#arcfes

Fighting Game representatives [Guilty Gear] and [BlazBlue] are two of the most popular games ARC System Works has worked on.  Attention to detail, not to mention overwhelming quality and craftsmanship, they have attracted support from many gamers.  This year, they've scheduled to begin operating their latest works for the two series in the arcades.  In addition, the company has recently won the liscence of an original Technos Japan related title (GP's note: River City Ransom/Super Dodge Ball/etc), and take orders for software development from other manufacturers, increasingly expanding the breadth of their activity.  Here is ARC System Work's thoughts on a new fighting game, next generation consoles, content deployment overseas, from Mr. Kidooka the President, from whom I hear the current situation and future prospects!

*This article is the same content as published in Weekly Famitsu July 30th Issue (Released July 16th, 2015).

FAMITSU:  [Guilty Gear] and [BlazBlue] are the two major fighting games that have been following suit as of 2014.

About 2 years have passed since the last interview (August 8th, 2013).  At that time, there were many downloadable software releases, but as of 2012 only one volumes' worth of packaged software was launched, later increasing seven-fold, six subsequent over the course of two years!  Has there been a change in your policies?

KIDOOKA: Not necessarily a change in policy.  Game development takes time, but if something is going to be delayed, the number of software releases will vary from year to year.  Over two years we were able to release packaged software in a stable format.  Our fiscal year changes over in May, but in fiscal 2014 our flagship titles [Guilty Gear] and [BlazBlue] just happened to launch in the same year.  However, probably because of the fan reaction, the second half of the year is likely to have a subdued feeling *laughs*.

FAMITSU: Even in both [Guilty Gear] and [BlazBlue] there's been a crowded development or some equivalent. To release games before or after a release, can you elaborate on the impact it's had?

KIDOOKA: Not much, but rather, with [Guilty Gear] and [BlazBlue] there's a slightly extended release date that happens.  In 2013 'to fit with our Founding 25th Anniversary' [Guilty Gear] was issued a new work in the title [Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN-] which ran with the Arcade release until February the following year.  When the operation date (of a game) extends significantly, the company can be hard to manage *laughs*.  Conversely, we're better at medium-sized titles, because there's a tendency for the release date to extend itself.

So that the main title isn't postponed as much as possible, the staff works hard like it's all-out war.  Still, they will by all means when viewed in any other year, with variations in the number of titles released.

FAMITSU: In the Future, do you plan to increase packaged titles?

KIDOOKA: As a company, we believe that it's not good to sell extended titles at full price over long periods of time.  Whether it's packaged or not, I do not know if it might become a downloadable monopoly, but I want to continue to increase the number of console home-released titles at least 'deployed' at full price at first.

FAMITSU: Rather than simply increasing the total number of titles, and one by one making it more crowded, the image would be to increase the number of titles that sell at full price?  You released a March title [Downtown Hot-blooded March Soreyuke Large Athletic Meet -All Star Special-] at full price during the 'crowd' (of releases).

KIDOOKA: That's right. With just the game's Story, which we originally planned for, the release was delayed about a year *laughs*.  Last Fall from the Summer, I've had to steadily delay until the end of the year.  Even continuations (sequels/DLC) are an update process.

FAMITSU: With [Persona 4 The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena (hereafter "P4U")] and more recently [Dragonball Z Ultra Ultimate Fighter] that have been developed that has been the case.  Also because of contract productions, have you thought you were shafted when you consider the future?

KIDOOKA: Because our Company was originally a Development Company, our 'story' has stayed the same and not changed otherwise.  But now at the center of each title, which had only 'happened' much less talked about our contracts, it is always the stance that "If you can talk, you (can) do anything."  [P4U] is 'an ideally good title recognized in the genre via technology combined with know-how'.  I also think that it is necessary to actively acquire things like the IP (Intellectual Property).  In any case, in going in to a variety of relationships with other companies, and being able to study many things, it's a 'because you can' experience.

FAMITSU: [BlazBlue] and [Guilty Gear] I think have many personnel devoted to their development, for example, but isn't it hard to develop games for other companies?

KIDOOKA: It depends on the title, but (sometimes) there are some things that can only be developed by small groups.  However, with [P4U], when it comes to making a fighting game, such as 'in the current system, it's impossible to develop simultaneous parallel three-on-three fighting'.  In the future, we thought that would be difficult, though with anything we add the Director can Quality Control.

FAMITSU: That's why Education will also be able to foster a good Director?

