SIE President On Making Ape Escape Pipo Monkey Designs, Whether A New Game Might Happen, And More

Sony Interactive Entertainment president Shuhei Yoshida was recently interviewed for the 20th anniversary of Ape Escape, where he revealed a few details about the Pipo Monkeys’ iconic designs, whether there might be a new game, and more. [Thanks, Famitsu!]

Here are the highlights:

How were the Pipo Monkeys’ distinctive designs created?

Shuhei Yoshida, president: “After deciding on the concept of ‘a game where you chase runaway monkeys’, the game director told the artists to draw designs that would make you want to chase after them. In reply, the design for the Pipo Monkeys came about. Rather than trial and error, it was more of a sudden idea that was instantly used, or so I hear.”

What are your thoughts on the continued popularity and love for the characters as mascots for SIE over the past 20 years?

Yoshida: “Personally, while I do feel proud that Ape Escape was a landmark game in that gaming era, I have never thought of the Pipo Monkeys as SIE’s mascot characters. However, I know that they have continued to be loved by some fans, and regarding that, I’m really happy.”

As you might imagine, there are likely many people waiting for a new game. Is there a possibility a new game could be made?

Yoshida: “I wonder. (laughs) As there hasn’t been a new game in a long time, we’ve heard the voices of many people asking for a new Ape Escape title.”

Ape Escape first released in North America for PlayStation in May 31, 1999. It released a little later in Japan on June 24, 1999 then in Europe on July 2, 1999. Shuhei Yoshida and Siren director Keiichiro Toyama also previously left messages for the 20th anniversary, which you can read more about here.