SEGA developers talk about their favorite 2018 games and new year messages to fans

It’s the new years, so that means that everyone is looking back at their favorite things to come out in 2018 and talk about what they want to accomplish for the future. The Japanese site 4Gamer has decided to interview over 195 Japanese developers and ask them what they liked in 2018 and their message to fans in 2019

I’m posting the SEGA and developers responses below:

Please Note: Using Google Translate to translate!

Masayoshi Yokoyama (Yakuza series chief producer, writer and director)

Among the games released in 2018, what title did you admire (or shocked you) the most?

“JUDGE Eyes which may be a bit irregular to pick since I was involved in the development. This is because there was nothing, no name to give. I think a title that is breaking a new formed, called “hereto” frame that games have created. In the not so far future, players will exist within the drama and I fell like the possibility of a new game could be born where players can share a story without touching a controller.”

What work was the most impressive within the entertainment industry in 2018?

“You’ll Get Scolded by Chinko-Chan! It creates lovely characters using CG animation with analog technology. Its high quality entertainment that tickles the curiosity. It feels like its not just aimed at people that like TV, but also people like us. I’m always impressed by new concepts with rendering technology and ideas that are built by thinking outside of the box.”

In 2018, what person where you paying attention to?

“Yoshiharu Habu (Pro Shogi Player).” Hard to translate but talks about how award it is when he loses.

Please give me a message for the readers of 4Gamer for 2019!

“Yakuza Online is the first step in the “New Yakuza” project that was announced last summer. I encourage you all to try the service and check out the new main character Kasuga. And now I’m dedicated to “Yakuza latest work” (?)” It gets hard to understand but goes into how he was Kasuga to be a household name?

Riichiro Yamada (Sega Games Producer worked on Dx2: Shin Megami Tensei Liberation)

Among the games released in 2018, what title did you admire (or shocked you) the most?

“Marvel’s Spider-Man. It just clicked, when you think this mechanic would be fun if it was a game and I thought there was no special surprise but a amazing thing in itself to make.”

What work was the most impressive within the entertainment industry in 2018?

“Bohemian Rhapsody. I first went in to hear the western music and it would be focused on that. It was not. I never knew anything about the story. The music choice was overwhelming. I have seen it four times already and it shows its important to have good music is. Reminds me of Amadeus.”

In 2018, what person where you paying attention to?

(No Answer)

Please give me a message for the readers of 4Gamer for 2019!

“Sorry to make everyone wait but we finally added J League to “Making a Professional Soccer Club! Road to World and Dx2: Shin Megami Tensei Liberation will soon hit its first anniversary. There will be a crossover collaboration released very soon, at the start of 2019… We will continue to support these game and improve them. Thank you!”

Toshio Horii (Yakuza Online producer. Worked on PSO2/Valkyria Chronicles)

Among the games released in 2018, what title did you admire (or shocked you) the most?

“Dungeon Maker. The game is a simple ‘trial and error’ type game. It is a game you can just enjoy. The more discoveries you have, the more you can’t stop. ‘Let’s see what’s next…’ (laughs) In my case, I dare not look at online sites for answers, I want to proceed with my own power, all alone! It reminds me of childhood when the net was not really popular, enjoying a game and raising the level on my own without looking online where the hidden elements are.”

What work was the most impressive within the entertainment industry in 2018?

“Hunter x Hunter. Yoshihiro Togashi-san has created a Manga that I always look forward to when a new chapter is available. The overwhelming world setting and execution is very attractive, but there is always a feeling that ‘Togashi has favorite things he always uses as topics’ that is transmitted within his work that is more important than anything else and its the best! As a creator myself I always stick to the stance that I will only create something I like and impress people that way!”

In 2018, what person where you paying attention to?

“Sagin Hagiwara. The most interesting thing about 2018 was the establishment of M League. Mr. Hagiwara is a actor, skilled Mahjong player who has won many famous titles and is still active. I was facinated by Mr. Hagiwara since I was in College.” He goes into talking about issues within Mahjong which I know nothing about.

Please give me a message for the readers of 4Gamer for 2019!

“I have served as director for Yakuza Online but soon will be Producer! It was nearly three years ago when I created the first proposal and after that I have been working with the team as a director until it launched. I remember when the game was in development, I couldn’t wait till it came out. I had a lot of enthusiasm for the project. I’d like to continue that along with all the users and live up to the Yakuza name that is beloved.”

Mikuki Hayamada (Puyo Puyo series producer)

Among the games released in 2018, what title did you admire (or shocked you) the most?

“Tetris Effect. I think that everyone that created this thought of it as a person playing and a developer shaping into something that I would think “I would like to play Tetris like this!” I think this is a game to recommend to a Tetris playing that hasn’t gotten into a Tetris game in a long time. I like that it has different features including VR for a crowd.”

What work was the most impressive within the entertainment industry in 2018?

“Ready Player One movie was packed with a variety of characters and works of fiction that it was fully packed. I enjoyed the book from start to end. I also saw the special performance of “Aida” to celebrate the 20th Year Anniversary of Tokyo’s New National Theater. The content was wonderful and was overwhelmed by the air of the theater including the number of performers. I went to the event because my cousin is part of the choir, but it is totally something I would go to again if it replays in the future.”

In 2018, what person where you paying attention to?

“I was looking into all people that play e-sports. While I can talk directly to my friends and stakeholders, I’m happy people have made a living through e-sports including personalities that active energy in other games, media and even local people. I basically feel I should focuse on making good games and e-sports excitement together to watch various viewpoints on things.”

Please give me a message for the readers of 4Gamer for 2019!

“In 2018 we launched Puyo Puyo E-Sports with the idea of high competitiveness. We are focusing on the e-sports and are already feeling the excitement about the future on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. Puyo Puyo E-Sports is on sale right now for a limited time (Japan only obviously). Outside of that I’m looking at various ways to make something different from Puyo Puyo. In 2019 I would like to go outside of Japan and aboard to get more people to play Puyo Puyo. We look forward to your continued support!”

You can read more here, since I was too lazy to translate it

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