#Japan #Tokyo #Game Design #Nicotto Town #Rohto Foundation

Discovering Career Paths: Kids Learn Game Design

In an exciting collaboration, Nicotto Town, a metaverse space, teamed up with the Rohto Future Children Foundation to launch a special program aimed at enriching children's understanding of career opportunities in game design. This initiative, held online, invited about 20 participants aged between 8 and 18 to experience the thrill of transforming ideas into tantalizing game concepts.

The Essence of Game Design

The program emphasizes that one does not need to be an outstanding artist to excel in game design. The focus was on instilling confidence in the idea that captivating concepts can resonate with players, regardless of their drawing abilities. Gleaning insights from seasoned game creators, the young participants proposed innovative character ideas like the 'Dragon that Eats Gems' and the 'Cat Hugging a Honey Jar'. Through this hands-on initiative, they learned about the planning, creativity, and logic that underline the role of a game planner.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

As interest in gaming careers among children skyrockets, the specifics of a game planner's job—essential in creating engaging gameplay—are still somewhat obscure. Unlike many other creative roles that prioritize drawing skills, a game planner’s critical assets are unique perspectives and logical structuring. This program aimed to widen the horizons of potential young creators dissuaded by their self-perceived lack of artistic talent.

Program Details: A Hands-on Approach

Conducted via Zoom, the program started with an in-depth introduction to the game planner's responsibilities and required skills. A talk on how to brainstorm characters that capture players’ imaginations set the stage for participants to dive into conceptualizing their ideas. Through this journey, they produced pitches for characters residing in the universe of Nicotto Town.

Genuine Feedback from Industry Experts

A remarkable feature of this program was its commitment to providing personalized feedback on every character proposal submitted. For instance, when discussing the 'Cat Hugging a Honey Jar', industry professionals guided participants on expanding their character's story and universe, offering valuable insights into creating compelling game design from a user engagement perspective. This engagement allowed children to feel that their ideas were treated seriously, allowing them to form more concrete visions of their potential careers in creative fields.

Future Opportunities

The character concepts developed during this initiative may soon be integrated into Nicotto Town’s platform, which hopes to further ignite students' enthusiasm for learning and creativity. The Rohto Foundation plans to continue rolling out similar programs focused on practical learning that connects children with societal needs and interests.

Getting Involved: Partnerships for Future Programs

The Rohto Future Children Foundation is actively seeking partners to help facilitate enjoyable programming under the 'Rohto Afterschool' initiative. The platform of Nicotto Town remains flexible, allowing for various educational tools and games to be easily adapted and added, catering specifically to children’s interests.

For instance, opportunities include developing casual games (like puzzles) for children, creating spaces (like shops and pavilions), and designing avatar costumes.

In essence, the Rohto Future Children Foundation has been actively developing programs since October 2021 that help cultivate a spirit of exploration among the next generation, especially for children who might struggle under current educational frameworks. This offering includes community-building efforts, financial support for creative projects, mentorship, and an array of hands-on experiences to foster skill development.

About the Rohto Future Children Foundation

Founded on the principles of respecting each child's individuality, the Rohto Future Children Foundation is devoted to enhancing the educational landscape for young people, especially those whose potential might be hindered by standard education methods. Located in Minato, Tokyo, with a focus on actionable programs that allow children to explore various fields and ideas, the foundation aims to empower each unique mind through thoughtful programming.

Contact Information

• - Contact: Kikuchi
• - Email: [email protected]

About Smile Lab

Smile Lab is a versatile development studio specializing in game development, metaverse project design, healthcare applications, and UX/UI design. Established in 2008 and based in Koto, Tokyo, it's known for innovative solutions tailored for community-based platforms. With a wealth of experience in both game and non-game applications, Smile Lab has a strong foothold in creating engaging experiences for young audiences.

For More Inquiries

• - Contact: Okuyama
• - Email: [email protected]