KIDOOKA: I don't necessarily mean education in-house, but it is the necessary nature of sensibility in such a title.  Confidence and commitment to work, unshakeable ideas and methods, such as the how the importance of leadership will be.

In our company Toshimichi Mori (BlazBlue series Producer) and Daisuke Ishiwatari (Guilty Gear general Director) are very strong, and there is a big divide there (between staff) and its their thoughts I want to be more active in the next generation.

FAMITSU: What will such technology sharing between the Development Departments make?  In particular, the development teams of the fighting games, since I think plenty of know-how has been accumulated in each (department)?

KIDOOKA: Besides [GG] and [BB], I was responsible for transplanting another household title in our [Arcana Heart 3], etc. In between the teams of each fighting game, to some extent, it is possible to share the situation (resources) and technology.  Indeed, while you only mentioned 'fighting games', we've launched a delectable number so far, with respect to the technical parts I think it (the development department) might be more stable (for it).

----------------------------- *TOPIC 1: To Achieve a diverse line-up with proven development Capabilities!

Founded in 1988 Mr. Minoru Kidooka one of the original engineers behind ARC System Works boasts a history of 27 years.  In 2012 the 2D fighting game [Persona 4 The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena] was 'developed in collaboration with Atlus' recently in the software for the Nintendo 3DS [Dragonball Z Ultra Ultimate Fighter] was developed, a game centered around fighting and action.  In addition to its own brand title, (ARCSys) has also made orders for software development from various manufacturers.  The Fusion of the latest technology and developers, that is ARC System Works! ----------------------------- "I want to Revive the Technos Japan Arcade Brand!"

FAMITSU: The other day you acquired a license of the original Technos Japan, what will happen with this decision and circumstances?

KIDOOKA: Including our company, there are manufacturers from other companies making license work from Technos Japan.  Since our company had issued a household title long among them, the future seems to be "continue to increase the line-up and take care of the brand", is what it seems people who managed the license had me thinking, that was my overall experience.

FAMITSU: What was your first impression when you heard the story?

KIDOOKA: I thought it was welcome talk. Until now, to have worked on any title under Technos Japan would have been a willing work considering the user base.  In addition, then you think there are many things that oriented to development in smartphones, as it is high-profile overseas.  So I am allowed to talk about the acquisition, we were able to deal with conditions that can be convincing to each other.

FAMITSU: Specifically, do you have plans to expand this in the future?

KIDOOKA: Similar to the first (question), I will continue to develop home-use game titles, such as the Nintendo 3DS.

FAMITSU: Any other concepts?

KIDOOKA: In addition, because of Technos Japan's arcade roots as a brand, personally there is also the idea of wanting to revive the arcade games, [Kunio-kun] and [Double Dragon] and revive such titles in the arcade or allowed to, even overseas not only in the United States, but China, and I would also like to spread to countries that could not see much until now.  Whether or not it's just a licence agreement, either way to develop on their own (or by assisting Technos) is another (plan).

FAMITSU: I see. Is there a concrete plan to deploy in the Arcades?

KIDOOKA: Yes. And I have a lot (to work for) in the fiscal year to that goal, when I described [Downtown Hot-blooded March Soreyuke Large Athletic Meet -All Star Special-] we thought of the game as part of the fighting genre.  "Because we're a company that makes fighting games" so four people can play at once in a Game Center (arcade).  First of all, I want to go with "fighting", in cooperation with the companies I am dealing with (concerning) titles of Technos Japan until now, overseas expansion for Arcade and Smartphone, in the long past year in prospect, we hope to expand properly. ----------------------------- *TOPIC 2: The Acquisition of the Liscense of the Original Technos Japan-related title.

ARC System Works as of June 12th (2015) purchased the million (dollar) [Kunio-Kun] and [Double Dragon] intellectual properties surrounding the original Technos Japan-related title business, such as was 'revealed at the handed date of June 1st'.  Technos Japan, was in (the hands) of a number of game makers who have worked on the masterpiece of arcade side-scrolling action games since the 1980s.  For ARC System Works, there are circumstances that have also had them develop and release the same brand of title to this series, the latest work for the Nintendo 3DS of "Downtown Hot-blooded Era Drama". ----------------------------- "I want to expand the Fighting Game Scene Worldwide!"

FAMITSU: Your latest work [BlazBlue -Central Fiction-] seems like it has become the "final chapter of BlazBlue".  By that are you going to complete it?  Do you have any plans to make a new fighting game series?

KIDOOKA: About that, we brainstormed ideas from long ago, but it wasn't in concrete form *laughs*. I talked to Ishiwatari at length about it and said "I want you to decide the direction this year", but, in reality we'll probably have staff making stuff for the next generation.  

