One would think that Keita Takahashi, the man behind such wonderfully unique and bizarre video games as Katamari Damacy and Noby Noby Boy, would be a natural at performing such a task as designing a theme park. But since announcing his desire to create such an establishment four years ago, it seems that his otherwise creative mind has made little progress towards achieving his goal.

If this is the type of problem he faces, however, then why would he seek to leave gaming in order to pursue it?

Asked by Gamasutra if he felt disillusioned by the "strict framework" of the wider video game industry, Takashasi says "I think that's true," adding "In fact, I've been feeling for a few years now that I'm just not suited to the games industry. Yeah, that's certainly been an impetus for working on the playground. You're right."

He goes on to say he feels he would work better as a freelancer, "working with different creatives in a far more loose structure." Asked why he feels disillusioned by the industry, he says "There are two main reasons for it, I think. Firstly, I'm just frustrated with the industry as a whole. I can't seem to predict where it's going, which makes me feel uncomfortable."

"Or maybe I just don't like where I think it's going. I'm not sure."

"That's probably related to my second frustration. I just can't perceive where the fun is in recent hit video games. I see nothing in them that resonates with me and, their success leaves me feeling confused. The things I find interesting and enjoyable just aren't reflected in the popular games of today and, I feel like there's not much room for my voice because of that."

He admits he did enjoy video games at one time, on the Famicom, to such degree that he became overweight from playing them too much.

"But I find it hard to remember the things that moved me in my childhood games. Pretty much all I think about is based on games of the moment. To be honest, right now I find the idea of working in the physical world far more exciting than working in a virtual one. I feel like having something physical makes it easier for me to communicate what I think is fun to people. There are fewer hurdles to overcome."

Of course, not all of today's games serve to alienate him, as the mention of Street Fighter IV seems to bring a smile to his face. You can read the entire exchange with Gamasutra here.