Exploring the Identity of CyDesignation: Directors Edition
Following its establishment as a subsidiary of Cygames in 2012, CyDesignation has been involved in design for many titles, such as Cygames’ “Rage of Bahamut” and “Granblue Fantasy,” as well as Square Enix’s “Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII” and “NieR:Automata.”
This two-part interview with CyDesignation introduces four directors with numerous achievements in the game industry, together with two designers who represent the future of the company. In our first installment, the directors talk about CyDesignation’s history and vision, as well as share words of wisdom for young talent.
- President Hideo Minaba
- Mr. Minaba has been a part of the game industry since 1990, notably serving as art director for the “Final Fantasy” series. He founded his own company, Designation, in 2004 and later went on to establish CyDesignation in 2012, taking the helm as its president. Among many other accomplishments, he is involved in character design for the “Granblue Fantasy” series.
- Director Ryosuke Aiba
- Since 1997, Mr. Aiba has lent his 2D and 3D artistic talents to such titles as “Xenogears” and “Chrono Cross,” as well as to the “Final Fantasy” series in the role of art director. Afterward, he contributed to the development of “Rage of Bahamut” as a freelancer. He was appointed as a director of CyDesignation upon its establishment in 2012.
- Director Akihiko Yoshida
- Mr. Yoshida began his career in the game industry in 1989, working as a character designer for the “Ogre Battle” series. Later on, he handled character design and art direction for the “Final Fantasy” series. He joined CyDesignation in 2014 and was appointed as a director.
- Director Sotaro Hori
- After joining the background production company Kusanagi in 1998 where he worked on background art for animation and games, Mr. Hori made a full transition to the game industry, creating 2D and 3D backgrounds for “Okami” and holding the role of art director for “El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron.” He was brought on board by CyDesignation in 2012, providing background art for such titles as “Granblue Fantasy.” He was appointed as a director in 2018.
A Look at the History of CyDesignation
It’s been over eight years since CyDesignation was founded in 2012. What comes to mind when you reflect on your journey so far?
- Minaba
- In some ways it seems like it’s “already” been eight years, and in other ways that it’s “only” been eight years. Personally, I’ve worked on design for many titles during this span, but it still feels like it’s not enough.
- Aiba
- I was involved in the creation of Cygames’s debut title, “Rage of Bahamut,” and I recall the producer, (Yuito) Kimura, declaring in the early stages of development that the game would last for a decade. We launched with that mindset in 2011, and sure enough, it will be celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2021.
- Hori
- Including the preproduction period, “Granblue Fantasy” has been around for quite some time as well, and it’s truly heartening to see it endure this long. When I first joined the company, Minaba and I talked about how we simply wanted to get a game out in the world. I never dreamed that “Granblue” would grow to be so beloved so quickly.
- Minaba
- Yes, I never could have imagined that “Granblue” would garner such massive popularity.
- Yoshida
- I haven’t yet been involved in many released titles, but I did help establish a new art style by teaming up with the Cygames designers for “Little Noah” and Cydesignation’s Nagai for “NieR:Automata.” I hope to continue building on this positive momentum.
I happen to have a brief timeline of CyDesignation here. What are your impressions upon revisiting the company’s history?
- Minaba
- Seeing everything listed out like this really drives home how many projects we’re involved in. It looks like the first of us to cross paths with Cygames was Aiba, back when he was working on “Rage of Bahamut” in 2011. Then in 2012, CyDesignation was established.
- Hori
- In 2013, we had “Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII” and the Ise Jingu Official Website Revision Project, and development on “Granblue Fantasy” had just gotten underway. After that, everyone got involved in various new projects, but our staff size remained the same…
- Aiba
- We couldn’t seem to grow beyond fifteen members—an issue we referred to as the “fifteen-person wall.”
- Hori
- It was quite a while before hiring stabilized. Although Cygames was well-known at the time, CyDesignation was not. Also—and this is just my theory—from the outside looking in, our company was simply a collection of big names: Mr. Minaba, Mr. Aiba, and Mr. Yoshida. Potential applicants may have felt intimidated, or believed we had impossibly high standards.
