a sequel for this?’ is lingering about the company, if there are people who want a sequel, if you write a short survey card for us we’ll be closer to its realization. I’d like to make a sequel if we can.”
Takuya Yamanaka, Game Director & Producer at FuRyu
- Known for: Caligula
- Favorite title of 2016: Coven and the Labyrinth of Refrain
“We are in the middle of planning a challenging and original title for 2017 as well, so please wait for more details! Of course, I myself am running around behind the scenes at full power to be able to announce works that sink its claws into the soft parts of your heart, so please look forward to it.”
