Hydlide Creator Tokihiro Naito Highlights Age Discrimination in Japan’s Game Industry

Tokihiro Naito, best known as the creator behind the pioneering Japanese role-playing game series Hydlide, recently brought attention to a persistent challenge facing veteran developers in Japan: age discrimination in the video game industry.

Naito, whose celebrated work with T&E Soft in the 1980s set the stage for influential action-RPG mechanics, has remained a respected figure among fans and contemporaries alike.

However, as the industry continues to grow, Naito's personal experiences shine a spotlight on hurdles that seasoned professionals often face. On October 15th, Naito addressed his followers on his personal social media channel, explaining the difficulties he encountered in his 50s while seeking employment in the game sector.

As first reported by Automaton-Media, he described applying to nearly a hundred companies following the non-renewal of his contract.

According to Naito, approximately 90% of these applications were dismissed outright during the document screening phase due to his age.

Few companies even offered interviews, and those were frequently inspired more by curiosity about meeting Naito himself than by genuine recruitment interest. Naito summarized his ordeal by noting, “Most rejections I received specifically cited age as the reason.

My skills weren’t even considered during the screening process.” It was only through his longstanding network within the industry—and a stroke of luck—that Naito eventually secured his current position as a director at M2 Co.

Ltd., a well-regarded developer known for collaborations with major publishers, including Nintendo and several classic title re-releases on modern platforms. Naito's candid account sparked widespread conversation in Japanese game development circles, as other developers, including several ex-T&E Soft staff, shared similar stories of age-based rejection.

Industry veteran Hiromasa Iwasaki responded with his perspective, stating, “After the age of 50, almost only overseas studios are willing to consider interviews regardless of age.

Even my current project was possible thanks to a personal connection.

In Japan, age discrimination is extremely apparent.” Automaton-Media reports that the lack of explicit legal protections against age discrimination in Japan, coupled with deeply ingrained seniority practices, often discourages companies from hiring older workers, especially if the candidate risks outranking a prospective manager.

However, the challenge isn't confined to Japan; interviews with Western developers reveal a similar hesitation to hire older talent, leading some industry veterans to intentionally omit historical experience from professional profiles.

Notable industry professionals like David Mullich and Larry Kuperman of Nightdive Studios have also recounted their own struggles with ageism. Tokihiro Naito's story underscores a significant issue in the global game industry, highlighting the necessity for both legislative change and cultural shifts to ensure talent is valued beyond age.

As Japanese and international developers alike continue to bring classic and new titles to platforms like the Nintendo Switch and eShop, the conversation around inclusivity and fair employment practices remains more important than ever.

Japan M2 Ltd game development RPG Hydlide Tokihiro Naito T&E Soft M2 Co. Ltd Hiromasa Iwasaki David Mullich Larry Kuperman Nightdive Studios Automaton-Media Nintendo