- Minaba
- Hm… I think people might just see the company as a big question mark. [Laughs]
- Hori
- That could be. [Laughs] Those who join through referrals do so because they understand what we’re about. In the future, we’d like to increase the visibility of our company and its vision through methods such as enhancing our official website. We also hope to focus more on recruiting new graduates who will be instrumental to the prolonged success of the company.
Continuing on, what are some of the advantages of working at CyDesignation?
- Hori
- Personally, I’ve had the chance to engage in various fields aside from games, such as animation. I believe this high degree of freedom is one of the benefits of being a part of CyDesignation. Despite being a small team, we’re able to work on projects for not only Cygames, but also an array of outside companies.
- Minaba
- Right now, we have thirty people working on ten titles. [Laughs] We’re a small company, but since we’re involved in multiple projects at the same time, we can assign staff to whatever most suits them. Given our size, I think we offer a wide range of work opportunities.
Were there any significant changes in your lives after you started working at CyDesignation?
- Yoshida
- In the past when I joined a big project, I’d often need to concentrate my efforts there for an extended period of time. But now I’m in an environment that allows me to tackle multiple projects simultaneously, and it’s altered the way I engage with my work—making it easier to concentrate on my areas of expertise.
- Minaba
- Companies commonly expect CyDesignation to undertake fantasy-oriented jobs. which I suppose is only natural considering our involvement with franchises like “Final Fantasy” and “Granblue Fantasy.” But lately, we’ve seen a greater variety of projects coming our way.
- Yoshida
- I was once asked to design some idol outfits, and my first reaction was, “Oh! A chance to do something new!” But when it turned out to be a request for fantasy-themed costumes, I thought, “Yeah, that makes sense.” [Laughs] However, since working on “NieR:Automata,” I’ve started to gain more recognition in countries and regions outside of Japan, and I feel that my work is expanding into realms outside fantasy.
In recent years, you’ve been involved in activities that go beyond your design work, such as appearing at events in Taiwan and Malaysia. What prompted you to engage in these endeavors?
- Minaba
- First and foremost, we were invited to attend, but we also saw an opportunity for some PR. Plus, we simply wanted to visit. [Laughs] Mr. Aiba and Mr. Hori were particularly keen on going to Taiwan…
- Aiba
- We were. [Laughs]
- Hori
- It’s true. [Laughs]
How was the response from your overseas fans?
- Minaba
- People came in from all over, and I signed so many autographs that my arm cramped up—even though Mr. Aiba, Mr. Yoshida, and I were all taking turns.
- Aiba
- In Taiwan, we took part in activities like live drawings and autograph sessions. It was quite eventful, but not without its fair share of mistakes. [Laughs]
A Wellspring of World-Building and Advice for Young Creators
CyDesignation describes itself as “an elite team unsurpassed in world-building ,” but how exactly do you go about constructing a world?
- Hori
- It differs depending on the project, but essentially, it’s a balancing act between three things—the constraints of the project, what’s being asked of us, and what we ourselves want to do. There’s also a lot collaboration and communication between team members.
- Minaba
- That’s true. For one, there are significant differences between anime and games. In anime, there’s a strong tendency to adhere to the director’s vision. On the other hand, games are less the product of a single individual and more of a collective effort, where the world is shaped by those who have come together to create it. Therefore, if we want our world-building to be top-class, then all our staff need to be the best of the best.
Are there any works you’d recommend to aspiring designers looking for inspiration?
- Minaba
- It’s best to absorb everything you possibly can. Otherwise, you won’t understand when people make specific references, like “that scene in that one anime.” For instance, if you’re doing a cyberpunk design, watching the movie “Blade Runner” is an absolute must. In that sense, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with all the classics and blockbusters.
- Yoshida
- Some people are well-versed in games, but they don’t watch movies or anime, and I think it ends up skewing their knowledge…
- Minaba
- Only knowing about games might make things difficult. I’d say just do your best to consume a variety of media. And staying abreast of evolving trends is crucial as well.
Going back to the cyberpunk example, game developers often aim to emulate the world of “Blade Runner.” While sometimes players might enjoy experiencing a similar environment, others may perceive the game as a blatant rip-off. This difference in reception basically comes down to cultural trends.
