'Pragmata' director Yonghee Cho on creating Capcom’s resonant sci-fi lunar adventure (interview)

May 11, 2026 - 01:10

Designing something new as a creator is incredibly exciting, but at the same time, it is an extremely challenging endeavor. That sentiment sits at the heart of a recent conversation with Yonghee Cho, the director of Capcom's upcoming title, Pragmata. In a rare interview, Cho opened up about the pressures and passions behind crafting a science fiction story set on the moon that aims to resonate deeply with players.

Cho explained that the team wanted to move beyond typical sci-fi tropes of lasers and spaceships. Instead, they focused on a more human, grounded emotional core. The lunar setting was chosen not just for its visual spectacle, but for the profound sense of isolation and wonder it can evoke. "The moon is a place of silence and vast emptiness," Cho noted. "It allows us to explore themes of connection and loneliness in a way a bustling city cannot."

The director acknowledged the weight of working under the Capcom banner, especially following the success of recent titles. He described the development process as a constant balancing act between honoring the studio's legacy of tight gameplay and introducing the fresh, unpredictable narrative beats that define Pragmata. Cho emphasized that every mechanic and environmental detail is being built to serve the story, ensuring that the player's journey feels both personal and epic. The goal, he said, is to create a world players will want to get lost in, even if it is a cold and distant one.