Raiders admit why they didn’t make Splatoon 4
Seita Inoue and director Yoshihiko Ito have revealed the fascinating creative pivot behind the development of Splatoon Raiders, choosing to explore a single-player spin-off rather than immediately launching the next mainline installment of the series. After eleven years dedicated to developing and updating multiplayer experiences, the team decided it was time to pursue something different—a space where players could truly savor the action on their own.
This decision wasn’t arbitrary; it stemmed from a desire to try a new approach to gameplay. As Inoue explains, the goal was to create an entirely new entry point into the vibrant Splatoon universe by delivering non-competitive elements as a standalone spin-off. It allowed the team to step away from the relentless pace of competitive multiplayer and focus on a distinct experience.
The vision for this detour heavily leaned on the existing framework of the series, specifically drawing inspiration from the frantic action of Salmon Run mode. Ito, who previously worked on Splatoon‘s single-player Salmon Run mode, was perfectly positioned to lead this Salmonid-based concept. He explored the idea of leveraging this gameplay to create a relaxing yet intense single-player experience that players could dive into completely.
The team envisioned using the power of the new console generation, such as the Switch 2, to enhance this experience. They experimented with ways to maximize system performance, exploring concepts like ramping up the number of Salmonids for an ‘ultimate multitasker’ adventure where a single player had to battle them all. This experimental phase allowed them to test how the core mechanics could translate into something truly engaging and personal.
While Splatoon Raiders served as an exciting creative exploration, the team’s commitment to competitive gameplay remains firmly intact. Inoue indicated that the path forward involves continuing development on the mainline series, with Splatoon 4 slated to be the next major step for the franchise. The choice to develop a separate spin-off was simply a means to achieve this broader vision—a calculated move to innovate while honoring the legacy of the Splatoon world.
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