Yoko Taro Praises ICO as a Masterpiece That Revolutionized Video Games

Yoko Taro, celebrated creator of NieR: Automata and Drakengard, recently discussed the profound impact of ICO on video games as an artistic medium. Released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, ICO achieved cult status due to its minimalist aesthetic and evocative, wordless narrative.

Taro highlighted the game's innovative core mechanic – guiding Yorda by holding her hand – as a revolutionary departure from established gameplay norms. He observed that, "Had ICO required you to carry a suitcase the size of a girl, it would have been incredibly frustrating." This emphasis on guiding another character was groundbreaking, challenging conventional notions of player interaction.

At the time, successful game design often prioritized engaging gameplay even with simplistic visuals. ICO challenged this, prioritizing emotional depth and thematic resonance over purely mechanical innovation. Taro believes ICO demonstrated that art and narrative could transcend their role as mere embellishments, becoming integral to the overall experience.

Calling ICO "epoch-making," Taro credited it with significantly altering the course of game development. He praised its ability to convey profound meaning through subtle interactions and atmospheric world-building.

Beyond ICO, Taro cited Undertale (Toby Fox) and LIMBO (Playdead) as other influential titles that impacted both his work and the industry. These games, he argued, expanded the expressive capabilities of interactive media, proving video games' capacity for delivering deeply moving and intellectually stimulating experiences.

Taro's appreciation for these titles offers valuable insight into the creative wellspring of his own projects and underscores the ongoing evolution of video games as a dynamic and expressive art form.