Capcom Partners with Kinki University for Innovative Game Development Training

Cap com's New Internship Initiative Offers Hands-On Game Development Training with RE ENGINE

Capcom’s industry-academia collaboration with Kinki University, which aimed to foster hands-on game development training, announced its RE ENGINE, the game development engine, released on August 26, 2024. The company on the day held a group classroom to offer practical experience and insights into game development using the new engine. The training program began with students learning RE ENGINE’s tutorial functions and game production techniques using “Mega Man” characters, and in an open session students worked in teams to develop their games, marking a significant step in Capcom’s commitment to integrating industry and academic expertise.

During the group practical training session topics such as asset version management, Perforce operation, and conflict resolution were covered. The instructor emphasized the importance of a solid game concept, adherence to production regulations, and effective schedule management. Following the presentation, participants transitioned to individual teamwork to apply these principles in their game development projects. In group production, achieving a common goal and regularly checking each other's progress is crucial. With RE ENGINE, these collaborative checks are facilitated smoothly through Perforce operations, ensuring effective coordination and development among team members as mentioned by Masara Ijuin.

In an interview with 4Gamer, Ijuin talked about the decision of holding an internship for students in collaboration with Kinki University, so that students can learn about the company's development environment. Ken Kutaragi, renowned as the father of PlayStation, was involved in facilitating this collaboration due to his deep connections with the game industry. He emphasized that RE ENGINE, known for its photorealistic capabilities in games like “Monster Hunter” and “Resident Evil,” is versatile enough for 2D games like “Mega Man.”It is also used to create titles such as, “Monster Hunter Wilds” and  “Dragon’s Dogma 2” and also for software that includes reprint of past titles such as Capcom Arcade Stadium.

Ijuin noted that the feedback from students was positive, with many finding RE ENGINE comparable to other industry-standard engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. The goal of the training is to demonstrate the engine's applicability and to address concerns about using proprietary technology in the industry. Students are tasked with completing their game projects by September 6, aiming to create engaging and original games with the provided assets. Ijuin expressed hope that this experience would inspire students to consider careers in game development and reassured them that Capcom is open to future collaborations beyond Kinki University.

The program’s success is prompting Capcom to consider expanding these initiatives, though logistical constraints limited the current cohort to 30 participants. Future collaborations will be welcomed, provided there is interest and capacity to support more students.

Editor’s Note:

The recent industry-academia partnership between Capcom and Kinki University represents a major step forward in the integration of academic and practical expertise in game production. Students enrolled in the summer internship program get practical experience with Capcom's RE ENGINE and gain insightful knowledge about creating games for the real world. The students learn the intricacies of the gaming industry and during practical sessions, the instructor skilled them to develop their games. Capcom’s and Kenki’s partnership will develop fresh talent to benefit the gaming industry. 

Skoobuzz anticipates that in the future more practical sessions and collaborations with other universities will benefit students who want to excel in the gaming field.