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

At the time, successful game design often prioritized engaging gameplay even with simplistic visuals, essentially reducing elements to basic cubes. ICO, however, prioritized emotional resonance and thematic depth over purely mechanical innovation. Taro believes ICO proved that art and narrative could be integral to the experience, transcending their role as mere embellishments.

Calling ICO "epoch-making," Taro lauded its demonstration that video games could convey profound meaning through subtle interactions and atmospheric design.

Beyond ICO, Taro cited two other influential games: Toby Fox's Undertale and Playdead's LIMBO. He argued that these titles, along with ICO, pushed the boundaries 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 influences behind his own work and underscores the ongoing evolution of video games as a powerful and versatile art form.