# RGG Studios Embraces Fiction in Stranger Than Heaven

- Topic: gaming
- Source: [TechRadar](https://www.techradar.com/gaming/historical-accuracy-wasnt-the-goal-from-the-very-beginning-stranger-than-heaven-director-says-while-research-for-its-era-spanning-game-was-really-difficult-the-cities-will-still-have-a-lot-of-fiction)
- Published: 2026-10-23
- Original: https://www.techradar.com/gaming/historical-accuracy-wasnt-the-goal-from-the-very-beginning-stranger-than-heaven-director-says-while-research-for-its-era-spanning-game-was-really-difficult-the-cities-will-still-have-a-lot-of-fiction
- Language: en
- Image: https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PrWFXygXbRoY5F2aVb4eeG-1920-80.jpg

## At a glance

- RGG Studios researched 5 Japanese cities spanning 1915‑1965, visiting museums and libraries for authentic material
- The team’s research included period books, magazines, paintings, vintage lenses and film to inform visual design
- Despite thorough research, the game prioritizes creative liberties over strict historical accuracy to enhance player immersion
- Stranger Than Heaven launches 15 January 2027 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC

## Sources

- [TechRadar](https://www.techradar.com/gaming/historical-accuracy-wasnt-the-goal-from-the-very-beginning-stranger-than-heaven-director-says-while-research-for-its-era-spanning-game-was-really-difficult-the-cities-will-still-have-a-lot-of-fiction)

## The story

RGG Studios’ upcoming action‑role‑playing game, Stranger Than Heaven, will launch on 15 January 2027 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. Director Mikinobu Abe explained that the team conducted extensive research to portray five Japanese cities across 50 years, visiting museums, libraries, and the cities themselves to gather photographs, books and period magazines. Despite the depth of research, Abe stressed that historical accuracy was never the primary goal; instead, the designers blended factual inspiration with creative liberties to craft an engaging player experience. The game’s art team also studied vintage lenses, paintings and film from the era to recreate the visual tone and atmosphere of each city. Abe noted that the research process was “really difficult” and even involved bugs emerging from old books in the office. The result is a game that captures the essence of each historical setting while prioritizing entertainment and immersion for players.

> Summary by Daily Read Bytes. [Read the original source](https://www.techradar.com/gaming/historical-accuracy-wasnt-the-goal-from-the-very-beginning-stranger-than-heaven-director-says-while-research-for-its-era-spanning-game-was-really-difficult-the-cities-will-still-have-a-lot-of-fiction)