When you were younger, did you make an effort to consume media of all genres?
- Minaba
- I was primarily driven by my own interests and watched things because I liked them or wanted to see them.
- Hori
- The important thing is to reflect on why you think a design or image is good. For example, if I find myself thinking a picture is beautiful, I look for the source of that feeling. I make a conscious effort to engage in observation, deconstruction, and reconstruction by asking myself which elements would make the image less beautiful if they were omitted, and which carry significant weight.
- Aiba
- I’m a bit unconventional, so I tend to unearth and watch old entertainment media after the boom has passed. For example, when you watch movies from the 70s and 80s, the mood and pacing are different from today’s. But even so, there are undoubtedly elements that are interesting and beautiful. Appreciating old media, outside of the era and context in which it was made, really helps to pinpoint good elements of design.
On that note, is there any specific content you’ve been following recently?
- Minaba
- For Mr. Yoshida and Mr. Hori, that would be “muscle content,” right? [Laughs]
- Yoshida
- That’s right. [Laughs] I started for dieting purposes, but recently it’s become a hobby to work out while watching YouTube videos and exchanging information with Mr. Hori. As a result, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge about muscles and now enjoy drawing them.
- Hori
- Before I started watching strength training videos, I had no idea where the serratus anterior muscle was or what function it served. Though of course, when it comes to creative design, we prize “aesthetics over accuracy.”
- Yoshida
- When drawing something you’re not passionate about, you tend to miss details. I used to be so into bicycles that I owned more than ten at the same time, which naturally made me an expert. As such, when looking at illustrations of bicycles, I can’t help but be bothered by even the slightest mechanical inaccuracy. Interestingly, even people who aren’t bicycle collectors seem to pick up on these disparities, which I believe can halve the impact and appeal of a picture.
- Minaba
- Lately, I spend all my time building plastic models. [Laughs]
But not just for fun. Put enough plastic robot models together, and you start noticing overarching similarities in the design of the armor. Traditional armor often restricts joint movement, such as around the shoulders and elbows, and this can feel awkward when incorporated into a design. However, robot models sport a carapace that still allows for joint movement, which can spark inspired solutions to the problem of armor design.
It sounds like your hobbies are being put to good use in your work. Building on that point, what advice would you give to young illustrators who will be involved in character design, concept art, key visuals, and the like?
- Minaba
- Find something that only you can draw. For example, I grew up in downtown Tokyo, so I have a fondness for back alleys. Thus, the thrill of navigating a narrow street or a chaotic downtown area sometimes makes its way into my art. I think it’s important to cherish those formative experiences.
- Aiba
- I often think to myself that the future belongs to the younger generation. If there’s something you want to do, do it! Never forget that you’re the star of the show. Though it’s important to work hard in your current environment, remember you can make change for the better. Mold your workplace to better suit you, or even transition to someplace new. As you navigate your long life ahead, really think about what you aspire to accomplish, what skills you want to develop, and what generally makes you happy.
- Hori
- Having worked at my fair share of companies, I think there are three factors you should prioritize when choosing a job—the work environment, the salary, and the experience you can gain. And as Mr. Aiba said, think in the long-term. First, let’s talk about work environment. Issues like a long commute or a coworker you dislike probably won’t be relevant five to ten years down the line. If anything, those struggles will become funny anecdotes in the future. [Laughs] Next, while you need a good income to broaden your opportunities, once you hit certain milestones, the significance of money diminishes—just like in an RPG. In the end, what matters most are the experience you gain, the things you create, and the skills you acquire. Just like in a game, skills and experience level you up, and no one can ever take them away from you. It’s important to build yourself. Hopefully this perspective proves helpful to you in some way.
- Yoshida
- It’s difficult to give blanket advice since there are many types of people, but in my case—perhaps because I was born in February and was young for my grade—during my early years, I progressed slower than my classmates and peers. Although I liked drawing, I wasn’t very good at it. At some point, I decided to stop comparing myself to others and grow at my own pace. I told myself, “I just want to be completely satisfied with my drawing abilities by forty-five.” Thinking long-term allowed me to relax and focus on my goals. This mindset gave me the leeway to look objectively at my own skills, so it was very effective for me. That being said, I wouldn’t recommend this method to everyone. Since you know yourself best, you need to analyze yourself and find your own unique winning strategy.
