Due to the diverse gameplay options in "HORI A TALE", there is a substantial amount of content to be displayed. The more information you add to something, the more you tend to confuse your players. So, we came up with an interface that was both easy to understand and easy to learn.

Yeah, there are often times where we need to build new technology from scratch. This was also the case for our last game, "THE MEDAL TOWER OF BABEL W!"

SEGA's durability tests consists of running arcade cabinets continuously for years to monitor how well they'll last. If any part breaks before the intended warranty period passes, the technical specifications are adjusted, with mass production in mind. When designing medal games, there are always run-ins with danger, because we work closely with motors. However, we've accumulated a lot of internal knowledge about how to handle different situations, like knowing when to stop the cabinets when a sensor detects an irregularity.

SEGA's medal game machines have highly durable motors and other mechanical parts, so they are comparatively less prone to malfunctioning. Many of our machines last for over ten years! In addition, the mechanical components themselves are made so that they aren't damaged easily. For example, "HORI A TALE" doesn't use any motor-powered components to make the medals fall; instead, we use gravity, which means there's no chance of parts failing.

I guess it's the opportunity of being able to work with both the hardware and software components of the project, as it calls for expertise in both realms.

I'd probably say that it's being able to witness our customers having a great time playing them firsthand.

That's definitely got to be it! I'm always filled with a buzz after seeing positive comments over social media about the minigames and bonus games I've made the specifications for.

Though our customers include both players and arcade operators, I must admit that seeing children especially play our games at arcades is a huge source of motivation for me.　

I feel relieved when I see people playing our games, knowing that they run as I envisioned them and without any issues. It motivates me to see everything going according to plan.

I find it rewarding to see that what we have designed works exactly as we intended it to. It's also great seeing customers enjoying our games up close!

Just seeing our machines inside of an arcade makes me happy. Of course, when making new machines, I value cost-efficiency and safety, so that I can create long-lasting products. However, when it comes to my personal feelings as a designer, I'll never give up the thrill of challenging myself further. In the future, I'd like to propose unconventional and unprecedented ideas for games that'll excite and wow our players.

That's because we hardware engineers will get up in your joint about safety, costs, and durability. (laughs)

If you're the kind of person who posts their DIY lottery machines to video sites, you're definitely going to have fun working at SEGA.

I'd like to see people who love crafting things. People who've participated in robotics competitions are especially welcome!

At SEGA, some games are created by a team of a select few. Teams like that require a great deal of independent decision-making. In the case of UI designers like me, people with a broad range of interests are suited to these teams, as they're not just knowledgeable about UI, but also logo and character design.

There are numerous opportunities to creates things while collaborating with everyone. There are even times where the director will ask you for your input.

We have an open-minded atmosphere that allows anyone to make suggestions, regardless of their experience level.

If there's a good idea, we'll gladly use it—regardless of who or where it comes from! We warmly welcome anyone who's imaginative—but can think practically too, haha.

I'd like to see people who are driven and stay tenacious, even when they encounter setbacks in their work.

SEGA's medal game work environment is vibrant and friendly—imagine a college club or a school one week before a big festival!

To be honest, as the director, I always feel like I'm a student the day before a big test!