Special Game Development Course 'How to Think of and Develop Interesting Games' 2026 Edition to be Held by Former Nintendo Director Isao Moro

TechHigher, a digital talent development service for teenagers operated by Exceed Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Aiko Sawabe), will host a special game development course titled 'How to Think of and Develop Interesting Games' starting in April 2026, under the organization of the programming school 'Atelier Yu.'

This course is a program where participants can systematically learn everything from the basics to the practical application of game development, with instruction from Isao Moro, a former director of Nintendo's popular 'Animal Crossing' series.

Following its success last year (fiscal year 2025), which received a great response from many elementary, junior high, and high school students, this year's course has evolved to be even more accessible and practical. By combining self-study using video materials with online workshops and individual advice, the program provides strong support for each participant's game development journey.

<Special Course 2026 Features> This year's course is offered in a hybrid format, featuring 'video learning' that allows students to study at their own pace, and 'online workshops/individual advice' for direct instruction.

- Basic Learning via Video Materials Using archived videos from the 2025 course, participants can learn at their own pace, covering topics from the roles of a game creator to project planning and brainstorming techniques.

- Practical Online Workshops Online workshops using Zoom will be held in mid-July and late August. Through project presentations and group work, participants will refine their games by incorporating perspectives from others.

- Comprehensive Individual Support Every participant will receive direct feedback from Mr. Moro via email, as well as a 30-minute individual online advisory meeting. Participants can receive professional advice at any stage, from initial planning and production to the final presentation of their work.

<Course Overview> Course Name: Special Game Development Course 2026 'How to Think of and Develop Interesting Games' Application Period: April to end of May 2026 (tentative) Development Theme: To be announced after April 2026 Recommended Participants: Students in 4th grade of elementary school or older with programming experience Capacity: 100 people Supported Tools: Scratch or Unity (*Unity must be able to build for Windows PC; Roblox, Minecraft, and UEFN are not supported) Course Format: Video viewing (Google Drive sharing) + Online workshops (Zoom) + Individual advice (online) Organizer: Programming school 'Atelier Yu' Cooperation: Exceed Co., Ltd. (TechHigher)

<Tuition and Eligibility> This course is open to the general public, not just those currently enrolled in programming schools.

- New Individual Participant: 11,000 yen (tax included) - Returning Participant Discount: 6,600 yen (tax included) *Condition: Must have submitted Assignment 4 from the previous year. - TFE/TH Affiliated School Group Discount: 1st person: 8,800 yen (tax included) *Regardless of previous participation. Additional (2nd person onwards): 4,400 yen per person (tax included). *TFE/TH affiliated schools must register and pay as a group. Videos are intended for viewing at the school and will be shared with one account (email address).

[Click here to apply](https://forms.gle/t7rnEWbtAxN2jnvz7)

<Instructor Profile: Isao Moro> After graduating from the University of Tsukuba Senior High School at Komaba, he went on to graduate from the Department of Information, Faculty of Engineering at Kyoto University, and completed his studies at the Graduate School of Informatics at the same university. He joined Nintendo in 2002 and worked on the development of 'The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker,' 'Animal Crossing,' 'Animal Crossing: Wild World,' and 'Animal Crossing: City Folk.' He led development as a director for 'Animal Crossing: New Leaf' and 'Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer,' and also provided development support for 'Splatoon 2' and 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons.' Since leaving Nintendo in 2018, he has expanded his activities into the field of education and is currently active as an instructor at the programming school 'Atelier Yu.'

About the Previous Year (Fiscal Year 2025) A special seven-month, seven-session game development course was held, with approximately 130 students participating. This course was held utilizing the 'Event Hosting Support System.'

About Exceed Co., Ltd. Operates the digital talent development service for teenagers 'TechHigher' and the elementary school programming school 'Tech for elementary' at over 250 locations nationwide. Provides modern learning opportunities including Roblox, Minecraft, Canva, and Generative AI.