#Japan #SEGA #Sapporo #Sapporo Game Camp #Game Jam

Sapporo Game Camp 2025: A Major Gaming Event

In an effort to promote the gaming industry and nurture new talent, Sapporo hosted one of its largest gaming events, the "Sapporo Game Camp 2025 (SGC2025)" from October 17-19. Organized by the Sapporo Game Camp Executive Committee, with key participation from Sega's subsidiary, Sega Sapporo Studio, the event brought together 1,900 participants over three days, featuring 15 local game companies.

A Hub for Game Development

The main highlight of SGC2025 was the "Game Jam," where around 160 creators split into 20 teams to develop games based on the theme “Kakuchou.” The event's sheer scope made it one of the largest of its kind in the country. Participants had only 48 hours to brainstorm and create games, pushing the boundaries of their creativity and teamwork.

Insights and Inspiration: Talk Sessions

The event kicked off with a series of ten talk sessions aimed at aspiring game developers. Experienced professionals took to the stage to discuss various topics, sharing valuable insights on the game industry and employment tips. Approximately 1,400 students from Sapporo attended these engaging sessions.

The keynote speech, titled "The Power to Create from Zero to One," featured legendary creators, including Keiji Inafune, renowned for creating the "Mega Man" franchise. In a special one-night discussion moderated by Takashi Takebe from Rocket Studio, they offered advice and insights on the essential mindset for working in the gaming world.

Programming with Classic Titles

In an educational twist, the second day introduced a programming workshop using the source code from Sega's beloved game, "Puyo Puyo." Over 50 young participants learned to write code and manipulate game settings under the guidance of a professional eSports player and former system engineer. This hands-on experience aimed to solidify their programming skills while having fun.

Competitive Spirit: Sonic Rumble eSports

SGC2025 also featured an exciting mini eSports tournament for the upcoming game "Sonic Rumble," set to launch in November 2025. This event drew about 60 participants, including school children and adults, who enjoyed competitive gameplay, bringing the community together in a fun and engaging environment.

Learning the Basics of CG Design

On the final day, the event offered a "Beginner's CG Class" aimed at teaching youths the foundations of 3D modeling. This interactive workshop drew around 70 young learners, who engaged in designing characters and items while mastering the basics of computer graphics.

Connecting Students with Game Companies

One of the event's unique features was the "Corporation Booths," where local game companies provided students with direct opportunities to network. Ten game studios set up booths for portfolio reviews and job consultations, serving as a crucial bridge for aspiring developers to connect with industry professionals.

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Feedback from Participants

Participants expressed enthusiasm and gratitude for the unique learning experiences provided at SGC2025. One Game Jam participant shared, "I had the chance to lead a team and discovered the challenges and satisfaction that come from creating a game together with new acquaintances. Interacting with industry veterans was invaluable.”

Another participant noted, "Collaborating with strangers to build something creative was a refreshing experience. Despite facing difficulties, we managed to complete our game and felt a great sense of joy!"

The Future of Gaming in Sapporo

Sapporo is becoming a significant gaming hub in Japan, with approximately 70 companies specializing in game development and CG animation. Looking ahead, Sapporo plans to host an international eSports tournament in January 2025, followed by additional events in 2026 and 2027. The Sapporo Game Camp Executive Committee, formed in 2022, aims to further support local game creators and elevate digital entertainment in the region.

SGC2025 not only provided a venue for game development and learning but also reinforced Sapporo's commitment to cultivating a vibrant gaming community for years to come.