“Pragmata” has now become one of Capcom’s most successful new IPs in recent years, but looking back at the first trailer in 2020, the development team was actually a little bit dumbfounded. In a recent interview with the media, “Pragmata” director Yonghee Cho admitted that when the game was released, the team did not expect the response from players to be so enthusiastic. Originally, I just wanted to announce a new science fiction work first, but as a result, the trailer immediately triggered a lot of discussion after being exposed, and also put the development team under much more pressure than expected.
Players look forward to it too much, which turns it into development pressure!
Cho said that seeing players’ expectations for “Pragmata” rising at the time, the team quickly realized that “making a good game is no longer enough.” The original goal was just to create an interesting new IP, but as the discussion continued to rise, the development team began to feel that they had to deliver something better than originally planned. However, the game later went through many adjustments and remakes, which led to the development time being extended all the way, and finally the official launch was postponed from the originally planned 2022 to 2026.
This kind of pain “The Elder Scrolls VI” players know best
GamesRadar even directly used “The Elder Scrolls VI” as an example in the interview. Because Bethesda only released a short trailer that year, players had to wait for nearly eight years. Todd Howard even half-joked that he wanted everyone to pretend the trailer didn’t exist. Now the “Pragmata” team also admits that they somewhat understand the feeling of “announcement too early”.
However, Cho also said that although he has some regrets, without that trailer, “Pragmata” may not be what it is today. Because it is the continued attention and support of players over the years that keeps the team motivated during the long development period.
Now it looks like Capcom’s big bet has paid off.
Fortunately, “Pragmata” didn’t end up turning into another urban legend. The game received good reviews after its launch in 2026. The unique hacker combat system and the character interaction between Hugh and Diana have been well received by players. Many people even think that it is one of the few AAA new games in recent years that retains the innovative spirit of the PS3 and Xbox 360 era. It can only be said that Capcom’s biggest mistake that year may not be the delay, but underestimating the players’ expectations for “Pragmata”!