Yoko Taro Praises ICO as a Masterpiece That Revolutionized Video Games

Yoko Taro, the 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 swiftly 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—as a radical departure from established gameplay conventions. 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 of leading another character, he emphasized, was groundbreaking, challenging the prevailing understanding of interactivity in games.

At the time, successful game design often prioritized engaging gameplay even with simplistic visuals. ICO, however, prioritized emotional resonance and thematic depth over purely mechanical innovation. Taro argued that ICO proved art and narrative could be integral to the gaming experience, rather than mere supplementary elements.

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

Beyond ICO, Taro cited two other influential titles: Undertale by Toby Fox and LIMBO by Playdead. He believes these games, along with ICO, expanded the expressive potential of interactive media, demonstrating video games' capacity for deep emotional and intellectual engagement.

Taro's appreciation for these games provides valuable insight into the creative influences shaping his own work, and underscores the ongoing evolution of video games as a powerful and versatile art form.