NEW GAME!

NEW GAME! is a captivating and lighthearted comedy anime series that aired in 2016. Created by Doga Kobo, based on the popular manga series of the same name written by Shōtarō Tokunō, it showcases a unique fusion of workplace dynamics and game development intricacy, making it a must-watch for anime and video game lovers alike. Beyond the humor, the show authentically depicts life within the highly technical world of game design in all its joyful creation and painstaking perfectionism.

The series focuses on Aoba Suzukaze, a recent high school graduate beginning her career at the renowned video game development company, Eagle Jump. Despite her worry about being younger than her colleagues, she is filled with excitement and determination to contribute her best to the company which developed one of her all-time favorite games. Aoba's charisma, unwavering motivation, and ability to learn quickly make her an easy character to root for.

Upon joining Eagle Jump, Aoba is placed in the character design department. Here, she discovers that her supervisor is none other than Ko Yagami, the famed designer of the game Aoba loved so much as a child. However, Yagami is not exactly as Aoba had imagined. Rather than the put-together professional Aoba had envisioned, Yagami is prone to sleeping at work, often haphazard, and even a little eccentric. Irrespective, her creativity and brilliance is undeniable, which makes for interesting dynamics between her and Aoba.

Throughout the series, Aoba encounters a diverse cast of colleagues, each with their unique quirks and distinctive talents. There is the shy and introverted Hifumi, the lively and outspoken Hajime, who loves cosplay as much as game design, and the passionate Rin, who also harbors secret feelings for Yagami. Whether its engaging in impromptu gaming sessions, crunching to meet tight deadlines, or dealing with code debugging headaches, these characters form close ties as they endure the highs and lows of the game development world together.

NEW GAME! brilliantly uses humor to explore a variety of themes, including tenacity, teamwork, stress management, and dealing with workplace pressures. Moreover, it provides a nuanced portrayal of the power dynamics within the tech industry and the struggle many women face when trying to establish themselves there.

On another level, it looks at the concept of growing up and the associated struggles of coming-of-age in a truly unique setting. The series is not just about creating video games - it's a story about struggling to find your place, developing your skills, persisting through failure, and celebrating small victories, providing many relatable moments to viewers of all backgrounds.

The show's vibrant and finely detailed animation further enhances the enjoyment. The visually appealing characters and environments mirror the intricate world of video game art, while the animators' love for their craft shines brightly through each frame. The humor-filled yet poignant soundtrack often sets the mood for the series.

Beyond the workplace comedy and game development, NEW GAME! also explores deeper themes of friendship, determination, and personal growth. It turns the office setting into a relatable slice-of-life story as it navigates through the trials and triumphs of Aoba and her colleagues, making it an unexpectedly emotional journey at times.

Ultimately, NEW GAME! is a refreshing take on the slice-of-life genre, providing a window into a rarely explored professional setting in anime. As viewers follow Aoba’s journey, they accompany her in her struggles, cheer for her successes, and watch as she matures both personally and professionally. This is a series that anyone who's ever had a passion, embarked on a challenging new experience, or spent late nights collaborating on a shared dream can readily appreciate. Whether a fan of gaming, a lover of anime, or someone looking for a show with depth and humor, NEW GAME! has something to offer everyone.