CyDesignation’s Identity and Vision for the Future
Given that remote work has become mainstream due to the COVID-19 pandemic, what is the current atmosphere at your office like?
- Minaba
- Working from home is much more common these days, but when we used to go into the office, everyone drew in relative silence. Actually, since switching to remote work, there’s been more conversation among the staff.
- Hori
- As mentioned earlier, CyDesignation manages many projects with a small number of staff. People tend to work on entirely different tasks, so back when we were all at the office, even seat neighbors had limited opportunities to interact beyond exchanging daily greetings. But with the recent shift to a remote environment, we’ve established a dedicated Discord channel where we can voice chat as we work, breaking down barriers between projects and teams. This was not the case in our previous in-office setup.
- Yoshida
- In any office, there are inevitably staff members who find conversations during work hours distracting. One advantage of voice chat platforms like Discord is that people can choose whether to participate or not.
- Hori
- We’ve discovered many benefits to remote work, and we plan to keep it as an option, even after the COVID-19 crisis has come to an end.
By the way, how do you approach your interactions with younger staff members?
- Hori
- I try not to hassle them or get so lost in nostalgic ramblings they think, “Oh no, there he goes talking about the old days again.” [Laughs]
- Minaba
- I can’t flat out say things like, “Go watch this anime!” so I opt for gently suggesting, “You might want to give this a watch…” [Laughs]
From what I’m hearing, it sounds like a friendly workplace without any hierarchical divides.
- Hori
- It’s super friendly. First of all, Mr. Minaba doesn’t put undue pressure on anyone. For example, when we’re all out having drinks, he doesn’t care about things like who sits where. He often holds the elevator door open as people get on and off, to the point where we think, “This feels off, but no one seems to notice!” [Laughs] He never makes people feel like they have to fret over the traditional office hierarchy.
- Aiba
- The younger staff members are so casual that at times I find myself thinking, “Is this really okay?!” [Laughs]
- Hori
- Sometimes I wonder if we give them too much freedom. For instance, there was a staff member who once called Mr. Yoshida “Akky.”
- Yoshida
- Yeah, the nickname was embarrassing, but I’m glad they felt so comfortable talking to me. [Laughs]
Do you consciously try to foster such an atmosphere?
- Minaba
- No, it’s always been like that.
- Hori
- Mr. Minaba is kind. He genuinely wants us to put out amazing things and enjoy our jobs, without the need for pretense. Of course, he sets a high bar, so he can be strict when it comes to reviewing designs, illustrations, and other work.
What sort of person would make an ideal CyDesignation team member?
- Hori
- Compared to larger companies, we’re still a small, imperfect organization lacking in many ways. With that in mind, we appreciate those who find joy in exploring potential. You don’t necessarily need to excel at drawing. On the contrary, skilled artists may encounter some hurdles at CyDesignation. However, we’re always eager to speak with anyone who may be interested.
- Minaba
- Specifically, we’re looking for 2D artists, as well as 3D staff. We’ve also ramped up our search for background artists. Background art may not be widely popular, but for those who are interested, the company is recruiting.
I’ve heard that you’re also recruiting programmers.
- Minaba
- Yes, we are. While our company’s largely associated with 2D graphics such as illustration, we’re also interested in producing original content. To this end, we’re seeking programmers and planners. This obviously includes those who want to make games, but should we encounter applicants interested in creating anime, it just might pave the way for the launch of an animation project.
Finally, what vision do you have for the future of CyDesignation?
- Minaba
- I think it’s rare to find a company like ours that can manage numerous projects simultaneously with a small team of thirty. While we do offer a wide range of opportunities, we also expect our staff to have an independent mindset.
Any number of possibilities can arise when the right person is available at the right time. It’s not what we’ve already created, but what incoming team members will create, that I think will most define our future as a company. Although CyDesignation is a group of unique individuals, I’d like us to continue thinking about how to bring those personalities together.
That wraps up part one, featuring an interview with CyDesignation’s directors. In part two, we’ll be interviewing two on-site designers, so make sure not to miss it!
