College lectures were a necessary evil to get this thing we call a college degree. For me they usually resulted in a good hour nap, however Square Enix might change all that, for at least a few lectures. In partnership with Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the University of Southern California (USC), there will be a few special college lectures where students will have the opportunity to learn from some experienced Tokyo development team members.

Guest lecturers Yusuke Naora and Kazuyuki Ikumori have taken time out of their busy schedules to meet with students and share their own personal stories and experiences about the digital entertainment and video game industries this spring. Yusuke Naora is a Japanese art director who has worked on a ton of games and has recently been dedicating his time to Final Fantasy Type-0 and Final Fantasy XV. Kazuyuki Ikumori has done art and graphics for fan favorites Xenogears and Final Fantasy VII among others and has been the movie director for a number of titles including Star Ocean: The Last HopeCrisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, and Final Fantasy XIV Online to name a few.

We’re excited to take the opportunity to speak to students in game development programs that will shape the future of our industry. We believe that it will be stimulating for us to learn from the students’ experience as well. – Hajime Tabata, director of Final Fantasy Type-0 HD and Final Fantasy XV.

If you happen to be around the Plano, TX area make sure to check out Yusuke Naora at SMU’s Guildhall satellite campus on February 26, 2015 talking about the visuals of the Final Fantasy series. Kazuyuki Ikumori will be speaking at USC on March 12, 2015 with respect to the creative process behind CG movies at Square Enix. If you can’t attend in person, have no fear as the event will be live streamed on twitch.

About The Author

A gamer, BJJ/Muay Thai practitioner, an anime junkie, and a ginger too boot! Been a gamer since I was 5, rocking it on my dad's Atari 2600. Hit me up on XBL/PSN CopTop1