"WaiWai World Craft (暂定)," which lets you create games by simply choosing options, is a UGC game packed with KONAMI's game development expertise [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/949/G094906/20250928004/
Writer: Ichimoto Tetsuya | 2025/09/28 06:22 (UTC)
At KONAMI’s booth during the second day of Business Day 2 at Tokyo Game Show 2025 (September 26, 2025), as previously announced, a new project titled “Wai Wai World Craft (tentative)” was unveiled. The platforms will be iOS / Android and PC.
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KONAMI announces “Wai Wai World Craft (tentative)"—a new project aiming to democratize game creation [TGS2025]
On September 26, 2025 (today), KONAMI announced its new title “Wai Wai World Craft (tentative)” during a stage event at TGS 2025. This is an UGC platform that allows anyone to easily create and publish games using KONAMI’s legendary characters. The project aims to realize the “democratization of game creation” through simple features such as dialogue-based interactions.
[2025/09/26 11:47]
This project, which champions the “democratization of game creation,” is being developed as a casual UGC (User Generated Content) game that features functions allowing users to create games simply by selecting options, improve pre-recorded standard games, or easily design terrain, rules, and stage effects. The created content can then be uploaded for other players to enjoy.
On the announcement day, Hiroshi Tanibuchi, Executive Director of Konami Digital Entertainment, and Crystal Noda (from the comedy duo MagiCal Love), who is also a game creator, appeared on stage to introduce the project.
Left to right: Crystal Noda, Hiroshi Tanibuchi. Note that Ms. Noda was a guest speaker and is not involved with this project Image Gallery No.002 thumbnail image / “Wai Wai World Craft (tentative),” which lets you make games by just selecting options, is an UGC game packed with KONAMI’s game development know-how [TGS2025]
This article presents the results of a joint interview with Mr. Tanibuchi following the event, based on content revealed during the presentation.
[KONAMI offers free access to its platform where users can easily create games using KONAMI characters]
——Could you tell us about the development background of “Wai Wai World Craft (tentative)”?
Hiroshi Tanibuchi (hereinafter, Mr. Tanibuchi):
This title is essentially a UGC service that allows users to make and play their own games. Drawing on our company’s long history in game development, we envisioned creating a platform where users can freely create various types of games using KONAMI characters. The idea originated from “Konami Wai Wai World,” released during the Famicom era. We aim to gather diverse IPs into one game and carry forward the charm of “Konami Wai Wai World.”
——Who is your target audience?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
Although the title harks back to the Famicom era, our actual target includes a broad range of people—youth in their teens and twenties with creative drive, as well as adults who have always wanted to make games since childhood. We’re focusing on those with rich imaginations and interest in game creation.
Creating games is inherently time-consuming, and tasks like balancing and bug fixing are extremely demanding. To support users at these stages, we’re providing a clear path based on official games, aiming to ensure that anyone can grasp the fundamentals of game development through our platform.
——Which characters from the original “Konami Wai Wai World” will appear?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
As shown on stage, currently only characters from two titles—“Contra” and “Castlevania”—are included, with all others being original creations. We plan to add new characters in the future, but we won’t limit ourselves to past content. Instead, we’ll actively introduce new characters and worlds that offer fresh experiences.
——The included official games appear to be action titles. Can users also create RPGs or text adventure-style games?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
Initially, basic action games will dominate. However, we have a conceptual plan to evolve genres—just as simple actions evolved into action RPGs throughout gaming history.
——You mentioned the platforms are smartphones and PC (Steam). What was behind that choice?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
We chose smartphones and PCs first because we want our game to reach as many people as possible. If successful, expansion to other platforms may follow in the future.
——What will be the monetization model?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
The base is free. We plan to implement a subscription-like system alongside item purchase-based microtransactions. The subscription would provide services that make game creation or gameplay easier, while purchases would allow users to buy items specifically for creating games. There are no gacha mechanics.
——Do players who just want to play without making games need to pay?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
Yes—playing alone requires only installing the app; no payments are needed.
——Can created games be exported or saved elsewhere?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
The games you create will generally be uploaded to dedicated servers and completed within that system, so exporting is not possible.
——“Konami Wai Wai World” was known for its distinctive sound. How is audio handled in this title?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
Users can use both past and new KONAMI tracks as background music (BGM). They can assign BGM to specific scenes—for example, playing a certain track during tense moments—allowing for customization.
——From the visuals, it looks like a 3D game, but can users place 2D pixel-art characters made by hand into the game?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
We do not support pixel art. All characters are created in 3D by default. However, camera perspectives can be set to top-down or side-view modes, making it possible to create games with a 2D aesthetic.
——To what extent will character and sound editing features be supported?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
This overlaps with earlier points—users cannot create characters from scratch, as that could risk copyright infringement. To maintain a clean operational system, we only provide pre-approved assets for users to work with, without allowing complete user creation. The same applies to audio.
——What was your main focus when developing this game?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
This title incorporates years of KONAMI’s accumulated game development expertise. Users don’t need to be aware of the underlying theory; they can easily create intuitive and tactile experiences without understanding how it works under the hood. Subtle elements like hit-stop, input buffering (forward/backward inputs), or controller vibration—often unnoticed during normal gameplay—are integrated into the system.
——Can users customize these features themselves?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
Some of them can be customized. So depending on the creator, the “feel” of a game could vary significantly.
——Since you’re involved, will there be mechanics to create sports games?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
It might take some time before we can support sports games (laughs). Sports have specific rules, and even simple home-run competitions would likely not be very fun (laughs). It’s quite challenging, actually.
——There’s reportedly a feature called “Magic Pod-kun” that lets people with no game-making experience create games easily. What exactly is it?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
It’s a system where selecting options alone completes the game. We’re developing logic that analyzes user behavior and preferences to reflect those tendencies—such as “this person often plays games in this genre, so their game will likely turn out like this.” We’re currently building these logical models from scratch.
——Is this different from generative AI?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
Yes, it’s different. Generative AI requires massive data sets to produce content, but our system uses only internal data and logic. It’s purely the product of staff effort—our sweat and tears (laughs).
——What kind of specific options will “Magic Pod-kun” present?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
Users answer questions like “Which game would you like to base this on?” or “What mood do you want your game to have?” Based on those answers, a tailored game is generated. However, because the underlying logic incorporates user behavior patterns, even selecting identical options won’t always result in the same game.
——Is multiplayer support available?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
Yes—up to 8 players can participate. Naturally, users will be able to design various play styles themselves: single-player experiences, cooperative gameplay, or competitive matches.
——Are there any mechanisms for spreading created content?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
Most works initially don’t attract attention right away. To address this, we’ve introduced a “regional” concept—content you create will be visible to others within your region. It’s meant to start small and grow gradually. Think of it like local idols slowly gaining popularity in their hometown (laughs). If your creation is fun, a “fan-creator” relationship can develop between the creator and players, nurturing mutual growth.
——Lastly, any message for users as you head toward release?
Mr. Tanibuchi:
This title bears the “Wai Wai World” name and features various systems and characters from KONAMI’s past games, plus new additions that make game creation easy. We’re striving to deliver this experience so that as many people as possible can feel the joy of creation. We’d be thrilled if you continue supporting us.
——Thank you very much.