Stepping into the offices of Cygames, it’s clear that the company’s attention to detail and commitment to quality extends far beyond their games. During our Osaka Cygames studio tour, we got an exclusive look at two critical facets of the game development process: the Sound Foley and the Motion Capture studios. Both spaces are marvels of innovation, designed to give both developers and performers the tools and creative freedom necessary to craft incredible experiences like Granblue Fantasy Relink.
The Sound Foley Studio: Creating the perfect audio experience
Headed by Ms. Lee, the Sound Foley Studio at Cygames is a treasure trove of audio equipment and props, designed to create the best sound effects for their games. The studio is filled with a variety of areas, from different surface materials like gravel, wood, and metal to specialized items such as doors with varying types of doorknobs to accurately simulate sound. The attention to detail is impressive, particularly with how every sound is tailored to fit a character’s movement or a scene’s ambiance.
There was an impressive lineup of shoes on display—everything from combat boots to high heels. Each type of shoe is used to convey the personality and weight of a character, making every footstep unique. To make the sounds of intense battles feel as authentic as possible, the studio also uses custom-made weapons and props. For example, a particular interlocking chain weapon was designed to create the tension and clashing of blades during fight sequences. Even though these props aren’t sharp, they have a significant heft, making the sound effects all the more realistic.
The studio’s layout is highly flexible, able to transition from complete silence to a more ambient setup depending on the needs of the scene. With suspended microphones for easy recording and a control room that communicates via live-feed cameras, the team can work with an unparalleled level of focus. Ms. Lee and her colleagues gave us a live demonstration, syncing the sounds of a game’s cutscene in real-time. From the clinking of shoes to the rustling of clothing, every soundbite is accurately captured and then layered together by sound editors to create a flawless auditory experience.
The Motion Capture Studio: Bringing characters to life
Next up was the Motion Capture Studio, one of the largest of its kind in Japan. With 168 Vicon cameras mounted around the studio, it offers a high level of motion tracking accuracy, ensuring that every movement—no matter how subtle—translates perfectly in-game. Measuring 10×14 meters with a height of 6 meters, the space provides ample room for actors to perform large-scale movements. This not only allows for complex cutscenes but also makes it easier to shoot multiple characters at once. In fact, the team once recorded a 16-person battle scene complete with props, facial tracking, and intricate finger movements.
The studio is equipped with monitors to help developers visualize how the actor’s movements will appear in-game. With cameras capable of capturing 60 frames per second. The actors work on a sprung floor with dampers, minimizing the strain on their bodies during intense scenes. Interestingly, the floor is made of linoleum, chosen for its antibacterial properties, adding a layer of sanitary consideration to the workspace.
One of the most innovative features of the Motion Capture Studio is its dual projectors. A vertical projector from the ceiling helps guide actors by projecting 3D environments directly onto the floor. This eliminates the need for floor markings and enhances the actors’ ability to perform naturally within their virtual environments.
Capturing excellence
Tsutomu Kokufu, the head of Cygames Osaka, emphasized the importance of creating the best working environment for their developers. “The studios you have toured today are just a few of the features we have here in Osaka Cygames,” he explained. “Our company’s vision is to be the best in entertainment, and to make that a reality, we need to provide the tools and spaces for our developers to focus on creating the best games.”
Cygames has clearly set the bar high, and from what we’ve seen, they have the resources, talent, and passion to deliver some of the most impressive gaming experiences on the market. Cygames is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in game development.