It has been announced that a new episode of "Game Genome," an NHK educational program that views games as a "culture" and delves into the appeal of various classic games, will be broadcast for three consecutive nights starting on August 20th.
This popular program explores the appeal and depth of games, calling the emotions and values experienced through gameplay, as well as the creators' ingenuity and philosophies, the "game genome." The show thoroughly analyzes classic masterpieces and series, and is discussed at length by its cast, who are passionate about games. The pilot episode aired in October 2021, and was well-received, becoming a regular series from October to December 2022. Season 2 aired from January to March 2024.
This time, three new episodes will be broadcast: "Monster Hunter," "Momotaro Dentetsu," and "Game Music SP." Popular creators and famous game fans such as Yuki Yamada and Hyadain will be invited as guests to explore the appeal of these shows.
The key visual for the show was also released, drawn by Isamu Kamikokuryo, an illustrator and Western-style painter who has worked on art direction for numerous games, including the "Final Fantasy" series. The show will air from 11:00 PM on August 20th to 22nd.
◇First Night: "Capturing the Ecology of Monster Hunter" (titles omitted below)
Guests: Yuki Yamada(actor), Fujioka Kaname (game creator), Tokuda Yuya (game creator)
This program focuses on the classic hunting game series, "Monster Hunter." Players face off against giant monsters and go on a hunting expedition. The unique worldview of the hunting lifestyle has captivated many players, and in the 21 years since the release of the first game, the game's popularity has spread worldwide, with cumulative sales exceeding 120 million copies. A defining feature of this series is the meticulously crafted "ecology" of the monsters. Not only are they based on their habitats and favorite foods, but they also meticulously depict animal-like behaviors, such as camouflaging themselves in the field and pretending to be dead to deceive players. Understanding this ecology is the key to a successful hunt. A highlight of this program is a specially permitted visit to the game development studio, where we get an up-close look at the ingenuity and attention to detail that goes into bringing these electronic monsters to life.
◇Second Night: "Rails of Joy, Anger, Sorrow and Happiness - Momotaro Dentetsu"
Guests: Hyadain (composer), Inuyama Kamiko (columnist), Honda Taimu (ROIROM), Hamakawa Michiki (ROIROM), Sakuma Akira (game creator), Masuda Shoji (game creator), Okamura Noriaki (game creator), Horii Yuji (game creator)
Program Summary: This program focuses on the monumental party game, the "Momotaro Dentetsu" series. Up to four players travel around Japan in a Sugoroku-style format, buying properties in each location in an attempt to become the richest man in the country. With simple rules and exciting gameplay that appeals to all ages, the game has left fond memories of playing with family and friends etched in the hearts of many Japanese. In recent years, it has also been introduced into schools as a way to teach geography and economics. The creator and father of this game, Akira Sakuma, has always maintained the philosophy of "creating in front of the screen, not inside it." This program unravels the secrets of the journey that stirs the player's emotions.
◇Third Night "Game Music SP"
Guests: Nobuo Uematsu (composer), Tetsuya Mizuguchi (game creator), Sho Iwamoto (sound programmer)
Program Overview: This program focuses on the theme of "game music," which colors the gaming experience with sound. The use of game music as the entrance music at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics caused a great stir. Why is game music so beloved? And what is the unique appeal of game music? MC Daichi Miura steps out of the studio to visit key figures. The first is Nobuo Uematsu, who composed the music for the "Final Fantasy" series. How did he manage to weave such rich melodies in an era when there were strict limitations on data capacity? The history of game music will be unraveled from the ingenuity and philosophy behind his work. The other guest is Tetsuya Mizuguchi, who continues to pursue the fusion experience of "games and music." His game "Tetris Effect," in which the sound effects that play when blocks are moved are combined with the background music, making it feel as if you are playing the music yourself. What kind of experience does Mizuguchi want to deliver to players?
