" Tokyo Game Show 2026 " (hereinafter "TGS2026") was held at Makuhari Messe from Thursday, September 17, 2026, to Sunday, September 20, 2026.
At the booth of " Osaka Electro-Communication University "—which was exhibiting for the 17th time—numerous games created by students were on display.
We interviewedAssociate Professor Zenryu Mori from the Digital Games Major in the Department of Digital Games, School of Information Science, and Kento Nonomura, a fourth-year student at Osaka Electro-Communication University who created one of the exhibited titles, “Oshi, Turn Around for Me!”
"Osaka Electro-Communication University" is exhibiting at TGS for the 17th time!
The Osaka Electro-Communication University booth showcased a total of 11 carefully selected student-created games.
Also on display were graphic artworks and the “Osaka Electro-Communication University Meta Campus,” established on the metaverse platform “cluster.”
One of the featured works , “My Favorite Idol, Please Turn Around!,” is a VR simulated live concert experience game.
Holding controllers like glow sticks in both hands, players can cheer on their “favorite idol” performing on stage, wave their hands, and try to catch their attention…
If you cheer hard enough, maybe your favorite idol will notice you!?
We interviewed Kento Nonomura, the creator of “My Favorite, Please Look My Way!”—a game that promises to immerse many people in today’s world—who is currently a senior at Osaka Electro-Communication University!
Interview with Kento Nonomura, Creator of “Oshi yo, Furimukete Kure!”
— Please tell us about the game you created this time.
Nonomura: “Look This Way, My Favorite!”—which I’m developing as my graduation project—is a game based on the experience of an actual live concert.
— What kind of game is it?
Nonomura: In this game, players wave a penlight or use voice recognition to call out to characters performing live on stage, and the characters react in return.
The goal is to capture that moment in a photo and take a shot that goes viral!
— That’s a game system I haven’t heard of before! Was there anything that influenced it?
Nonomura: I’ve always loved rock bands and go to a lot of live shows.
I created this game because I wanted to capture that experience—the feeling of connection you get when you make eye contact with an artist on stage.
Fan service is just so rewarding!
— Since this is your graduation project, have you decided on your future career path?
Nonomura: I’ve secured a position as a planner in the gaming industry starting next spring.
— Please tell us what you find appealing about Osaka Electro-Communication University.
Nonomura: The biggest appeal is that the university provides a space where we can create games and have them seen by the public.
I think it’s important for people to actually play games, so I don’t think many other schools offer the experience of seeing their reactions firsthand.
When players discover ways to play that we, the developers, didn’t anticipate, they’re like, “Whoa! What’s that?!” (laughs)
That’s really fun, too!
— That’s wonderful. Could you share a message for younger students aiming for a career in the game industry?
Nonomura: I definitely think the best approach to game development is to put what you love front and center!
I believe that leads to unique features and personality, so I really hope you’ll try to come up with games packed with the things you love!
Interview with Associate Professor Zenryu Mori of the Digital Games Major, Department of Digital Games, School of Information Studies!
We also spoke with Associate Professor Zenryu Mori for the third time—our first interview with him in a year.
— It’s been a while! How many times have you exhibited here this year?
Associate Professor Mori: This is my seventh year at the university, but due to the pandemic, I wasn’t able to attend TGS for a while.
Since it resumed, this is my fourth time.
— How is this year different from previous years?
Associate Professor Mori: In terms of technological innovation, we’ve seen games that make full use of generative AI.
Personally, I think it’s been great to see students who’ve successfully turned their favorite subjects, themes, or content related to their favorite idols into actual games.
— So generative AI is having a significant impact on the game industry, isn’t it?
Associate Professor Mori: That’s right. While students have always consulted with professors and friends, they’re increasingly turning to generative AI as an additional resource.
I think the range of applications is expanding—whether it’s programming or graphics—as they incorporate it into game development.
— You mentioned that many students were creating things based on their personal interests—have you noticed any changes in that regard?
Associate Professor Mori: Yes, I think that thanks to the advancement of various technologies and tools—including AI—it’s become easier to give shape to one’s own ideas.
I believe this is a positive development for both the students and the industry.
— Please tell us what makes Osaka Electro-Communication University appealing.
Associate Professor Mori: While the number of universities offering digital game programs has increased recently, Osaka Electro-Communication University has had a Department of Digital Games for 20 years and has long been producing talent for the game industry.
Starting this year, we’ve launched a new Game Social Design specialization.
We’re embarking on an initiative to give back to society through games and are working to advance the concept of “gamification,” which has been discussed for a long time.
— Do you have any message for students aiming to exhibit next year and beyond?
Associate Professor Mori: Above all, I want them to master what they love!
That might be soccer, or it might be anime, but I hope they’ll delve deeper and deeper into it, break it down into its components, and reconstruct it as a game.
Every year at TGS, Osaka Electro-Communication University attracts a great deal of attention by showcasing creative works by the next generation of creators.
Expectations are high for the university to continue producing talent for the gaming industry and contributing to society.
If you’re considering furthering your education, be sure to check out the official Osaka Electro-Communication University website!
Sorry, this article is only available in Japanese and 繁體中文. at the moment.
