Yoko Taro, 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 achieved cult status due to its minimalist aesthetic and evocative, wordless narrative.

Taro highlighted the game's innovative core mechanic – guiding Yorda by holding her hand – as a revolutionary departure from established gameplay norms. He pointed out, "Had ICO required you to carry a suitcase the size of a girl, it would have been incredibly frustrating." This emphasis on leading another character was groundbreaking, challenging conventional game interaction models.

At the time, successful game design often prioritized engaging gameplay even with simplistic, cube-like visuals. ICO, however, prioritized emotional impact and thematic depth over purely mechanical innovation. Taro argued that ICO demonstrated the potential for art and narrative to transcend their role as mere gameplay embellishments, becoming integral elements of the overall experience.

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

Beyond ICO, Taro cited Undertale (Toby Fox) and LIMBO (Playdead) as influential titles that profoundly impacted both his creative vision and the industry as a whole. These games, he asserted, expanded the expressive capabilities of interactive media, proving video games' capacity for delivering deeply moving and intellectually stimulating experiences.

For fans of Yoko Taro's work, his appreciation for these titles offers valuable insight into the creative wellspring of his own projects. It also underscores the continuous evolution of video games as a potent and versatile art form.