I recently had the privilege of speaking with Akira Nagashima, the producer of Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town. As the official release of the game on the Switch and Steam approaches, Nagashima-san shared some insights into the creation process and what players can expect from this new installment in the series.
One interesting aspect of our conversation was Nagashima-san’s vision of turning Shin-chan games into a series. He mentioned that the success of the previous game, Shin-chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation – The Endless Seven-Day Journey, inspired him to explore the idea further. The positive response from fans after the official announcement during Nintendo Direct solidified his decision to create another game in the series.
Having a background in developing mobile apps, Nagashima-san’s transition to console games was motivated by the global success of Crayon Shin-chan Otetsudai Daisakusen, a mobile game for kids. This shift allowed him to fulfill his dream of working on console games and exploring new creative opportunities.
In developing Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town, Nagashima-san and his team focused on respecting the original works and characters. They aimed to create a game that would showcase the beloved Shin-chan characters in a new light, providing a platform for them to shine while maintaining the essence of the anime.
The decision to set the game in quiet Akiba at Shin-Chan’s grandparents’ home was an intentional one. By featuring this part of the Crayon Shin-Chan universe, the team was able to introduce familiar family members and create a fun community within the game. The presence of Shin-chan’s parents and brother added depth to the storyline and offered players a sense of familiarity and comfort.
When it comes to releasing a game with an IP like Crayon Shin-Chan to a global audience, Nagashima-san emphasized that the game was designed to be accessible to both new and existing fans. The team aimed to create an enjoyable experience for players of all levels of familiarity with the series, ensuring that even beginners could appreciate the game without prior knowledge.
Throughout the development process, Nagashima-san highlighted the joy of creating a new story from scratch and seeing the characters and world come to life. The team’s dedication to maintaining the tone of the anime while adding new elements to the gameplay was evident in the design of the game and the attention to detail in the characters’ expressions and dialogue.
In terms of art style, the team drew inspiration from the desire to create a game reminiscent of Boku no Natsuyasumi, utilizing hand-drawn backgrounds layered with 3D characters. This approach, which has been a consistent style in their games, reflects their commitment to creating visually stunning and immersive environments for players to explore.
Nagashima-san’s creative process is fueled by a diverse range of media, including movies, anime, games, comics, novels, and traditional Japanese comedy forms. He finds inspiration in behind-the-scenes content that reveals the production process, allowing him to learn and grow as a game developer.
For English-speaking audiences, Nagashima-san hopes that Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town will offer a fresh and nostalgic experience. The game aims to provide a relaxing and enjoyable gameplay experience, inviting players to unwind and immerse themselves in the charming world of Crayon Shin-Chan.
As fans eagerly anticipate the official release of Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town, Nagashima-san’s insights provide a glimpse into the creative process behind the game and the dedication to bringing the beloved characters to life in a new and exciting way.