FAMITSU: A staff of 30 people is at the heart of it (everything you do) for making a new fighting game.

KIDOOKA: I hope so.  Previously, there was vague talk and rumors of content, such as graphic images and sense of speed I've been hearing, but we haven't decided about anything specifically.  2D perhaps, with unusual respectively 3D representation [BlazBlue] and [Guilty Gear] are the titles coming to the next (gen), though I think it has been a little time consuming.

FAMITSU: For the next generation, do you want us (the fans) to think of a further new representation method... BlazBlue -Central Fiction- (Ragna's story) may be over, but will it continue other character's stories?

KIDOOKA: Mori says "the next won't come from scratch", however, a variety of opinions seems to have come up.

FAMITSU: This year, the Arcade release of [Guilty Gear Xrd -REVELATOR-] was announced and it aligned with your other flagship title.

KIDOOKA: We want to hold active Arcade Game Competitions and Events.  In August we will hold "ARCRevo 2015".  In addition, its from July 17th that the "Evolution Championship Series" (EVO) will also be held.  There's still a lot of information to be announced, but there are plans to provide a prize at "EVO" this year, including an invitation to "ARCRevo" to the North American resident winning player!

FAMITSU: Last year, the prize money offered in "EVO" became a hot topic.  Was this your idea or Mori's to bring the Arcade game (BlazBlue) to North America?

KIDOOKA: That's right.  In addition to "ARCRevo" will be held a tournament to issue a first prize home-use game console for the title.  As part of that we will hold a similar tournament world-wide, which we believe is possible even in other regions.  While the Arcade Game (version) may be held absolutely made only in Japan, we want to apply the same rules and hold a similar tournament.  At the same time liven up the whole, and we believe it will raise the level of top players by issuing a prize.  There are various opinions in-house, but it's not certain if it will increase the user-base worldwide.  As a direction (though), it's meant as a home game you want to play approximately at the same time (around) the world is what I believe.  Of course, we will continue to support Arcade releases, and we want to continue to hold tournaments over at the Game Center (arcade) principally.  A fair rule, I want to continue to grow worldwide star talent.

FAMITSU: How focused is your company on fighting games and competitions?

KIDOOKA: Last year, with Japan and the United States with [BlazBlue -Chronophantasma-], there was a difference in release dates revealing "Japanese players were above (U.S. players') ability".  For example, as much as possible close to sales time, we need to go make an overseas environment such as can play against Japanese players under the same conditions (GP's note: Synchronize release dates).  "EVO" for starters, "ARCRevo 2015", and we also want to do a "Music Live".  In addition, in terms of mixed media, we received a variety of stories (ideas) for "a video representation of Guilty Gear" (GP's Note: GG Anime at long last!?!?).  It is thought that it can be successfully deployed in some form.  We want to do an anime by all means, however, if you create the animation, it will have stopped the development of the game *laughs*.

FAMITSU: Such as the big event "ARCFes" (ARC System Works Festival), you want to hold a 30th Anniversary when the next milestone hits (2018)?

KIDOOKA: I believe so.

FAMITSU: 30th Anniversary Talk!? Isn't it a bit early?

KIDOOKA: Since the previous "ARCFes" was held at Pacifico Yokohama, next we have a dream to hold it at Budokan.  Personally, as my retirement performance *laughs*.

FAMITSU: You plan to retire? *laughs* Towards its 30th Anniversary, you'll also need to firmly align the fighting games from now and be very prepared most likely.

KIDOOKA: Of course.  We've thought vaguely about it, but Ishiwatari has me thinking firmly. *laughs* ----------------------------- *TOPIC 3: The Latest Series Conflict Tale [BlazBlue -Central Fiction-] starts-up!

One of the major titles representing ARC System Works.  [BlazBlue] will finally appear in Arcades this winter.  This being the fourth installment, in this work we will see the end of the story of "Ragna=the=Bloodedge" drawn to a close.  It refines the game system, visuals will be renewed, with this work serving as the "final chapter" to the "latest series" equipped with a large number of new elements.  If you haven't caught on to the fighting game genre, BlazBlue is a "comprehensive entertainment work", so keep an eye on us (Famitsu) for the latest developments! ----------------------------- New Fighting game is finally starting with a new Generation of Staff!?

FAMITSU: Games for the Smartphone have been issued, how do you think the future of development looks?

