D3Publisher recently launched Full Metal Schoolgirl worldwide for Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Steam. Around launch, I had a chance to interview Nobuyuki Okajima (Producer, D3Publisher) about Full Metal Schoolgirl, working on the Switch 2 version, the English dub, DLC, and also some of his other games.
Nintendo Insider: For those unaware, tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do at D3Publisher.
Nobuyuki Okajima: I work as a game producer. My job is to ensure that our customers can purchase the best product possible, and that we make a profit from our business. I’m a jack-of-all-trades, someone that has a hand in almost every task other than the development work taken on by our game creators. I believe that, as a producer, my most important role in the production process is to define the direction for our product and identify our target audience.
Nintendo Insider: What made you want to make your debut game on Nintendo Switch 2 a blend of Onechanbara and Earth Defense Force?
Nobuyuki Okajima: We had originally started development on Full Metal Schoolgirl as a title for the PS5 and PC. Although the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware was newly announced during the development process, we decided to expand the scope of production to include compatibility with the Switch 2 midway as we determined that the game was fully compatible with the Switch 2 in terms of specs, and we could provide the game to our customers without any issues. So, to be clear, we did not develop the game specifically for the Switch 2.
Nintendo Insider: Full Metal Schoolgirl is a great concept, but the gameplay loop is really great. How much iteration did you and the team go through to settle on this? Also, was Full Metal Schoolgirl originally intended to be a roguelite?
Nobuyuki Okajima: Our initial plan was only to develop an action game where girls fought using weapons implanted into their bodies. We discussed this idea with trusted game developers at Yukes, and then fleshed it out and gave it more definition. The roguelite elements and the story of revenge against a corrupt company were ideas born out of the fleshing-out process that we ended up adopting. Given the repetitive nature of the game, we placed particular emphasis on balancing the game mechanics.
Nintendo Insider: Are there plans to let players skip animations or implement any other quality of life improvements?
Nobuyuki Okajima: Most animations can be skipped. We will be proactively considering the updates and quality of life improvements requested by our users.
Nintendo Insider: How has it been developing this for Nintendo Switch 2?
Nobuyuki Okajima: Although we had originally planned this game to be released on the PS5 and PC, the powerful specs of the Switch 2 made the decision to ensure compatibility with the Switch 2 quite easy to make. We also didn’t experience any major obstacles to development.
Nintendo Insider: Will we get an update with mouse controls for Joy-Con 2 controllers?
Nobuyuki Okajima: We currently have no specific plans to enable mouse compatibility, but the gyro sensor is supported.
Nintendo Insider: Speaking of Switch and Switch 2, are there plans to localize Earth Defense Force 2, 3, and 4.1 on Switch in the West?
Nobuyuki Okajima: We currently have no specific plans to do this, but we would be happy to consider localizing these games if presented with the opportunity to do so.
Nintendo Insider: Did the team do any work to optimize Full Metal Schoolgirl for Steam Deck?
Nobuyuki Okajima: Unfortunately, as the default settings for this game are set for high-end PCs, the game has been deemed to be “not supported” by the Steam Deck. However, the Steam Deck should not have much issue playing the game on a lower graphics setting.
Nintendo Insider: Many of my friends and myself were surprised at the addition of an English dub in Full Metal Schoolgirl. I very much appreciate having that option. Did the team always plan on doing this?
Nobuyuki Okajima: English voice acting was part of our plans from the beginning, but the fact that the English voice actors for Ryoko and Akemi are fantastic singers was a happy coincidence, so the decision to include English lyrics and the hard rock arrangement was made later.
Nintendo Insider: How has the experience been releasing a worldwide simultaneous multiplatform launch for a new IP like this?
Nobuyuki Okajima: Multi-platform releases have become more commonplace nowadays, so we’re pretty used to it now. In the event of a global simultaneous release, you run the risk of receiving complaints from enthusiastic fans in Western markets if the release of the game is delayed on their end, so they were very pleased that the simultaneous release was successful. We were very proud to have met the expectations of our customers.
Nintendo Insider: What should we expect for DLC beyond the season pass? I would love to see more crossover costumes from games you worked on?
Nobuyuki Okajima: Thank you. Feedback like this is encouraging to hear and makes us think we should create more crossover costumes. Unfortunately, though, there’s not a lot we can say about this subject at this point. Sorry about that…
Nintendo Insider: Have you considered releasing Natsuiro High School or Onechanbara Z2 Chaos/Origin on Switch 2?
Nobuyuki Okajima: No. Even if we had, I wouldn’t be able to talk about it in this interview.
Nintendo Insider: What have you been playing lately that you enjoyed?
Nobuyuki Okajima: I love playing Clash of Clans. I’ve been playing this game since it was released 13 years ago. Of course, that’s not the only game I play. Recently I’ve been playing a lot of Tekken 8 and HELLDIVERS 2.
Nintendo Insider: How do you like your coffee?
Nobuyuki Okajima: I take my coffee black every morning. I’ve been drinking it iced for a while now, but we’re getting into the hot coffee season. I enjoy coffee that’s full-bodied, bitter, and rich in flavor, so I choose beans with a low acidity.
Full Metal Schoolgirl is now available on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Steam worldwide.
