In a groundbreaking initiative to support the next generation of creators, eSports team REJECT, based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has teamed up with NURO, a telecommunications brand by Sony Network Communications. Together, they are participating for the second consecutive year in an innovative program called the 'Corporate Project,' which serves as an educational bridge between industry and academia. This unique collaboration is signed to help cultivate young talent poised to take on roles in both the esports and creative sectors, ensuring a robust foundation for their future careers.
The importance of not only professional esports players but also the creators who craft their environments cannot be overstated. The 'Corporate Project' offers students hands-on learning experiences that closely mirror professional settings, thus allowing them to develop skills vital for their future careers. The initiative aims to arm students with real-world knowledge by allowing them to engage directly with the creative processes involved in esports production.
For the upcoming fiscal year 2024, the project will culminate in an exciting event known as the 'Kasugai Cup Powered by NURO Hikari.' This event will showcase the results of the students' efforts. The students were tasked with producing a match where a blindfolded streamer follows directions from a VTuber, demonstrating teamwork and ingenuity in crafting an interactive esports experience.
As part of the 2025 initiative, students participated in promotional video projects based on given challenges. They received professional guidance from NURO's marketing team and members of REJECT, beautifully blending academic frameworks with real-world applications. This year, six teams from both Fukuoka and Kobe branches engaged in co-creation, transcending departmental boundaries while collaborating across the eSports management, video creation, and advanced CG disciplines.
Following two months of rigorous presentations and evaluations, the students who triumphed in the final selection were tasked with creating promotional videos showcasing their original ideas. Each video incorporated elements that would enhance the branding efforts of NURO while engaging the esports audience. Utilizing streamer YAS, who is part of REJECT, the students planned, executed, and completed every stage of shooting, editing, and postproduction, showcasing their creative potential.
Through the project, the students learned crucial lessons about balancing creative expression and client demands. They honed their skills in practical filming techniques and gained insights into production processes that will serve them well in their careers. Their experiences taught them the vital importance of clear communication and the need for a creative approach that resonates with potential audiences.
Moving forward, REJECT and NURO are committed to further developing this initiative, tailoring it to the evolving landscape of esports and creative industries. The ongoing support from both companies aims to cultivate a pool of talent capable of driving innovation in future entertainment and gaming experiences.
The selected teams of students from Fukuoka and Kobe campuses left an indelible mark with their works.
Fukuoka Campus Team: Chasing the Impact of 'Discomfort'
The Fukuoka team boldly embraced the concept of 'discomfort,' crafting a stylish promotional video targeting casual gamers and creatives, aiming to position NURO as the ultimate choice for gaming internet. The video deliberately uses an unconventional 4:3 aspect ratio to evoke nostalgia while integrating metaphorical visuals to spark the audience's imagination. As one student remarked, this choice brought an unexpected freshness that resonated with today’s youth—prompting the team to explore the delicate balance between commercial clarity and artistic integrity.
Watch it here:
Discomfort
Kobe Campus Team: Creating Time for 'Tomorrow’s Efforts'
The Kobe team shifted focus from the traditional professional gamer image to appeal to the lighter gaming audience, aiming to foster relatability through their work. Utilizing YAS’s character as a former office worker, they depicted the transition from work to play, infused with rhythmic lighting and music to highlight the transformative power of NURO. Moreover, the CG edits echoed video game aesthetics, reinforcing NURO’s role as a crucial support during daily routines.
Watch it here:
That Moment of Off
In the end, both teams produced videos that went beyond mere assignments; they emerged as cultural reflections addressing contemporary gaming experiences and the need for connectivity.
In Summary
Participation in this collaborative project has profoundly impacted the students' perspectives on what it means to create in a professional environment. The serious dedication of industry professionals not only inspired them but also instilled a commitment to excellence and an aspiration to contribute meaningfully to the esports realm. REJECT and NURO continue to champion this educational endeavor, paving the way for promising careers in creative industries, and reinforcing their ongoing support for emerging talent in this vibrant field.