KIDOOKA: Users who have downloaded it is one way, but its not the biggest response.  It's not so much connected to the billing, it's an image we can't have sit still under the circumstances established as a business.  The future of Smartphones as a device must be addressed, but it is not thought that it will soon go well from the start.  First of all, taking advantage of their own specialty, in the sense that we accumulate the know-how, is what we plan to continue doing.

FAMITSU: Arcade and smartphone, in the charging style in the game, I feel there may be an affinity.

KIDOOKA: Overseas, the smartphone game [Mortal Kombat] sounds like it has "been successful". To charge for each character in the F2P (Free to Play) one play Arcade System, including that sort of style, we might consider in the future.

FAMITSU: But what are you thinking about concerning 'how' to expand overseas?

KIDOOKA: This year we're going to "ChinaJoy 2015" (July 30th - August 2nd) Game Show scheduled to be held in Shanghai, China) and exhibit there for the first time in four years.

FAMITSU: Towards Asia, including China, they haven't seen (your titles) properly.

KIDOOKA: I believe so. There's North American and European markets, as well as home-use game machines, such as smartphone, we believe that it is the market that considers what will be deployed in a variety of devices.

FAMITSU: ...Such as the Playstation 4, which you released an early fighting game to a new generation for.  What do you think about the new generation machine market?

KIDOOKA: It is 'now'.  [Guilty Gear] such as the PS4 version can be released in China, so now could be released early going with the growth of increasingly new generations of machines.  We look forward to the future.  In Japan, because the PS3 is still the mainstream, for the time being, we are developing for both platforms of the PS3 and PS4.

FAMITSU: Quickly, did you determine that you'll keep doing new generation titles from the launch (of new consoles)?

KIDOOKA: No, no, it's not like a decision *laughs*.  Because I like things new anyway, I'm sorry, please don't mind if we don't cover every new generation machine.  From the staff, it is always said to be "tight" *laughs*.

FAMITSU: Your fighting games are highly evaluated even abroad.

KIDOOKA: That's right. But first, whether they actually sell abroad, from in-house, we were terribly anxious.  Under these circumstances, sales including, I have to evaluate from a variety of places we were led to next.  "Too late, we have to use 2D" in the 3D heydey of the first generation [Guilty Gear], stuck to dot pixels in HD machines with [BlazBlue], and the currently in development 3D yet manually "Guilty Gear" (2D foundation).  Our Fighting game flagship titles, always even while doing things like that going against the times, because ultimately having been evaluated, I wonder if we've transmitted properly?

FAMITSU: Over the years, (at least) 20 unique people representing ARC System Works have built up the staff, even being observed in foreign countries, how do you respond to that?  Is it why you're developing a "fighting game for the new era"?

KIDOOKA: Thing is, it takes many hands doing.  So, if you come to us from experiencing 3D design in other companies, I think that might be of equivalent difficulty.  For example [Guilty Gear] is 3D but not 3D, whether it is better made with 2D or not it's not effortless in reverse.  Recently, the number of strokes development, finally seems to have become much the same as development work in 2D *laughs*.  That said, it can be said also that its commitment from Ishiwatari and Motomura (Lead Modeler) et al... By the way, [Guilty Gear's] development team may be "all male" but the staff often swear allegiance to Ishiwatari's craftsmanship. *laughs*.  On the contrary with [BlazBlue], its more vague with female staff in charge a lot, it might be said they are two extremes of work environment.  Both I think are a tough development environment, people persevere *laughs*.  In a normal company, it's not quite like that.

FAMITSU: Finally, please tell me the future of ARC System Works, Mr. Kidooka?

KIDOOKA: First of all, it is how the staff and the atmosphere that can be as they like that can be likeable, be more maintaining and expanding users in an environment that can make the games close the sense of distance.  

FAMITSU: To do so, [Guilty Gear] and [BlazBlue] will properly establish the next fighting game?

KIDOOKA: If they don’t or can't, there's always the future of smartphones.  Smartphones development will never be the main focus of the company, as it is harnessed experience up to now.  We do want to succeed in business form as both users and staff have convinced me.  I made great pains to come this far, walking a path with two points, and I want to face that retirement ceremony at the 30th anniversary event in Budokan *laughs*. ----------------------------- *TOPIC 4: Official National Convention "ARCRevo 2015" Held August 15th!

Official National Convention using the fighting games of ARC System Works.  For the first time as a company, it has become a national convention with a prize money system with a focus of home fighting game titles.  2 titles will be used in the main tournament, carried out in a game of 3-to-3.  In addition to national convention also, such as mini competitions and experience a corner of the old and new fighting games, a variety of plans are available.   FREE ADMISSION.