Exciting New Curriculum for Game Effect Designers: Anime Style Added!

Digital Hollywood Introduces New Curriculum for Game Effect Designers

Digital Hollywood, a prominent training school for IT and digital content, has announced an exciting addition to its curriculum aimed at aspiring game effect designers. Starting October 2025, the "CGGYM Game Effect Pack" will incorporate new anime-style effects coursework, complementing its existing offerings focused on realistic effects. This innovative program promises to equip students with the unique skills needed to thrive in the ever-expanding gaming industry in just four months.

Background of the Curriculum Addition

Industry insiders note a growing trend in the gaming sector, where games based on popular IPs (intellectual properties) like manga and anime are on the rise. However, there is a shortage of talent skilled in creating anime-style effects compared to those adept in realistic ones. While realistic effects prioritize lifelike portrayals of natural phenomena, anime-style effects emphasize clarity through techniques such as deformation and silhouette enhancement. By mastering both styles, graduates will vastly broaden their employment opportunities in companies specializing in IP-related games and mobile game development.

Course Features

- Monthly classes provide feedback from experienced professional instructors.
- Students can ask questions outside of class via Slack and Zoom.
- The program is fully online, with students participating from all 28 prefectures across Japan.
- Graduates will be positioned to seek employment as game effect designers in just four months.
- The introduction of anime-style effects will further expand the range of prospective employers.

Curriculum Overview

- Month 1: Fundamentals of Game Effect Production
- Month 2: Creating Magical Circle Effects
- Month 3: Production of Beam/Wave Cannon Effects
- Month 4: Transforming Realistic Effects into Anime Style and Creating Signature Move Effects in Anime Style

Course Details

- Course Name: CGGYM Game Effect Pack
- Format: Hybrid classes (in-person and online) with monthly sessions
- Locations: Digital Hollywood STUDIO in Shinjuku, Kichijoji, Tachikawa, and Digital Hollywood Osaka Main School
- Duration: 4 months
- Intake Months: January, April, July, October
- Enrollment Cap: 15 students per month across all campuses
- Software Used: Unity, Maya, Photoshop, After Effects
- Tuition Fee: 374,000 yen (tax included)

Discounts of up to 70% available through reskilling programs!

Economic and Career Development Initiatives

This program is part of a national initiative to support career advancement and skill development through reskilling programs. Eligible participants can receive financial assistance for tuition fees.

Find out more about the 70% discount here: Career Up Reskilling

Instructor Profile

Takahiro Utagawa

Chief Effect Artist at Approbot Co., Ltd.

Takahiro Utagawa began his career as a web creator before moving into roles such as web director and flash developer for visual web production companies. He transitioned to Approbot in 2013, where he took on the role of 2D animation team leader. Since 2017, he has also been teaching game effects at the Tokyo Design Technology Center.

Contact Information

For inquiries about the course, please reach out to:

- Digital Hollywood STUDIO Shinjuku
- Phone: 0120-202-136 (Closed Mondays)
- Email: [email protected]

About Digital Hollywood STUDIO

Digital Hollywood STUDIO embodies the philosophy of learning uniquely: "Learn in your own way, at your own time, and in your own place." With a focus on tailor-made learning experiences, the studio houses educational methodologies honed over 30 years of expertise.

As work styles evolve, so too do learning styles. Recognizing these changes early, Digital Hollywood introduced this new approach to learning back in 2012. Students of all backgrounds, including young adults, homemakers, and those switching careers or aspiring to freelance work, are thriving in this innovative educational environment.