In this edition of our Spotlight Interview series, we are excited to feature Kang, who has been an integral part of Mineloader Studios for over two decades. As the CTO and Director of Game Development, Kang has significantly influenced the technical and creative direction of many of our projects. Recently, he’s also taken on the roles of Executive Producer and Technical Director for Guild of Guardians, a groundbreaking game developed in partnership with Immutable. Let’s dive into Kang’s incredible journey and his contributions to the gaming industry.
Mineloader: Kang, can you tell us about your role at Mineloader Studios?
Kang: As the CTO and Director of Game Development, I oversee both the technical and creative aspects of our projects. Recently, I’ve also been working as the Executive Producer and Technical Director for Guild of Guardians. This role involves close collaboration with our partners at Immutable, using their innovative Platform and Web3 technology to create something truly unique in the gaming world.
Mineloader: What was your background before joining Mineloader?
Kang: Before joining Mineloader, I worked at Konami Shanghai, where I was involved in developing two major games. It was a fantastic learning experience, particularly in game programming, and I had the opportunity to work on well-known titles like Bomberman. My journey into the gaming industry began after I graduated with a degree in computer science. I was eager to apply my skills in a real-world setting, and when I discovered Mineloader, I saw an opportunity to work with top-tier game developers from around the world. I’ve been here ever since.
Mineloader: Reflecting on your time here, what have been some of the most important moments or milestones?
Kang: There have been several key moments in my career at Mineloader. One of the earliest was the release of Tales of Phantasia on the PlayStation Portable. This was an exciting time as we pushed the limits of the new PSP platform to deliver an exceptional gaming experience. The long hours and challenges were all worth it when the game became a best-seller in Japan.
Another significant milestone was working on PAC-MAN Championship Edition DX. This project was particularly memorable because it was our first time collaborating closely with Namco’s top professionals, including director Tadashi Iguchi and producers Junichiro Hosokawa and Toshihiko Tamura. The game was a critical success, earning a perfect score from IGN and becoming one of the highest-rated games on Metacritic.
Currently, I consider our work on Guild of Guardians another pivotal moment. It’s a new frontier with many challenges ahead, but the opportunity to innovate with a global team and create something that resonates with players worldwide is incredibly exciting.
Mineloader: What skills or abilities do you think are essential for someone starting in the game industry today?
Kang: Game development is a multidisciplinary field that requires a wide range of talents, from concept art and 3D modeling to programming, writing, music, and animation. However, as you delve deeper into the industry, several skills become increasingly important:
- Sensitivity to Game Design:Understanding and appreciating the nuances of game design is crucial.
- Analytical Implementation:The ability to analyze, implement, and test your ideas effectively.
- Team Collaboration:Working seamlessly with diverse talents to create something extraordinary.
Mineloader: Is there anything you would have done differently, or is there something you still want to achieve in your career?
Kang: While there’s always room for new experiences, my passion and goals have remained constant—to work on innovative projects with a team that shares the same creative vision. There’s nothing quite like bringing a concept to life with like-minded individuals.
Mineloader: What initially drew you to the gaming industry, and how has that passion evolved over time?
Kang: My passion for gaming started at a young age, captivated by the joy games brought. Becoming a game developer was a dream job, and I jumped at the chance when Konami was hiring. Over the years, my appreciation for the complexity and creativity involved in game development has only deepened. It’s a dynamic field with constant learning opportunities, which keeps my passion alive.
Mineloader: Can you share a memorable or challenging project you worked on at Mineloader Studios and the lessons you learned from it?
Kang: One of the most challenging projects was when we first ventured into live mobile games around 2013-2014. This was a significant shift from our previous console projects, bringing new challenges in backend technology, game admin management, and live-ops. We had to rethink our development workflow and adopt a more agile approach to meet the demands of online players. This experience taught us the importance of adaptability and staying close to our players’ feedback. It shaped our approach to development and live-ops, setting a foundation for our current work on Guild of Guardians, which presents its own unique set of challenges.
Mineloader: What advice would you give to someone aspiring to join the game art or gaming industry?
Kang: Breaking into the gaming industry isn’t overly difficult if you’re passionate about it, but creating a great game is a different story. If you love gaming and have a creative spark, don’t hesitate—start now. But be prepared for the challenges ahead, and always hold on to the dream that got you started in the first place.
Mineloader: Kang’s passion for the gaming industry is evident in every project he touches. We are proud to announce that Kang will be attending the XDS Summit in Vancouver from September 3rd to September 6th. He is always enthusiastic about sharing his experiences and connecting with fellow professionals. If you’re attending, be sure to meet him—he’ll be more than happy to discuss the latest trends and insights in game development!