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TGS2024】Interview with a product manager at the IKEA booth! Aiming at a wide range of gamers, IKEA aims to create gaming furniture that blends in with everyday life.

【TGS2024】IKEAブースで製品担当者にインタビュー!「幅広いゲーマー層に向け、日常に溶け込んだゲーミング家具を目指す」
Interview

IKEA, the Scandinavian-born furniture manufacturer familiar with the blue and yellow logo, first exhibited at Tokyo Game Show 2021 three years ago! IKEA, a furniture manufacturer born in Scandinavia, exhibited for the first time at the Tokyo Game Show 2021 three years ago, and now, three years later, IKEA is exhibiting at the Tokyo Game Show 2024 (TGS2024)! Here is a report on the booth and an interview with a person in charge of the products.

Interview with a product manager at the IKEA booth at TGS2024!

On display at the booth was a coordinated collection of furniture, centered around the BRÄNNBOLL Gaming Collection, which was created as a result of IKEA's unique product development to enhance the gaming experience for all kinds of people. We interviewed Mr. Philip Dilé, product design and development manager, and Mr. David Wahl, senior designer, to introduce the booth!

Philip Diléさん(左)、David Wahlさん(右)
Mr. Philip Dilé (left) and Mr. David Wahl (right)
Saiga NAK
- Please tell us about "BRÄNNBOLL".

The name BRÄNNBOLL comes from a fun Swedish sport similar to baseball. This collection is aimed at the casual gamer and was created with the idea of casual fun in mind. As you can see, we have created a very colorful, happy, and playful design, instead of the black and neon based composition of our existing products.

BRÄNNBOLL ブレンボール ゲーミングステーションを開くるいぽよ(左)、れいか氏(右)
BRÄNNBOLL Rui Poyo (left) and Mr. Reika (right) opening the BRÄNNBOLL Gaming Station.
Saiga NAK
- Very Kawaii, isn't it?

Thank you (laughs). The BRÄNNBOLL Gaming Collection is designed to fit in with everyday life. Gaming has become one of the most popular hobbies. That's why we are conscious of how we can provide comfortable furniture as a part of our daily life.

左右の扉はフェルト素材で防音の役割も
左右の扉はフェルト素材で防音の役割も
The left and right doors are made of felt material, which also serves as soundproofing.
Saiga NAK
- How did you produce this collection?

We invited a variety of gamers to our Shanghai office to interview them about their experiences in creating this collection. We also asked for feedback on the prototypes, and we placed a great deal of importance on actual feedback.

STYRSPEL スティルスペル ゲーミングチェアはヘッドレストや腰当て、アームレスト、シートの高さや奥行きなどすべてを調節できる
The STYRSPEL gaming chair has an adjustable headrest, lumbar support, armrests, seat height and depth, and more.
Saiga NAK
- This is the first time you have exhibited at TGS in 3 years, how is the response?

After three years, I feel that not much has changed in terms of "gaming furniture. After all, gaming chairs are designed like racing car seats. We are trying to break away from that image and make something new. We are trying to create furniture that is open and airy, rather than claustrophobic.

ISKÄRNA イスシェーナ LEDテーブルランプが気に入ったれいか氏
Reika likes the ISKÄRNA Ischena LED table lamp
Saiga NAK
- I understand that you collaborated with the gaming brand ROG?

Yes, the collaboration with ROG was a valuable learning experience for us. We have been conducting various tests to find out how we can bring out the best performance from the gamers. With the BRÄNNBOLL Gaming Collection, we wanted to make our products accessible to a wider range of gamers.

BRÄNNBOLL ブレンボール ゲーミングラウンジチェアは2種類の使い方が可能
BRÄNNBOLL ブレンボール ゲーミングラウンジチェアは2種類の使い方が可能
The BRÄNNBOLL Gaming Lounge Chair can be used in two ways.
Saiga NAK
- I understand that you are both gamers. Do you have a favorite Japanese title?

David Wahl: I'm a Nintendo 64 fan, so I love The Legend of Zelda series, and F-Zero X is one of my favorite titles. F-Zero X is one of my favorite titles and I'm looking forward to the next installment! I also loved the slightly geeky title "Wish Room: Memories of an Angel", a classic that was released only twice.

Philip Dilé: I also love Nintendo, especially the Nintendo GameCube. I'm a bit younger than he is (laughs).

BRÄNNBOLL ブレンボール ソファサイドテーブルは手すりをつけることでコップの転倒防止にも一役
BRÄNNBOLL Brennball sofa side table with handrail helps prevent cups from tipping over.
Saiga NAK
- A lot of players get emotional when they play Smash Bros.

BRÄNNBOLL Gaming Collection" is designed to allow you to control that emotional aspect of the game in your gaming space. Playing games is fun, and of course we don't want people to break them, but we think it's okay for people to take their frustrations out on the product. And. We also have soft and long cushions andpillows! (laughs)

Philip Diléさん(左)、David Wahlさん(右)
Mr. Philip Dilé (left) and Mr. David Wahl (right)
Saiga NAK
- Finally, what is your vision for the gaming furniture line that you will continue to develop?

David Wahl: I am very interested in how people play games. Of course I understand that the current market is dominated by mobile games, but I am also aware of the coming AR and VR games, and I am constantly researching what concepts should be used in product development.

Philip Dilé: We should always keep an eye on how gamers' expectations, values, and desires will change with the new games and technologies that are coming. We want to think about how we can improve that experience.

みんなで記念撮影
A commemorative photo with everyone
Saiga NAK

IKEA's BRÄNNBOLL Gaming Collection is exploring new "gaming furniture. We were able to listen to their research and their commitment to their products. Let's look forward to more new products from IKEA in the future.

DeepL

Sorry, this article is only available in Japanese and 繁體中文. at the moment.

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