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Applying Japanese Game Design Culture and Methodologies

Applying Japanese Game Design Culture and Methodologies
Location:
Japan - Kyoto, Osaka, Otsu
Term:
Maymester/Summer
Dates:
Thu, May 20 - Sat, Jun 5 2027
School/Department:
School of Applied and Creative Computing
Credits:
3 credits (CGT 28500)
Estimated Cost:
$3,500

Program Description

Students collect inputs from Japanese game development, media, history, built environments, popular culture, and everyday life, then synthesize those observations into an original game-jam artifact. The itinerary deliberately moves from cultural and industry input in Kyoto and Osaka to protected creation time in quieter Otsu. The program's main input is unique game design elements of Japanese game design history. Students create game software artifacts that require these inputs to successfully function. These inputs are holistic. They include direct reference to Japanese game design practices, societal differences that make the Japanese gaming audience unique, and components taken from Japanese culture generally. 

Tentative Program Itinerary

  • Wednesday, May 19th: Depart U.S.
  • Thursday, May 20th: Arrive in Kyoto, program orientation and neighborhood familiarization; welcome group dinner
  • Friday, May 21st: Gentle Kyoto cultural-observation day
  • Saturday, May 22nd: BitSummit Day 1-Structured field research: play games, observe mechanics and aesthetics, speak with developers where appropriate, and document Japanese cultural/game-development influences
  • Sunday, May 23rd: BitSummit Day 2-Students revisit targeted exhibits, talks, developers, and design ideas, Evening group debrief
  • Monday, May 24th: Nintendo Museum, Uji cultural exploration
  • Tuesday, May 25th: Historic Kyoto and Toei Kyoto Studio Park
  • Wednesday, May 26th: Industry visit
  • Thursday, May 27th: Kyoto International Manga Museum
  • Friday, May 28th: Transfer to Osaka, Nipponbashi/Den Den Town field study: games, retro games, arcades, electronics, anime/manga retail, character merchandising, and Japanese enthusiast culture, Evening Namba/Dotonbori exploration
  • Saturday, May 29th: Universa Studios Japan / Super Nintendo World
  • Sunday, May 30th: Osaka cultural exploration
  • Monday, May 31st: Transfer to Otsu, Mii-dera/Onjo-ji and Lake Biwa cultural input, Evening game-jam kickoff
  • Tuesday, June 1st: Game Jam – Design & Prototype
  • Wednesday, June 2nd: Game Jam – Full Production
  • Thursday, June 3rd: Game Jam / Lake Biwa
  • Friday, June 4th: Game Jam Final / Showcase
  • Saturday, June 5th: Program concludes and departure

Global Leaps Scholarships

Contact program leader Rob Howard via email with your questions.

Photo Slideshow