Yoko Taro, the celebrated creator of NieR: Automata and Drakengard, recently discussed the profound impact of ICO on video games as an art form. Released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, ICO quickly gained cult status for its minimalist aesthetic and evocative, wordless storytelling.
Taro highlighted the game's revolutionary core mechanic: guiding Yorda by holding her hand. He noted, "If ICO had tasked you with carrying a suitcase the size of a girl instead, it would have been incredibly frustrating." This simple act, he emphasized, was groundbreaking, challenging established norms of player interaction.
At the time, successful game design often prioritized engaging gameplay even with simplistic visuals. ICO, however, prioritized emotional resonance and thematic depth over pure mechanical innovation. Taro believes ICO proved that art and narrative could be integral to the gameplay experience, not mere window dressing.
Calling ICO "epoch-making," Taro lauded its demonstration of profound meaning conveyed through subtle interactions and atmospheric design.
Beyond ICO, Taro cited two other influential games: Toby Fox's Undertale and Playdead's LIMBO. He argued these titles expanded the expressive capabilities of interactive media, proving video games could deliver deeply emotional and intellectually stimulating experiences.
Taro's appreciation for these games offers valuable insight into the creative influences behind his own work, underscoring the evolution of video games as a powerful and versatile art form.
