Why Depict the “Sino-Japanese War” in an FPS? “The Defiant” Devs on Their Rare Take on the East Asian Front [Interview]

When it comes to first-person shooters (FPS) set during World War II, the genre often depicts battlefields centered in Europe, such as the Normandy landings, Stalingrad, and the North African campaign.

Amid this trend, *The Defiant* is a title that tackles the Sino-Japanese War—a conflict that has received relatively little attention in video games until now.

Set in China during the 1930s and 1940s, this story-driven FPS depicts the lives of people caught up in the war, incorporating not only large-scale gunfights but also stealth elements and small-scale skirmishes.

To coincide with gamescom 2026, Game*Spark conducted an email interview with Kong YuHeng, the game’s producer. We asked him why this era was chosen as the setting, how historical accuracy and gameplay are balanced, and what aspects are prioritized in the Japanese localization.

Why Depict the “Sino-Japanese War,” a Rarely Seen Topic in Games?

――First, could you briefly introduce *The Defiant* to our Japanese readers?

Kong YuHeng (hereinafter referred to as Mr. Kong): *The Defiant* is a first-person narrative shooter set in China during the 1930s and 1940s.

Through immersive combat, realistic environments, and the stories of various characters, we aim to showcase the battlefields of East Asia—a setting that has rarely been depicted in games—to our players.

――While there are many games set during World War II, first-person shooters that directly depict the Chinese theater are extremely rare. Why did you choose this setting?

Mr. Kong: While there are numerous games based on World War II, opportunities to depict the Chinese Front in games have been relatively limited until now.

For China, this era is a crucial part of its history, and there are many stories worth telling.

Through *The Defiant*, we hope to introduce international players to this lesser-known perspective while also delivering an experience that differs from conventional World War II shooters.

――In *The Defiant*, are you particularly interested in depicting the historical battles themselves, or the experiences of the people who lived through the war?

Mr. Kong: For us, those two elements are inseparable.

The historical backdrop serves as the foundation of the story, and it is through the characters’ experiences that players are truly drawn into that world. By combining the characters, combat, and environments while respecting the historical context of the era, we aim to create a cohesive and highly immersive gaming experience.

Not “copying” historical facts verbatim, but making them work as a game

――What kinds of historical documents and testimonies are you referring to during development? Also, what criteria do you use when reconstructing real battles and locations for the game?

Mr. Kong: In development, we’ve drawn on numerous publicly available historical documents, video records, and related research. We also conducted on-site investigations.

Regarding the in-game content, we respect the actual historical context and the details of the environment at that time as much as possible.

On the other hand, we’ve made appropriate adjustments to level design and gameplay pacing to ensure the game is enjoyable. Our priority is not simply to recreate history itself, but to naturally blend the historical context with the gaming experience.

Depicting the Characters’ Stories Within “FPS Gameplay”

――Are the protagonist and their companions modeled after real historical figures? Also, does the game depict not only the history of major wars but also how individuals’ lives, families, and daily routines are transformed by war?

Mr. Kong: We create the characters by referencing the historical context of the time and various historical sources. Our goal is to make them feel like people who would naturally exist in that era.

Rather than highlighting specific historical figures as models, we prioritize the role each character plays within the game’s overall story and experience.

And at the core of *The Defiant* is, above all, the experience of a first-person shooter. By combining the characters’ experiences with storytelling through levels, combat, and the environment, we ensure that as players progress through the game, they gradually come to understand the characters and their world.

It’s not just about large-scale battles—stealth and small-scale combat will also feature

――As an FPS, what do you consider to be the unique experience of *The Defiant*? Will the game feature not only large-scale battles but also guerrilla warfare, infiltration, and small-scale combat?

Mr. Kong: In *The Defiant*, we aim to bring diversity to combat and create an experience where the pace changes depending on the situation.

In addition to relatively large-scale head-on battles, the game will feature stealth, small-scale skirmishes, and combat in a variety of environments. Players will need to adapt their actions and combat style based on the situation on the battlefield. These elements are also among the core experiences we want to deliver in this title.

Japanese Version Balances “Accuracy” and “Natural Japanese”

――In the Japanese localization, what aspects do you prioritize to ensure that historical and military terminology comes across naturally to Japanese players?

Mr. Kong: Our top priority is rigor and accuracy.

For historical and military terms, we conduct research and verification based on relevant historical records and specialized materials. At the same time, we give careful consideration to ensuring the expressions sound natural in Japanese, and we strive to avoid unnatural literal translations. Our goal is to create a localization that maintains accuracy while conveying the game’s content naturally and clearly to Japanese players.

――Finally, please share a message for Japanese players and Game*Spark readers.

Mr. Kong: To Japanese players and Game*Spark readers, thank you so much for your interest in *The Defiant*.

As a game born in China, we place great importance on both crafting a solid game and faithfully conveying a story rooted in this land and this era.

We believe that great games transcend language and national borders, providing players from different places with an opportunity to reflect on the past and encounter stories they’ve never known before.

There are stories that should not be forgotten. And we have chosen games as a way to share them with as many people as possible.

We look forward to seeing you all someday in the world of *The Defiant*.

*The Defiant* is scheduled for release onSteam.

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