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 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—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, Taro emphasized, was groundbreaking, challenging the prevailing understanding of player interaction.

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

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 two other influential titles: Toby Fox's Undertale and Playdead's LIMBO. He argued these games, along with ICO, expanded the expressive potential of interactive media, proving video games' capacity for deep emotional and intellectual engagement.

Taro's appreciation for these games offers valuable insight into the creative sources behind his own work, and underscores the continuous evolution of video games as a powerful and versatile art form.