EMPLOYEE INTERVIEWS

Director

A General Director who brings games to life and connects with the players

Joined in 2024

4th Development Division
Director Masanobu Funakoshi

＼ Career Path ／

Before SEGA, worked as a director for a GaaS title,
overseeing development and live ops.
Joined SEGA as a multiplatform director,
coordinating with teams inside and outside the company to expand the game's reach.
Currently the General Director of SFCC,
leading update development and communication with the players
01STEP 1
02STEP 2
03STEP 3

Q1
Before Joining SEGA

I was the director of a GaaS (Games as a Service) game in my last job as well. Up until launch, I helped design the game's features as development director. Post-launch, I planned events and login bonuses, as well as initiatives to meet performance targets. That broad experience continues to be useful in my current role.

Q2
Why I Joined SEGA

I felt that global expansion would be essential for GaaS titles going forward, and wanted to work at a company with a strong international presence. During my SEGA interview, when I asked what they valued most in live ops, they said player retention. I could tell they'd rather keep games engaging rather than make a quick buck. I resonated with the company’s willingness to let people challenge themselves, which ultimately convinced me to join.

Q3
My First Assignments at SEGA

My first job was to oversee the game's rollout on PlayStation and Steam. With few existing examples or established processes within the company, I worked with internal and external teams to identify and resolve issues one by one. It took a lot of initiative, but that made the work all the more rewarding. It was also a great opportunity to get to know the ins and outs of SEGA.

Q4
Biggest Surprise After Joining SEGA

Because it's such a big company, I figured that getting new ideas off the ground would take a lot of time and coordination. In reality, well-reasoned and passionate proposals are adopted surprisingly quick. It's a trusting environment where people have the freedom to act. The most surprising thing to me was that, rather than simply giving you the chance to try new things, SEGA will give you the resources to make it happen.

Appearance at the SFCC Ultimate Manager Championship, an official offline event

Q5
Current Duties

I'm currently the director of SEGA FOOTBALL CLUB CHAMPIONS. I oversee monthly updates and events, official announcements, and communication with players on Discord. Keeping up with global football news and player interests is also an important part of creating engaging content. Plus, with localization in nine languages and different needs for each platform, development requires more planning than ever.

Q6
Motivation and Successes

One experience that really stands out was moving from multiplatform director to General Director, which meant overseeing the entire game. We only had limited time to address key issues during development, so we focused our resources where we could make the biggest difference, including the UI, controls, and progression. Within just a few months, we raised the game's internal ratings and laid the groundwork for future development. Those results gave me a real sense of achievement.

Q7
Future Goals

I want to use my experience with GaaS titles to create hit games across a variety of genres. For a game to deliver lasting value, it needs to feel complete while still having room to grow. I hope to keep exploring new approaches, both in development and in how we communicate with players.

Q8
SEGA's Appeal

SEGA's flexible and ambitious mindset shines through not just in its words, but in how the company works. Regardless of role or position, anyone with a good proposal and the drive to make it happen has the chance to take on new opportunities. SEGA is also open to breaking from the status quo and making it easier to share new ideas, giving employees the flexibility to shape their work environment.

Q9
Message to Applicants

I'd love to work with people who have a clear vision and aren't afraid to speak their mind. Of course, it's important to build a strong foundation and work well with those around you. But keep that individuality and passion you have when you first join alive. Build on those basics with your own perspective and strengths, and don't hesitate to speak up when it matters. Whether you're new to the industry or a veteran, we're looking forward to meeting creators like you.

Q10
A Recent Highlight

I recently had the opportunity to visit the U.S. for work and attend the 2026 World Cup. It was my first time watching football match in a stadium, and getting to experience the highest level of the sport made it incredibly exciting.

A Typical Day

9：30 AM　
Arrive at the office
10：30 AM　
Meeting with the planning team
11：00 AM　
Check development status and discuss future updates
12：00 PM　
Lunch break
1：00 PM　
Progress meeting with the development team
2：00 PM　
Progress meeting with the marketing team
3：00 PM　
Catch-up with the producer
4：00 PM　
Catch-up with the live ops team to discuss bug fixes
4：30 PM　
Reply to emails and messages, and prepare materials for the next day
8：00 PM　
Leave the office
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