Please tell us what you have done so far and what you are doing now.
After creating a plan for a new game, I convey my intentions to the team members, then work as a game director overseeing production of the game. In the past, I was in charge of the arcade card game "The Key of Avalon" and the kids card game series "Dinosaur King", and now I provide general direction for the music games "maimai ", "Chunithm", and "O.N.G.E.K.I." In addition to game direction, I am involved in various tasks such as designing game cabinets (arcade machines), promotion, licensing negotiations, and team member management.
What do you find enjoyable or rewarding about your work?
When I see an idea that I came up with become a game (ie, a product) and see customers enjoy playing it, I feel that my job is both enjoyable and rewarding. I'm really lucky as a creator that the games I've created give players irreplaceable experiences.
What are your dreams, ambitions and future goals at the SEGA Group?
By continuing to make things that people of all ages and genders can enjoy, I hope that ultimately customers will enjoy what we make for the rest of their lives. There are so many games I want to make, so I want to continue making games even when I'm 70 or 80 years old.
What does the SEGA workplace feel like?
It depends on the department, but in the team I lead it really feels like people are making things they want to make. We're making what we want to make, so everyone is having a lot of fun, and everyone feels highly motivated. I want to cherish this environment and atmosphere.
Do you have any advice for students?
There are great things about making arcade games that you can't get from other platforms, like the fact that you can experience game creation in full, from the cabinets and game devices onward, or the fact that you can actually see people playing your games in arcades, or that you make a bigger impact on players than other game genres do. Come and experience a thrill that you won't find in any other industry!
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