Mistwalker artwork prompts rudderless speculation

With RPG developer Mistwalker canceling its latest project, I’ve been wondering exactly what their next move will be. A new piece of artwork has popped up on the studio’s Web site that may provide a clue to the answer I seek, but to be honest, there’s very little to go on.

I hope that this does hint at some upcoming project, or that we will see this character in the future. He looks very different from the typical JRPG boy hero that I’ve become increasingly sick of over the years. A bit dirtier, older and far less androgynous than usual. That’s nice.

There’s a very good (almost certain) chance that this piece of artwork means absolutely nothing, of course. Still, it’s a boring day and there’s naught like a bit of baseless speculation to pass the time. With that in mind, I will simply assume that Mistwalker has bought the Mario Bros. license and this is the brand new look for Nintendo’s former mascot. 

It’s as good a guess as any you’ll hear.