Shuichi Kobori

What you do at Tango?

I’m the audio director, which means that I oversee everything sound-related for a project. In addition, I also do hands-on work like creating music, sound effects, voice data, and so on.
On the business end, I’m also involved with studio operations such as managing the sound team.

How do you describe Tango’s development environment?

Instead of a top-down style, our team environment is one with lots of people from different backgrounds, so everyone (including younger staff members) can comfortably and freely exchange ideas with each other. In the course of your work it’s easy to feel engaged, to try out new things and proactively plan to overcome challenges.
Regarding the work environment, I’ve found that the hybrid system really helps us work more efficiently. For example, when creating or implementing sounds you can work remotely and really concentrate by yourself, then when making adjustments to things or getting feedback you can go into the office and talk to people directly.

What do you think makes Tango unique as a game studio?

Compared to a lot of other studios, we have a dev environment where it’s very easy to talk directly to team members from other sections and exchange opinions and ideas.
Of course we can’t veer too wildly off-course from the director’s vision, but it really feels like the various creators in each section respect each other and everyone works together to improve the final product.

What are your thoughts about the type of people who work at Tango?

Everyone is very opinionated (in a good way) about what makes a good game, and the team has a mix of strong individual styles and creative abilities.
That’s not to say they’re hard to get along with, though! Everyone communicates well and we build bonds of trust and respect as we work together.

Looking to the future, what are you excited for when working at Tango?

At the new and improved Tango Gameworks, I’m looking forward to working together with like-minded team members to create something even greater than we have in the past, to be enjoyed by people all over the world!

What’s something you’d like to tell someone interested in the company or working with your team?

At Tango Gameworks, it’s our policy to never settle, to never take the easy path, and to keep pushing the envelope of creativity in order to make interesting games. There are a lot of challenges on that path, but for anyone who thinks they’re up to the task, let’s take it on together!