I came to London constantly, working with Ninja Theory on 'DmC Devil May Cry,' and I kind of fell in love with this amazing architecture, where you have these buildings that have clearly been around a long time, and they have this amazing gothic look, and then on the first floor, it's a McDonald's!

The quote by Hideaki Itsuno — "I came to London constantly, working with Ninja Theory on 'DmC Devil May Cry,' and I kind of fell in love with this amazing architecture, where you have these buildings that have clearly been around a long time, and they have this amazing gothic look, and then on the first floor, it's a McDonald's!" — captures his fascination with the visual and cultural contrasts that define modern cities like London. As a Japanese video game director known for his work on the Devil May Cry series, Itsuno expresses both admiration and a hint of amusement at how historical architecture in London coexists with everyday commercial establishments.

His mention of gothic buildings reflects an appreciation for London’s rich architectural heritage, where centuries-old facades and ornate stonework dominate the skyline. Yet, the juxtaposition of a fast-food chain like McDonald's housed within these historic structures reveals something uniquely urban: the layering of past and present, aesthetic grandeur with modern convenience. It’s this contrast that gives cities like London a certain charm—where history is not cordoned off, but lived with and repurposed in daily life.

The quote also highlights Itsuno's personal connection to London, developed during his collaboration with Ninja Theory on the 2013 reboot of DmC Devil May Cry, which itself drew heavily from urban environments and European influences. Being immersed in the city while working on a stylistically bold and architecturally rich game likely deepened his appreciation for the urban fabric and gothic inspiration visible in both his surroundings and his creative work.

The origin of this quote likely comes from interviews or game development retrospectives where Itsuno reflects on his time in London and how it influenced his visual storytelling. His experience showcases how architecture can spark creative insight, especially for designers and directors in visual media. It also underscores how global cities serve as melting pots of culture, history, and modernity—fueling the imagination in ways both profound and unexpectedly humorous.