Loekalization Blog

Imagine strolling into a game development studio and being greeted not by the clacking of keyboards, but by a chorus of meows. Why? Because the team affectionately refers to their fearless leader as “The Cat Overlord.” No, this isn’t some bizarre side quest from a feline-themed RPG; it’s just another day at NEKCOM GAMES (铃空游戏), ruled by the one and only Luo XiangYu (罗翔宇). This dude isn’t just NEKCOM’s CEO; he’s a walking, talking cultural fusion bomb, a passionate gamer, and, apparently, a certified cat whisperer. Oh, and he makes insanely awesome games that blend nostalgia with a hefty dose of “WTF?!”

Luo’s story reads like a retro gaming cartridge got jammed into an avant-garde B-movie script. Born in the glorious 1980s—a simpler time when phones were for, you know, calling people—Luo was captivated by the radiant glow of consoles like the NES, PlayStation, and Mega Drive. While his buddies were probably getting fragged in Counter-Strike or arguing about the merits of PC gaming, Luo was mainlining Japanese gaming culture. This early obsession explains a lot about his unique game dev philosophy—equal parts nostalgia, innovation, and glorious, unapologetic weirdness.

From Corporate Cubicle to Creative Cat Kingdom

Before ascending to the throne of Cat Overlord, Luo paid his dues as a cog in the AAA machine, working for Ubisoft Shanghai and Globex Studios (which had some serious ties to Pandemic, the legends behind “Destroy All Humans!”). Yeah, titles like “Destroy All Humans!” and “Star Wars: The Old Republic” sound impressive (because they are!), but Luo quickly realized that big studio life was about as creatively stimulating as a PowerPoint presentation on stapler safety. So, like any rebellious artist with a dream and a PlayStation-fueled soul, he said “Sayonara!” to the corporate grind.

In 2010 (not 2011, history buffs!), Luo unleashed NEKCOM GAMES upon the world. The name might sound like something you’d come up with after a weekend bender in Tokyo, fueled by sake and cat videos. Spoiler alert: that’s pretty much on the money. “NEKCOM” pays homage to “neko (猫),” the Japanese word for “cat,” which is about as on-brand as it gets for this cat-loving maestro.

Enter Showa American Story: Zombies, Kitsch, and Cultural Mashups

If you think “Showa American Story” sounds like a Quentin Tarantino fever dream, you’re not far off. This action RPG (with a semi-open world, because details matter!) is a love letter to 1980s kitsch, drenched in B-movie aesthetics, and sprinkled with a generous helping of retro-futuristic chaos. The trailer alone will make you question the fabric of reality. Picture this: an alternate-history America where zombies roam free, all filtered through the lens of Japanese nostalgia for a bygone era of Americana. It’s like Quentin Tarantino, Hideo Kojima, and your coolest uncle had a brainstorming session after a Godzilla marathon, fueled by questionable sushi.

Luo’s game flips the bird at the tired trope of samurai and ninjas in Western-developed games. Instead, he serves up a gloriously creative narrative cocktail that blends Japanese cultural sensibilities with over-the-top American excess. It’s bold, it’s bizarre, and it’s 100% pure Luo.

The “Missing Middle” and Why Luo is Gaming’s Goldilocks

One of Luo’s most intriguing philosophies is his focus on what he calls the “missing middle.” In an industry dominated by colossal AAA behemoths and adorable indie darlings, Luo sees a golden opportunity to carve out a space for mid-tier games. These are games with enough budget to be ambitious and innovative but not so much that they become soulless corporate cash grabs. Think of it as the gaming equivalent of Goldilocks’ perfect porridge—just the right size for gamers craving substance without sacrificing soul.

And let’s not forget that Luo doesn’t just make games; he crafts experiences that reflect his deep-seated love for cultural storytelling. Whether he’s channeling his childhood fascination with Japanese manga or defying Western stereotypes of Asian culture, his work is a masterclass in cultural fusion. He’s not just here to entertain; he’s here to educate, challenge, and blow your mind, one zombie-filled, nostalgia-soaked adventure at a time.

Acknowledging Luo’s Achievements and Appearances

In 2017, DYING: Reborn won the “Best VR Game Award” at the indiePlay Independent Game Competition. While it’s unclear if Luo himself was present to receive the accolade, the award reflects NEKCOM’s innovative approach under his leadership. More recently, Luo XiangYu delighted fans by attending the 2024 WePlay Culture Exhibition, where his passion for engaging with the gaming community was on full display. These milestones are a testament to his dual focus on innovation and connection.

Luo XiangYu: Disruptor, Storyteller, Cat Overlord

Luo XiangYu isn’t just a game developer; he’s a disruptor, a storyteller, and, lest we forget, the Cat Overlord of NEKCOM GAMES. His journey from corporate drone to indie innovator is a testament to the power of passion-driven creativity. With Showa American Story on the horizon (it’s been in the works since 2016, folks!), Luo and his team of 30-something talented weirdos are poised to leave their paw prints on the gaming world—one quirky, culturally infused masterpiece at a time.

And remember, in the words of Luo himself (probably): “Why settle for ordinary when you can be extraordinary—with cats?” The mascotte of Cattitude, our proprietary localization software, agrees.

*Based on and inspired by today’s interview with Luo on 4gamer, along with extensive information compiled from 13 (mainly) Chinese sources:

3dmgame: https://www.3dmgame.com/news/202101/3805914.html
163.com: https://www.163.com/dy/article/JKDAFRMC0526D8LR.html
jp.ign.com: https://jp.ign.com/showa-beikoku-monogatari/59296/interview/66
17173.com: https://news.17173.com/content/06292017/114754286.shtml
sohu.com: https://www.sohu.com/a/253683634_282865
vrtuoluo.cn: https://www.vrtuoluo.cn/535787.html
zhihu.com: https://www.zhihu.com/question/296165345/answer/2340202076
gamethk.com: http://www.gamethk.com/news/detail/18993/1.html
Pitchhub: https://pitchhub.36kr.com/project/1679795928503049
163.com: https://www.163.com/dy/article/GUGE3G0G052688NB.html