EMPLOYEE INTERVIEWS

Programmer

A Programmer supporting developers with technology to reach more platforms

Joined in 2022

Programmer B.L.A.

＼ Career Path ／

Created tools for game devs at an indie game publisher.
Found a sense of fulfillment in playing a support role in the entertainment industry.
Joined SEGA, investigated an audio lag issue in a rhythm game.
Felt SEGA's dedication to quality through the troubleshooting process.
Currently provides technical assistance for PC game development.
Shares insights and resources with SEGA's project teams.
01STEP 1
02STEP 2
03STEP 3

Q1
Before Joining SEGA

I previously worked for an indie game publisher, where I developed game dev tools and programmed features to bring Japanese titles to the international PC gaming market. I also handled localization tasks, such as fixing corrupted text and implementing language-selection menus. Earlier in my career, I studied audio engineering and worked at a live music venue. Supporting the technical aspects that go into entertainment personally suits me better than being in the spotlight.

Q2
Why I Joined SEGA

Everything started with a message from a recruiter. The role involved supporting creative productions from a technical perspective, so it immediately grabbed my interest—and I grew up playing SEGA games, so I really didn't want to miss out on a chance to work there. I was also impressed by the passion of SEGA's legendary sound designer, Takenobu Mitsuyoshi, in an interview I'd seen. It made me want to work alongside people like him.

Q3
My First Assignments at SEGA

The first thing I was asked to do here was look into a sound-buffering issue happening in one of our rhythm games. Audio latency differs depending on the PC environment, and since rhythm games demand impeccable timing, this wasn't an issue we could overlook. Drawing on my background in audio engineering, I found the cause and helped implement a fix. In the process of all this, I really felt SEGA's commitment to quality. They wanted to fix anything that felt off, no matter how minor, before release to make sure players had the best possible experience.

Q4
Biggest Surprise After Joining SEGA

When I was a kid, I had always associated SEGA with creative risks and originality, but before joining, I was a little worried that image would no longer hold up. Since joining the company, though, I've met many of the employees behind those legacy titles, and their eyes light up whenever they talk about them. That passion for games and creating fun experiences still runs deep here. I found it such a welcome surprise to learn that SEGA still has the same fire coursing through its veins.

B.L.A.'s desk full of peripherals for testing different PC setups

Q5
Current Duties

I provide technical help to development teams creating PC versions of their titles. I look into things unique to the PC version like multi-monitor and ultrawide-monitor support, regional keyboard layouts, and language settings, then offer guidance and sample programs to aid the devs. Another important part of my role is reviewing—and, when necessary, revising—the practices that serve as standards for PC development, then explaining them to each team. My work lets developers focus on making their games more fun, without being held back by technical challenges.

Q6
Motivation and Successes

I'm proud of my work in helping adapt an in-house engine for PC use for a new title from one of SEGA's group companies. They had designed the engine primarily for console use, so it wasn't really equipped for PC development. It was exciting to handle the tech and code behind it as we built the PC version nearly from scratch. This project wasn't just about troubleshooting issues—we opened up the game to a wider audience.

Q7
Future Goals

Having worked on smaller indie projects up to now, I'd like to deepen my understanding of AAA game development and the cross-departmental coordination required to make such large-scale titles. Along the way, I hope to find the niche where my unique background can make the most difference. In the future, I'd love to go beyond providing technical help and play a more hands-on role in creating games. My dream is to one day work on a title I can proudly share with my friends and family as something I helped create.

Q8
SEGA's Appeal

I'm amazed by how easy it is to share ideas and seek advice, no matter where you stand in the organization. While SEGA has clearly defined hierarchies, in terms of communication things are flat, and managers are always willing to listen to suggestions. The cafeteria and café provide opportunities to talk with people from departments and studios I don't normally work with, and it's fascinating to learn about their jobs and experiences. At SEGA, a shared passion for making games connects people across roles and departments.

Q9
Message to Applicants

I enjoy working with people who dream of making others happy through the power of entertainment. If you've thought about what kind of experiences you want to bring to the world, you'll thrive at SEGA. No matter what field you're in, I encourage you to join SEGA if you can imagine the smiles on our players' faces and are excited by the idea of making great games alongside us.

Q10
A Recent Highlight

After a hiking trip with friends, I developed some photos I'd taken with my film camera. It had been cloudy that day, so I wasn't sure whether I'd managed to get any clear shots of Mt. Fuji. Thankfully, it showed up in the photos, looking just a little hazy. The experience reminded me of what makes film photography so special.

A Typical Day

10：00 AM　
Arrive at the office
Check my emails and chat messages
10：30 AM　
Respond to messages and arrange the day's tasks
11：00 AM　
Prepare for weekly project progress meeting
11：30 AM　
Weekly project progress meeting
12：30 PM　
Lunch break
I often make use of the food trucks outside the office.
1：30 PM　
Department meeting
3：00 PM　
Get coffee at the cafe in the company cafeteria
(Normally a fun chance to interact with people I rarely get to work with)
3：30 PM　
Programming work
When necessary, discuss issues with teammates or join meetings with SEGA of America
7：00 PM　
Leave the office
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