Wit Studio has made an indelible mark on the anime industry in its relatively short decade of existence. Founded in 2012, they quickly established their position through beautiful and visually impressive animation adaptations such as Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga.
These series have become iconic, attracting critical acclaim and a passionate fan base.
However, in a recent surprising interview, the CEO of Wit Studio announced that they will no longer be animating new seasons of these two hit shows. This revelation shocked many people, given how well-received and successful Wit Studio’s adaptations have been.
The stylish animation and fidelity to the source material seem to capture the essence of each series perfectly.
However, the CEO clarified the economic realities that forced this decision. Producing top quality animation requires significant human resources, technical capabilities, and time. Despite its success, Wit Studio is still a young, growing company with limited bandwidth.
The CEO expressed regret but affirmed that in order to maintain their reputation with high standards, they cannot undertake additional seasons of Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga at this stage.
While disappointing to fans, his candor provides insight into the constant trade-off that animators face between artistry and sustainability. The interview highlights how even our most masterful creative businesses have to make difficult choices as they chart the path forward.
And it begs the question – if not Wit Studio, then who in the anime world can truly appreciate the heights this iconic series has reached?
Balancing artistic vision and real-world constraints in Anime production
In a revealing interview, Wit Studio head George Wada shed light on the difficult decisions behind not continuing Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga. He explained their ethos is to always see projects through from start to finish with care and trust.
However, real-world realities intervened for these two beloved brands. Initially, Wit only signed on for the first seasons based on tentative plans for potential future seasons.
Studios can only plan additional seasons when DVD sales figures confirm sufficient demand. But by the time those big numbers came in, Wada was already planning new projects in Wit’s packed production schedule.
Wada took responsibility for the painful but inevitable call, expressing regret that Wit had to hand over the next chapters of the series to the new animation studio in the middle of the story. Keeping their small but exceptionally talented team on the path to quality means there can be no trade-offs.
The insight reveals the human side behind Wit’s limited scope – trying to balance art, logistics and ambition can leave even animation visionaries frustrated. Is there any other option than difficult compromises?
Wada’s candor relieves the limitations of nuance in bringing excellence to anime. It highlights the ongoing task that many creative leaders face – reconciling high vision with practical realities to continue raising the bar.
Wit Studio’s Growing Challenges in the Anime Industry
The interview revealed how the economics of the anime industry have changed since Wit took on Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga. At the time, Blu-Ray/DVD sales figures were the deciding factor in greenlighting new seasons. But in the streaming era, online popularity data now unlocks sequels much faster.
This changing landscape benefited MAPPA, the larger studio that handled the two hit films. No longer tied to the number of pending DVDs, MAPPA can commit sooner thanks to immediate metrics that prove the franchise’s viability.
Wada also hinted that Attack On Titan was especially taxing on the fledgling Wit’s initial abilities. As their first anime in 2012, they only had 35 employees.
Creating a massive first season with such a small team took an unsustainable toll, causing season 2 to be delayed for four years.
So while fandoms faced disappointment, the interview highlighted forces beyond a studio’s control. Market fluctuations and growing pains have shaped even the best animators. These challenges resonate with any creative business that overcomes initial limitations.
Wit caught lightning in a bottle early on, at the cost of disillusioning lessons about aligning vision with reality. Their journey shows how turning passion into sustainable excellence is a non-linear path filled with difficult judgment calls.
From Anime Trailblazer to New Horizons
While the departures of Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga leave a void, the interview’s broader subtext is one of creative renewal. It marked Wit Studio’s evolution from a promising upstart to an influential animation studio.
Once the shock dust subsided, their trajectory continued upward. New hit adaptations like Spy x Family and Vampire in the Garden showcase Wit flexing their signature skills – faithfully rendered style and gorgeous visuals.
Their recently announced collaboration with One Piece speaks to a studio that is scaling new heights while still staying true to its identity. While the loss of the original defining series is bittersweet, it feels like less of a closing chapter and more of a release for the next act.