Concept Development in ‘Pragmata’: Capcom’s New Sci-Fi IP

The journey from initial concept to final character design for Diana, the mysterious android companion in Capcom’s upcoming AAA sci-fi action-adventure, Pragmata, was a fascinating process of creative iteration. Confirmed details from the game’s director, Cho Yonghee, revealed that the team explored numerous radical ideas for Hugh’s companion before settling on the little girl android known as Diana (D-I-0336-7).

The initial premise of the game centered on the need for a character who the protagonist, Hugh, could “protect and follow around.” This central dynamic led developers to test a range of designs that highlight the core theme of companionship in a desolate, dangerous world—the lunar research station.

The Alternate Dianas: Robots, Animals, and a Talking Dog

During the early phases of Pragmata’s development, a variety of concepts were considered for the companion role. The final design of Diana—a unique android made of Lunafilament with powerful hacking abilities—was far from the only contender.

• Robot Concept: An early, more traditional robot or mechanical entity was explored, aligning with the game’s near-future sci-fi setting and the enemy Bots found on the moon.
• Animals and a Talking Dog: Perhaps the most surprising revelation was the consideration of various animals, specifically a dog. Furthermore, the developers confirmed this concept included a talking dog version of the character.

This period of experimentation showcases the developers’ commitment to finding a design that not only fit the narrative but also worked within the gameplay loop. Early testing showed difficulties with the original idea of Diana walking separately from Hugh. The decision to have the final Diana ride on Hugh’s back, which facilitated the game’s unique blend of gunplay and hacking as a cohesive, dual-character system, was a key pivot that the robot and animal concepts helped to inform.

The Final Design: Diana the Pragmata

The settled-upon design—Diana, the curious, innocent android—has become central to the game’s identity. The game’s title is derived from her kind; special androids like her are referred to as “Pragmata.” Her character is not just a narrative device but a core gameplay mechanic, as her hacking skills are essential for both combat and exploration, allowing Hugh to damage the hostile AI and progress through the facility. This synergistic gameplay, requiring players to multitask between Hugh’s thrusters and firearms and Diana’s real-time hacking puzzles, is what Capcom hopes will make the game a breakout new IP when it releases in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

The exploration of diverse concepts, including the talking dog, ultimately ensured the team arrived at a character design that is distinct and functionally integrated into the complex sci-fi action-adventure experience.

The YouTube video below features a review of the game, including insights into the design of Hugh and Diana. Pragmata Review: Gorgeous Fights Can’t Save This Generic Premise