The AIAS Game Maker's Notebook From "Katamari Damacy" Through "to a T" with Keita Takahashi
Nov 28, 2025
Keita Takahashi, the visionary behind the cult classic Katamari Damacy and founder of Evola, dives into his unique game design journey. He shares the whimsical origins of Katamari, inspired by watching spinning objects, and reflects on the unexpected success it garnered. Keita discusses his latest project, to a T, exploring themes of teen experiences and hope. He creatively transforms mundane tasks into joyful gameplay, aiming to shift players' perspectives with each experience. His collaborative spirit with his wife for music adds a personal touch to his engaging narratives.
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Goat Assignment Became A Flowerpot
- Keita turned a school assignment goat sculpture into a usable flowerpot to avoid waste and make people laugh.
- The class laugh convinced him making people smile mattered more than producing 'pure' art.
Hired Despite Failing The Exec Interview
- Keita failed an executive interview but a design manager championed him and hired him into Namco anyway.
- That manager later supported the Katamari project and enabled Keita's first game leadership role.
Katamari Idea Came During A Walk
- Keita conceived Katamari while walking through a station and visualizing a spinning object that grows by sticking to things.
- He immediately shared the image with a colleague and his design manager, who both encouraged him to pursue it.