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Special Lecture by HAL and CyberAgent Graduates

On November 4, 2025, HAL (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya), known for training specialists in IT and digital content, successfully held a special lecture featuring three alumni currently working at CyberAgent. The event was aimed at informing and inspiring current students about essential experiences during their school years, especially in the realms of game development and production. The speakers included Shota Ohgaito (graduated in 2018), Sora Matsuda (graduated in 2023), and Shotaro Oii (graduated in 2023).



This special lecture was a part of the comprehensive partnership agreement established in July 2025 between HAL and CyberAgent, focused on fostering next-generation creators in digital fields like gaming, CG, and IT through integrated education between industry and academia. Many HAL graduates have successfully joined CyberAgent Group, contributing significantly in development roles. The special lecture reflects this ongoing collaboration.

The lecture was live-streamed, allowing simultaneous participation from HAL campuses in Osaka and Nagoya, making it a unified experience across multiple locations.

Key Points of the Lecture

Shota Oii emphasized the importance of team projects, likening them to practical experiences. He pointed out three critical aspects: Challenge, Communication, and Perspective. Oii encouraged students to embrace team production as their best opportunity for growth.

Sora Matsuda shared his proactive approach to boosting his market value during his education. He highlighted the need to engage in competitions, mentioning his successes in several contests, including 'WHO’S NEXT'. He stressed the significance of crafting a personal strategy and continuously showcasing talents to get noticed by industry professionals.

Shota Ohgaito focused on Goal Setting, sharing insights on maintaining the right mindset during school years. He underscored the importance of defining one's core, understanding competitors, and effectively utilizing school resources. Ohgaito particularly advocated for making the most of HAL's environment, where numerous aspiring game creators gather to collaborate on projects.

“Students eager to create games have the unique chance at HAL to work alongside peers aiming for various positions, a distinctive advantage that should be maximized,” he stated, reflecting on how these insights are illuminated by his experiences post-graduation.

Towards the end of the lecture, students from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya submitted over 140 questions via an app. The alumni answered each question candidly based on their industry experience, captivating the audience with their real-world perspectives.

HAL's hands-on education in direct connection to the industry combined with CyberAgent's empowering approach to young talents showcases a promising future in education collaboration.

Speakers' Profiles

• - Shota Ohgaito – Chief Development Officer (CDO) at Appbot. In his role, he oversees the organization of engineers, PMs, and QA members, as well as being responsible for the development of ongoing titles.

• - Sora Matsuda – 3D CG Creator at Appbot. He manages 3D model production and direction as a sub-lead in character teams for development projects.

• - Shotaro Oii – 3D Background Designer at QualiArts. He leads the background team, ensuring quality in the creation of 3D background models while managing team operations.

About CyberAgent

• - Company Name: CyberAgent, Inc.
• - Location: 40-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Abema Towers
• - Founded: March 18, 1998
• - Capital: 7,440 million yen (as of September 2024)
• - CEO: Shin Fujita
• - Business Areas: Media & IP business, Internet advertising, game development, investment development.

About HAL Vocational School

Located near major train stations in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, HAL is a vocational school dedicated to cultivating talent in gaming, CG, music, car design, and IT. HAL is committed to the ideal of “industry-academia collaboration” through direct guidance from professionals, case studies requested by companies, and the integration of recognized industry-standard software and hardware. HAL boasts a 100% employment rate for students. Their guarantee systems include a comprehensive employment guarantee, national qualification guarantee, and salary guarantee, underscoring their confidence in their educational quality. Monthly open campuses are held, with daily consultations available (excluding Sundays and holidays). For more information, visit HAL Official Website.