Producer Keita Iizuka: Code Vein 2's Story Will be Darker Than the First

Bandai Namco Entertainment's sequel to its 2019 hit, Code Vein, is set to release next year. The action RPG features a unique Buddy System that gives the players a partner to explore within Code Vein 2's dystopian world. After the debut trailer gave the world a first glimpse into the story, the game is still in development, and details are still limited. Although Producer Keita Iizuka was limited with his time, he thankfully made room to speak with Anime News Network. He shared how time-travel is tied into the gameplay, and how jumping between the past and present helps explore the relationship between humans and vampires, thereby influencing the story's path.

This interview contains some spoilers for the first Code Vein game.

Why did you decide to not continue the storyline between Code Vein 1 and Code Vein 2?

Iizuka: As you might be familiar with the first game, there are multiple endings. As the development team, we felt that the story was complete as a result. We wanted to deliver a new experience to audiences and fans of Code Vein, so we thought about changing the world, introducing new gimmicks, and new characters that would serve as the perfect platform for that.

How big is the development team for this game? For the first game, I believe the team was around 200 people.

Iizuka: A lot of the key positions are still retained, and the team size is about the same. Director Hiroshi Yoshimura, the game designer, the art director, etc., are all the same people from Code Vein.

The first game had an opening cinematic animated by ufotable. Are there plans to work with ufotable again for any animation in the game?

Iizuka: No, unfortunately, there's no animation this time. We're focusing on a worldwide market.

Is this so players can focus on the in-game world of Code Vein 2 itself?

Iizuka: Yes, however, that isn't related to why there isn't an animated sequence.

During the preview, you mentioned the player can play without the AI partner for a greater challenge, but will it impact the story if she's not included in battle?

Iizuka: No, it doesn't affect the story or ending. It's just a way to make the game more difficult.

One of the highlights from the first game is the customization for the character's visual aesthetic. From what was shown in our session, there were more options for customization. Is this because of the feedback you received from the first game?

Iizuka: Yes, and compared to Code Vein 1, there are a lot of different parts that can be customized concerning the attire. In terms of the face, the placement and the balance of the face can all be adjusted. We wanted to encourage people to make the coolest anime-style character they can imagine.

For this game, was there a story aspect the team couldn't explore in Code Vein 1 but is in Code Vein 2? Or is this an entirely new story? Earlier, you mentioned the worlds are not connected, but did the team want a similar story to the first game?

Iizuka: This is its own story and starts from a completely different point. I want players to enjoy this as its own standalone experience.

Much of the team for Code Vein 1 came from God Eater 3. Was there any discussion about incorporating some of God Eater 3 into Code Vein 2?

Iizuka: I wouldn't say those two are that connected. Rather, people threw out ideas like, 'Wouldn't it be nice to do this with Code Vein?'

Because the players have choices that impact the rest of the story in the game, was the intention for the story to be darker or lighter than the first game?

Iizuka: I would say the story is heavier than the previous one in terms of entrusting what the player can do to the world.