Troubled Last Guardian still in development, says Ueda

The long delayed Team Ico project The Last Guardian is still in development, the title’s creator has said.

Despite having left the studio last year, Fumito Ueda said on his blog the title still remained under his creative supervision on a freelance basis, and teased fans by stating to “keep an eye out” for an official announcement.

Progress on the project has been mute for a number of months after reported development troubles and a number of leading staff leaving the studio, including Ueda, Shadow of the Colossus producer Kenji Kaido and Last Guardian executive producer Yoshifusa Hayama.

“As some of you may have heard, I left Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Studio some time ago to pursue my creative passions. Nevertheless, I continue working on The Last Guardian as a freelance contributor,” said Ueda.

“While it’s been a long time coming, The Last Guardian remains under my creative supervision and is still in development by an incredibly talented team.

“I should also mention that details regarding The Last Guardian’s release is solely decided by Sony Computer Entertainment, not myself. Please keep an eye out for their official announcement.”

One of the most recent updates on the project came three months ago in November, when Sony worldwide studios president Shuhei Yoshida refused to give The Last Guardian a 2013 release date, which could suggest it will be a PS4 title – despite previous assertions it will launch on PS3.

“I can tell you that the team is working hard on the project and in particular the engine,” said Yoshida.

“It is precisely because the teams are working on the technical aspect of the game that we have nothing concrete to show you today. I look so now the right time to be able to introduce you to The Last Guardian and speak in complete serenity of a release date.”

The Last Guardian was first revealed in March 2009, but has not been seen in playable form since.