Launched in April by Bandai Namco Entertainment, the slick new Gundam mobile strategy game, SD Gundam G Generation Eternal, has been a smash hit with fans. Packing in hundreds of Mobile Suits and storylines from across the Gundam universe, the game has seen steady revenue growth since its debut.
In a recent special interview published on the official Gundam Fan Club (GFC) platform, the game's producer, Shogo Kojima, sat down to spill the beans on the development process, player feedback, and what's next for the title. Japan's GUNDAM INFO also shared the interview, giving fans a look inside the minds of the creative team.
As the producer for SD Gundam G Generation Eternal, Shogo Kojima is the one calling the shots on future content, from which new series get added to what events players can expect, working in close collaboration with the development team. He previously worked at a Bandai subsidiary, starting from the ground floor developing and directing console RPGs and action games.
When asked about the game's explosive popularity and sales since launch, Kojima didn't mince words: "Honestly, it blew away our expectations! We never imagined it would be this popular. We're especially thrilled that for many players, this G Generation title is their very first introduction to the Gundam franchise."
But the team isn't resting on its laurels just because the game is a hit. "We're still working hard every day to improve the systems and fine-tune our operational plans to make the gameplay experience smoother for everyone." He noted that previous Gundam mobile games haven't had a long shelf life, so launching alongside the anime "Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX" and seeing such great results is a huge first-stage success.
"Actually, there were two G Generation mobile games before this one, but neither were strategy sims," Kojima explained. "So this time, we wanted to return to the series' roots, emphasizing strategic gameplay and building on the concept of a 'Gundam encyclopedia you can play anytime, anywhere.'"
The game uses a gradual story-unlock system to guide players. "We want everyone to get to know the Gundam universe step-by-step, making it more welcoming for newcomers."
When asked why the game took so long to develop, Kojima was candid: "We started with the goal of creating an 'authentic G Generation experience that's easy to play,' but once development began, we realized just how difficult it was to merge those two concepts. The dev team was tearing their hair out because everyone knows how iconic the Gundam franchise is, and we didn't want people to feel like it was 'just another reskinned Gundam mobile game, no different from anything else out there.'"
He revealed that from the first closed beta to its appearance at the Tokyo Game Show, the team endlessly revised details like the controls and UI design. The UI alone was redesigned more than six times before they finally landed on the official release version.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from players:
Q: Will you add series that aren't in the game yet?
A: "Of course. We'll be adding the remaining storylines step-by-step, so please be patient."
Q: I love "After War Gundam X" and hope you promote it more!
A: "That series is fantastic! I'm a huge fan of the Gundam DX myself. I used to play it all the time in the 'Mobile Suit Gundam VS' series back in my student days. Great memories!"
Q: The BGM is important. Can we switch tracks in the future?
A: "Yes! We'll be updating the game with a BGM switching feature. My personal favorite is the soundtrack from 'Mobile Suit Crossbone Gundam,' but of course, I've listened to the game's own title theme so many times it's become really special to me."
Q: Will you add Gundam works that haven't been animated?
A: "We're considering it, but we can't reveal a specific timeline just yet. Please look forward to it."
Q: What's the overall theme you want to convey with this game?
A: "We want it to be a 'portable Gundam textbook.' We hope to welcome not just veteran fans but also newcomers to fall in love with Gundam."
Q: Will there be original Mobile Suits?
A: "There are no plans for that right now, but it would be cool if we could make it happen in the future. However, original units that have appeared in the series before will be added sequentially!"
"We really didn't expect so much support; the global feedback has been incredible," Kojima said. "We only launched a few months ago, and we'll keep working hard not to disappoint everyone. Please continue to support us."
"SD Gundam G Generation Eternal" has already racked up over ten billion yen in revenue since its launch. Its popularity has only surged with the broadcast of the anime "Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX," and the team continues to roll out new content. Beyond just being Bandai's new cash cow, this title might just become one of the rare, long-running hits in the Gundam mobile game lineup.
Note: Financial figures and earnings forecasts should be confirmed through the company’s official announcements.
via： GUNDAM INFO