Open World Survival Game "Yamasoto" Developer Interview: Enjoy Base Building and Crafting with Up to 10 Players at [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/936/G093673/20250926088/
Writer: Katsutani Umi | 2025/09/26 15:47 (UTC)
Based in Shanghai, indie studio CyancookGames is currently showcasing a playable demo of its upcoming open-world crafting survival game, “Yamasoto (Mountain Beyond Mountains)”, at Hall 1 of the Tokyo Game Show 2025.
Image Gallery No.002 thumbnail / Developer Interview: Open-World Survival “Yamasoto” – Enjoy Base Building and Crafting with Up to 10 Players [TGS2025]
While readers can refer to this article for details on the game’s content, this title draws inspiration from Shanhaijing, an ancient Chinese text. Often described as a mythological geography book or bestiary, it is believed to have gradually taken shape between the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE.
The game stands out with stunning visuals rendered in Unreal Engine 5. In addition to experiencing mini-boss battles and exploration at the event hall, players will be able to enjoy cooperative base-building and crafting—central features of this title. This article introduces insights from Lin Chencao, CyancookGames’ Chief Technology Officer.
Lin Chencao, original member of CyancookGames and its Chief Technology Officer
Image Gallery No.012 thumbnail / Developer Interview: Open-World Survival “Yamasoto” – Enjoy Base Building and Crafting with Up to 10 Players [TGS2025]
4Gamer:
Good afternoon. Could you please introduce CyancookGames?
Lin:
Of course. We’re a young studio founded in August 2022—only three years old now. We started with five people and have since grown to a team of 70 developers.
4Gamer:
Could you also tell us about your own background?
Lin:
Previously, I worked in Tencent’s investment division. But programming has been my passion since elementary school—I might even be considered a veteran with around 30 years’ experience (laughing).
4Gamer:
The title “Yamasoto” is very striking. It seems to have drawn inspiration from the classic Shanhaijing.
Lin:
Exactly. The English name for Shanhaijing is “Classic of Mountains and Seas,” but we deliberately avoided a literal translation, opting instead for a more poetic one: “Of Peaks and Tides.” In Japanese, the character for “sea” was omitted to convey an idea of “a world beyond mountains.”
4Gamer:
I see. In the trailer, we saw characters wearing primitive clothing—what is the game’s setting like?
Lin:
It doesn’t take place in any specific historical era, but briefly put, it’s a “mythic post-apocalyptic age.” Long ago, before China’s Xia and Shang dynasties, there existed a beautiful ancient civilization where gods and humans lived together. They built towering structures to celebrate peace—until an unforeseen catastrophe brought the entire society crashing down. That’s how our story begins.
4Gamer:
So the core objective of the game is to rebuild this fallen civilization?
Lin:
Exactly. Humanity has nearly been wiped out, and now creatures from Shanhaijing roam freely across a world transitioning from the age of gods to the age of humans. Surviving this era—and rebuilding civilization—is at the heart of our game’s theme.
4Gamer:
The genre is listed as “crafting survival,” but the demo at TGS 2025 didn’t quite feel like games such as ARK or Valheim.
Lin:
Yes, please understand that the current version has very low completion. We haven’t yet reached a stage where we can properly showcase building and crafting mechanics. Think of it this way: players will be founders of civilization—creating not just bases but entire towns on a much larger scale than in other games.
4Gamer:
Given the early era—perhaps Stone Age or early Bronze Age—you can craft your own weapons, right? So you start with stone tools?
Lin:
Yes. But as players progress, they’ll gather various resources such as metals and other minerals, allowing them to create magical weaponry and vast settlements. In essence, players become “demigods.” However, the gods don’t take kindly to this—so major natural disasters may occur, tearing apart heaven and earth.
4Gamer:
Is there a story campaign included in “Yamasoto”?
Lin:
Yes. We’re aiming for around 30 hours of main campaign content. But even after completing it, players can continue enjoying sandbox elements like base building for an extended time.
4Gamer:
The game description hints at cooperative play with companions. Is this going to be an MMO-style experience?
Lin:
Not quite an MMO in scale, but players will be able to team up with up to 10 others to battle massive mythical beasts, enjoy crafting and building together.
4Gamer:
The graphics are stunning—especially the grass colors and the fluffy clouds. It gives off a Studio Ghibli-like atmosphere.
Lin:
Thank you. Studio Ghibli is one of our major inspirations. While using Unreal Engine 5, we’re not aiming for realism—we want to build an Eastern mythological world. Though young as a studio, Shanghai has many excellent universities that nurture talented developers. Our team benefits greatly from fresh talent joining us. We maintain a flat, non-hierarchical development structure and actively adopt innovative ideas from junior members.
4Gamer:
The growth of China’s indie game scene in recent years has been remarkable.
Lin:
I believe the success of Genshin Impact in 2020 changed everything. That breakthrough gave young developers the courage to take their first steps forward. Just as Black Myth: Wukong leverages Chinese cultural elements effectively, we hope “Yamasoto” can also appeal to audiences worldwide.
4Gamer:
Thank you very much for your time today.
Although development was only announced in early August, the exact release date for “Yamasoto” has not yet been confirmed. However, Japanese text and interface support have already been publicly announced.
If you’re planning to visit TGS 2025, be sure to try this game’s demo. Also, the Steam store page is live—those interested in following developments should add it to their wishlist.