Interview with PROJECT-D ANIMATION STUDIO, a digital animation studio involved in the development of "Sword Dance Warriors" and "Fate Samurai Remnant" at TGS2023!

Nanjing Dream Project Animation Studio is a creative animation studio full of vitality. We always transform dreams into reality with our whole heart and soul, hence the name Dream Project. We provide 3D art design and animation production services to our clients with creativity as our driving force, quality as our sustenance, and a spirit of service as our guiding principle. PROJECT-D currently has five art teams (one modeling, one rigging, and three animation). Each team is based on extensive project experience, and their commitment to excellence and artistry transforms clients' ideas, one by one, into colorful and interesting works of art. We value not only quality, but also communication and collaboration with our clients. That is why our production management team is fluent in many languages, including Japanese, Korean, and English, to ensure smooth communication with our clients. PROJECE-D always puts the client's needs first, and is committed to a deep understanding of their intentions and desires. Then, through a highly professional and flexible approach, we realize our clients' goals. We have developed strong working relationships with game animation studios of all sizes, including AAA, AA, Indie, and Startups. We have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with major companies such as Koei Tecmo Games, CI Games, NX3 Games, and NetEase, and have been involved in the development of many great titles. For example, "Stranger of Paradisce Final Fantasy Origin," "Sword Warriors," "Lords of the Fallen 2," "Tenkei Paradox," " Fate/Samurai Remnant," and "Sophie's Atelier 2: The Alchemist of Mysterious Dreams."

PROJECT-D's work covers a wide range of areas, from 2D concept design to 3D modeling, rigging, and animation. As for modeling, we are familiar not only with photorealistic production using Physically Based Rendering (commonly known as PBR), but also with hand-drawn, especially Japanese 2-D styles. This diversity of skills allows us to comfortably handle a variety of styles and deliver content that meets the various needs of our clients. In addition to game assets, our rigging team can also handle rigging for TV and movie CG productions. All characters and accessories are rendered more realistically and vividly thanks to our riggers' deep understanding of the project and their different ways of creating them. Animation production is our eighteenth job, and the animation team has been a mainstay of the company since its inception. We are able to handle everything from hand-tailoring to motion capture with high quality. Especially in hand-animation of non-humanoid monsters, they have shown us their excellent technique and creativity. Real Motion can handle everything from motion capture to data cleanup and delivery.

Our company is located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. Nanjing has long been the center of the Yangtze River basin and South China, and was once the capital of the Three Kingdoms, Wu, the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the Southern Dynasties of Song, Qi, Liang, and Chen, and the Southern Tang and Ming Dynasties, and was the largest city in the world during the 14th and 15th centuries. Today, it is one of the four great ancient capitals of China and a World City of Literature (UNESCO City of Literature). It is indeed a city rich in history, culture, and nature.

Jindi Weixin Yuhua Innovation Center is the result of two listed companies, the Jindi Group and the Jindi Shangji Group, and is dedicated to the development and construction of industrial parks. As China's largest R&D base for the telecommunications software industry, an important software base and IT industry center, Jindi Wei New Rain Flower Innovation Center is adjacent to Fortune Global 500 companies, surrounded by abundant nature and historic sites, and home to many excellent technical industrial parks. The Jindi Weixin Yuhua Innovation Center, an office park that combines technology and vitality with a comfortable office environment, is located in the heart of Software Valley in Yuhuatai District, which is home to top talent and IT firms. It is adjacent to the three major Central Business Districts (CBDs) in Nanjing, and is only a 15-minute drive from several CBDs, including the city center. From Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG), it takes only 30 minutes. There is a Sam's Club, convenience stores, etc. in the area, and it is close to the Tian Long Temple subway station (Line 1), making access and living in the area quite convenient.

TGS, which was able to reopen after several years without restrictions from Corona, was very busy, even more so than usual. There were many creators from all over the world, not only from the Japanese game industry. The number of exhibitors and industry professionals was unprecedentedly large, which was extremely surprising and exciting. There were lots of cosplayers of popular IPs, exciting new games and new technologies on display.

