Following the unsuccessful launch of "To a T," Takahashi, the creator of Katamari Damacy, has returned to Japan

Keita Takahashi, known for creating Katamari Damacy, has relocated back to Japan after his latest game, To a T, released through his studio Uvula and Annapurna Interactive, did not perform well commercially.

In an interview with GamesRadar, Takahashi discussed how the game's underperformance in the market compelled him to leave San Francisco. The game had been developed in collaboration with AbleGamers, an organization focusing on accessibility.

Takahashi reflected on the niche appeal of his creations, saying, "I don't think anyone tries to make a niche game. The title 'niche game' is just a result. I know my games are far from mainstream."

"One reason I returned to Japan is due to To a T's lackluster sales. That's the risk inherent in independence. However, it's more about audience reception rather than being niche or mainstream. While it's disappointing that To a T didn't resonate, I still believe in the potential for fresh ideas," he expressed.

While Takahashi does not possess the rights to the Katamari Damacy series, he continues to generate ideas for possible future installments. He remarked, "I wish I had the Katamari Damacy IP," expressing a desire to collaborate with Bandai Namco again, which might lead to an exciting project.

Takahashi previously directed the original Katamari Damacy in 2004, followed by We Love Katamari in 2005. In 2019, he released Wattam with Annapurna Interactive.

In a 2022 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Takahashi conveyed frustration that the gaming industry remains unchanged despite his efforts to innovate. "I'm trying to go against the current trend... Shooting or fighting is kind of fun, but as a game designer, that's kind of sad, because we couldn't provide a different perspective for the player," he mentioned, emphasizing his vision for games as a unique medium with the potential to offer diverse experiences.