＼ Career Path ／
Q1What I Studied
I studied Information Science and Engineering in college, learning the fundamentals of informatics. I had a lifelong interest in Japanese games, so my free time was devoted to 3D modeling and game development in the Unity engine. I worked on a solo project, which was a horror game set in a university, doing everything from designing characters and items to implementing them into the game. In my research, I developed a system that let users navigate virtual environments using foot movements and evaluated which gestures were most effective for different actions.
Q2Why I Joined SEGA
I liked the idea of being able to work on a wide variety of projects and explore different roles. I was in the SEGA College internship program, and my experience there left quite an impression on me. The team took time to review my game, sharing the points they liked as well as constructive feedback to make it more fun. Their attentive approach to each student demonstrated SEGA's commitment to helping people grow. That, along with the open company culture and flexible working environment, convinced me to join the company.
Q3My First Assignments at SEGA
I started out on the UI team for PSO2 New Genesis. I implemented windows and icons, adjusted UI behavior, updated features, and fixed bugs. Since it'd been around for a long time, we'd develop updates and fixes simultaneously, and the pace and volume of work was overwhelming at first. However, thanks to the team's support, I got to see my work go live and into the hands of players.
Q4Biggest Surprise After Joining SEGA
I always imagined that the gaming industry came with long, grueling hours, and I worried that it'd be tough to keep up. In reality, my OJT mentor and supportive teammates were far kinder than I could've imagined, and I was always able to ask questions whenever I needed help. Even during busy periods, it was easy to discuss scheduling and taking time off. We collaborated together, sharing progress and filling in for each other as needed. Another pleasant surprise was that we'd rotate jobs, giving us the opportunity to gain experience across different titles.
Snapshot of A.K. during development
Q5Current Duties
I'm working on Crazy Taxi: World Tour. I implement the effects for assets such as vehicles and handle bug fixes. I also need to adjust the underlying systems to ensure large numbers of effects can be displayed efficiently without impacting performance or other visual elements. This requires me to collaborate with the game designers and artists to balance visuals, gameplay functionality, and technical requirements. I also mentor new employees, advising them every day and helping them complete their training.