I was particularly interested in the indie games and new releases from major publishers such as "Fate/Samurai Remnant" and "Les Leliana's Atelier: The Forgotten Alchemy and the Liberator of the Polar Night. As always, the enthusiasm and dedication of the game creators was evident. The variety of genres, elements, and gameplay combined in indie games reminded me that games are not only games, but also a kind of community where like-minded people can gather. In addition, I was shown how, in the age of IP, game developers from major manufacturers can create better games by connecting them to business opportunities without being locked in by the IP itself.

Japanese games, with JRPGs and idol games as prime examples, have their own unique style, complete with history, and over the years have influenced the development of games in many parts of the world. Among them, some of them have gradually started to have secondary productions centered on IPs. It is because of such Japanese-style games that groundbreaking works such as Genshin Impact and Gentou were born. However, the target audience of traditional Japanese developers has remained mostly within Japan, and the Japanese game style and its market seems to be somewhat limited. Now, as games from around the world flood into the Japanese market, it has given Japanese developers a great deal of inspiration and has eventually given rise to new genres of games such as "Dark Souls," "Jin-O" and "The Elden Rings. The Japanese game market is dominated by console games, with many well-known IPs such as "Final Fantasy," "The Legend of Zelda," and "Monster Hunter," which are well known and influential throughout the world. They continue to be loved by players for their beautiful graphics, rich stories, and unique style and creativity. Personally, I am very interested in some of the new Japanese releases. For example, "Eldenring", "Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty" and "Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin". Other regions also have their own development directions and predominance. For example, the United States is dominated by PC and console games, with well-known developers such as ActivisionBlizzard, EA, and Take Two, which have released popular titles such as "Call of Duty," "FIFA," and "GTA". quot;and other popular series. American games are also known for their world-class technology, graphics, sound, and gameplay. I am also interested in new titles such as "Star Citizen," "Cyberpunk 2077," and "Red Dead 2. European games are characterized by a diverse culture and innovative ways of playing, like "Assassin's Creed," "The Witcher," and "Minecraft. I personally think that developers there are especially open to trying new ways of playing and new themes, "Hotline Miami," "Torchlight," and "Valheim" are good examples. In terms of new European releases, I am interested in "The Witcher 3: The Bloodstained Sake" and "Frostpunk.

My current focus is on 3D art-related work, which includes console, PC, smartphone games, and pachinko/pachislot machines. Besides, I am also somewhat interested in VR games and indie games. Through VR/AR/MR/XR technologies, players can explore and experience in games in a more realistic way. We believe that this will allow us to build closer user relationships across borders and cultures, and with players from different environments and ages.

In the short term, PROJECT-D aims to become a leader in the outsourcing field of 3D art and 3D animation production. We will continue to push ourselves to the limit and provide higher quality and more complete services, while never forgetting our original intention of pursuing art. In this way, we will strive to bring happiness to our players and to the entire world through our excellent works. With this motivation, all members of PROJECT-D will also be inspired to achieve further goals. By creating projects, interacting with talented developers and peers, and engaging in self-development, we strive to gain experience, push boundaries, and become a game and animation development company that impacts the world. Whether developing games or realizing dreams, PROJECT-D aims to be the best partner for its clients. Therefore, we are looking for business partners around the world who are in demand for game development and other 3D art-based productions. Regardless of category, size, region or culture, PROJECT-D is always one of the best choices. Through our excellent works, we hope to overcome language and cultural barriers and bring happiness and inspiration not only to people in China but also to people around the world.

Games are not only entertainment, but also a way to interact across cultures and regions. It is a place for socialization, competition, and self-promotion. The possibilities are endless in the gaming industry, and I am fortunate to be able to participate in the development of great games. I have seen the development and transformation of the game industry, and at the same time, I have experienced firsthand the fun and challenges of the industry. Therefore, I would like to call on all players and industry players to focus on the future of the gaming industry together. As players, try out different genres with an open mind and share active feedback and advice with developers. As members of the gaming industry, let's continue to pursue perfection, keep trying new things, keep innovation and design improvements in mind, and provide better quality work and services to our players. At the same time, we would like to strengthen communication and partnership within the gaming industry. We want to share experiences, exchange technologies, and learn from each other through joint development and other forms of collaboration to progress together and develop the industry as a whole. We believe that only by creating win-win relationships can we realize the long-lasting development of the game industry.

No matter where you are in the world, if you are involved or interested in the game or animation industry, please feel free to contact us. Whether it's about your work or just chatting about your favorite game or industry, we are always happy to respond!