Video Game Tycoon in Tokyo-Chapter 719: Mika Yoshida

Mika Yoshida was a student at Tokyo University of the Arts.

Given the scale of Gamestar Entertainment, there were plenty of graduates from Tokyo University of the Arts among their staff.

But not all of them were particularly talented.

Most were simply just good enough to meet the company's needs.

Later on, Takayuki realized that true artists were few and far between—most ended up blending into the crowd.

So this time, when looking for a new character designer, he didn't immediately think of students from Tokyo University of the Arts or other prestigious design schools.

Of course, that was also because Takayuki himself wasn't very skilled in art and design.

His drawing skills were, as always, terrible.

...

...

That was something he couldn't bring with him from his past life.

He hadn't been good at drawing in the original world, and coming to this one didn't suddenly bless him with divine talent.

So when it came to visual art, he was only half-competent at best.

But nowadays, games absolutely required top-notch designers.

If it weren't for his artist mother, he probably wouldn't have been able to find truly exceptional artists that easily.

Mika Yoshida, however, was a special case among students at Tokyo University of the Arts.

Her major was in animation within the newly established Visual Studies Department.

That department originally focused on film and anime-related industries.

But in recent years, the meteoric rise of video games had prompted many universities to turn their attention toward this new medium, initiating research and developing related programs.

Gamestar Entertainment had already established partnerships with top schools like Tokyo University and Stanford. Gamestar would provide development case studies, and the universities would, in turn, recommend talented students.

Mika Yoshida loved games. And thanks to her natural talent in art, she could've gone on to become a fine artist. But she decisively chose what many considered a "lesser" field—Visual Studies.

As in any industry, there existed a hierarchy of elitism. In fine arts, disciplines like Japanese painting, oil painting, and mural art often looked down on film and animation design.

Now, even film and animation artists were beginning to look down on game art.

But none of that affected Mika Yoshida's decision.

Takayuki's mother, Masako, had connections at Tokyo University of the Arts and had asked around.

Her contacts almost unanimously recommended Mika Yoshida.

They all thought it was unfortunate she chose her path, but if there was a chance to help her make a splash, they were eager to support her.

Perhaps it was simply a teacher's instinct—to want to see their student shine in the spotlight.

Mika looked gentle and polite. When she entered Takayuki's office, she sat down nervously, but remembered to hand him her resume.

"Mika Yoshida... is that correct?"

Takayuki closed her resume with a smile, looking at her.

"Yes, Takayuki-senp—oh, no, President Takayuki!"

"'Senpai' works too. Or just call me by my name if you like. No need to be so formal. Since you were recommended by my mother, of course I'll look after you a little more."

"Yes, Takayuki-senpai. I'm incredibly grateful to have this opportunity to join Gamestar Entertainment! It's always been my dream company—I've always wanted to work here!"

Mika spoke with a hint of excitement.

As a passionate gamer, Gamestar was like a sacred place to her.

In fact, she'd visited Gamestar's headquarters long ago.

Back then, she wasn't qualified to enter the building, so she just lingered outside for a symbolic pilgrimage and snapped a few photos before happily heading home.

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Now, she had stepped through its doors, and as a special recommendation no less—she was beyond thrilled.

The night she received the offer, she was so excited she barely slept. Fortunately, youth meant she still had the energy to show up bright and alert for her meeting.

Takayuki had already reviewed her resume and gained a general understanding of her background.

Her previous work met all his expectations for modern game concept art.

She was bold in her visual style, often using vibrant, saturated colors that gave her pieces a strong sense of energy.

Even Takayuki, an amateur, found her work incredibly pleasing to look at.

No wonder his mother had recommended her—she really was a perfect fit.

And when it came to talented people, Takayuki was always enthusiastic.

"I'm glad you like our company. I've gone over your work, and now I'd like to give you a bit of a challenge. I have a couple of character designs in mind that I'd like to see you sketch out. Do you think you're up for it?"

Without hesitation, Mika nodded firmly. "Of course, Takayuki-senpai! Please tell me what you need—I'll do my absolute best."

"I want two female characters. One of them is calm and composed—she's a machine with almost no emotion, but I want her to still have traces of distinctly human qualities. The other is tall and seductive—I want you to amplify her charm as much as possible, but still keep her elegant, especially when she wields her weapon."

Takayuki felt like one of those nightmarish clients who demand their designer draw something "like colorful black."

Just an absolute pain to deal with.

But these two characters genuinely needed those qualities.

His descriptions might not be perfect, but that's where Mika's intuition and interpretation would come into play.

At first, Mika blinked in surprise at the request, but then immediately leaned forward and began thinking in earnest.

Gone was the nervous girl from moments ago—she was now fully focused.

Takayuki liked that. If she could handle the designs for Bayonetta and 2B, he would feel much more at ease.

"Takayuki-senpai, do you have pen and paper? I think I have some ideas already."

Already?

Takayuki was genuinely surprised. She'd already formed ideas that quickly?

Even he, an outsider, found that hard to believe.

But considering this was someone recommended by his mother, he figured she must be something special.

"Here."

He slid his paper and pen over to her.

Without another word, Mika picked up the pen and began sketching right away.

Takayuki leaned in to watch.

And what he saw was incredible.

With just a few strokes on the blank sheet, Mika outlined the graceful form of a female character in motion.

Though still rough, her initial lines were already stunningly elegant.