Legendary game developer, Capcom veteran and Mega Man steward Keiji Inafune has announced his resignation from the publisher and developer that he’s called home for 23 years.

At the end of the month, Inafune will leave Capcom and his position as Head of R&D Management Group, Consumer Games R&D Division and Contents Management Division.

In a blog post entitled ‘Sayonara,’ Inafune wrote:

“I entered the company as a character designer and 23 years passed in an instant. As a developer, I’ve reached the top at Capcom. There are no more stairs to climb.”

“Work as a CEO requires speaking about your dreams and evaluating your subordinates. If you can do these two things, anyone can be CEO. I’ve always thought that, and I still do. However, I can no longer do these two at Daletto [a subsidiary of Capcom]. I’ve lost the authority to evaluate my subordinates and the qualification to speak about my dreams.”

“Capcom is truly a good company,” continued Inafune. “I love Capcom. Probably more than anyone in the world. However, it’s not always the case that your hopes are realized. Just as it was with the girlfriend I loved long ago.”

“There was a chance that I could continue to be Capcom’s power. I bet on that chance until the end. The means of both Capcom and myself to be happy. That was surely possible. However, now that chance is completely closed off.”

Speaking of the future, Inafune mentioned his respect for director Akira Kurosawa who “continued to make films until he died.”

“I’m not saying I’ll make games until I die,” clarified Inafune. “However, I want to continue making games. Just not at my present position.”

Aside from his work on the Mega Man franchise, Inafune would also be known for his contributions to the Dead Rising, Lost Planet, Resident Evil, Onimusha and Street Fighter franchises.

Inafune has in the past made inflammatory comments regarding the prowess and future of the Japanese videogame industry, at times stating that it’s “finished” if creators in the country continue to make low quality games.

The creator has come under an increasing amount of pressure from industry workers and colleagues for these statements, and combined with his comments related to how much he ‘hates’ working on games in his current position, it’s unclear what effects lead to his resignation from Capcom.

Source: Andriasang and Kotaku