Refining Yourself in a High-Level Environment
Planner：
Suzuki
Joined in Oct. 2022
- Roles at the Company
- A level designer belonging to the Project Development Department. Designs in-game levels in collaboration with artists and scenario writers. Also responsible for coordinating ethics checks and intellectual property confirmations for new games.
Why did you join Nagoshi Studio?
I was involved in the development of metaverse content at my previous job, but I hoped to join this company because I wanted to try making consumer-oriented games, which is what I had always aspired to. When I was looking to change jobs, I heard about other companies, but I wanted to work at Nagoshi Studio, where there are well-known game creators with proven track records, and where I could be involved in the development of completely new, large-scale games. The studio’s ongoing projects matched what I wanted to do, and I’ve been enjoying my work every day since joining.
What is it like to work at Nagoshi Studio?
When I joined the company, I was most impressed by the high level of the people I worked with. On the other hand, I was also concerned about my ability to make a solid contribution to the projects, since my career in the game industry had been relatively short. But when I actually started working here, I saw that I needn’t have worried, and I was given important assignments from an early stage. I am also grateful that there is a solid follow-up system in place, so I’m not just throwing my work out there.
By the way, I have been working at Nagoshi Studio for about two years (as of April 2024), and I hardly remember any instances of emotional conflicts among the members. In game development, deepening discussions among staff is essential, but everyone remains calm and engages in constructive interactions. Even in daily tasks, I don’t feel any unreasonable pressure from supervisors or senior colleagues, and I think it’s a workplace with minimal mental stress.
What kind of atmosphere does the team have?
Each section has a slightly different atmosphere, but the Project Development Department, to which I belong, is quite lively, with cheerful work conversations going on at all times. The mood is reasonably comfortable, not getting too tense while we work on serious tasks. I think one of the best things about Nagoshi Studio is that Nagoshi and other executives of the studio actively work to foster that kind of atmosphere. It’s easy to talk with staff in other sections, and it is nice to have a culture where people feel free to ask for advice.
Can you describe a time when your work feels most gratifying?
It’s when the work I’ve done is evaluated highly by my boss and colleagues, which is a common occurrence. I feel indescribably happy in moments when other people experience the fun as I intended it. The other day, I had a specification that I’d been struggling with after many retakes, and when my boss checked the corrected version and said, “You really made it better,” I felt uplifted and even more motivated.
Please give a word to those considering a career change to Nagoshi Studio.
As I have come to realize through my work since joining the company, Nagoshi Studio is a good place to work if you want to create high quality games that can compete globally, working together with high-level team members. I must say, that means the level of work expected of you is high as a result, but at the same time, there are also opportunities for growth. I still need to improve my skills, but I look forward to working together.
