IR Top Page > Developer Interview 2009 > vol05.Yoichi Egawa
- - Mr. Egawa, you were once a developer of home video games. What role did you play?
- "Egawa"
First and foremost I was a programmer. I worked on the development of a system board called the "CP System," which was used in the arcade series "Lost Worlds" and "Street Fighter." I also thought about starting another business where I could use my game development skills. At the time, I noticed that pachinko machines were starting to be equipped with LCD displays, and I realized that I could apply programming skill to image control. That was the beginning of this business. The first team of less than ten was built from scratch, and there were no divisions within the group whatsoever.
- - So you were the one that got everyone together and started the business?
- "Egawa"
Yeah. But because I was the only programmer, I remember that it was a really tough time for me.
At that time, the nature of the SECTA exam made it difficult for even machine vendors to pass. In addition, we had to work through an agent to make deals with vendors. This inhibited the efficiency of our operations. Later on we started to deal directly with vendors, but we failed to stick with it for a long time. The software-dependent business was not only affected by vendors’ circumstances, it also generated very little profit. Given that our sole strength was imaging, we were confronted with the problem that supporting each vendor's hardware was inefficient and ultimately unsuitable for accumulating know-how. So I decided to develop a system board and a chip for 3D image processing. This was the so-called an image processing board. This board enabled us to use material from developed home video games in our game machines and keep pace with the trend towards 3D images. The success of "Onimusha3" model, which was equipped with this chip, was a turning point for the P&S business.
- - I see. And finally, can you tell us the future plans, please?
- "Egawa"
Though the recovery of the market largely depends on the easing of regulations, it's important to offer attractive game machines that satisfy the specified regulations. We've devoted ourselves to creating machines that feature our popular brands and are working to boost sales. In February 2010 we're going to release "Viewtiful Joe", which will be our third model. We're always striving to improve our business and aim for medium to long-term growth. We have plenty in store for you in the future!
