stu Develops Custom Interactive Gaming Experiences for "MY MELODY ♡ KUROMI GAME PLAZA" with End-to-End Hardware and Sensing Technology
Tokyo-based stu has developed the interactive gaming experiences featured at “MY MELODY ♡ KUROMI GAME PLAZA,” a special event celebrating My Melody’s 50th and Kuromi’s 20th anniversaries. The event is organized by Sanrio Co., Ltd. with planning and production by CyberAgent, Inc. and Cybor Inc., and ran from July 18-30, 2025.
[Note: “MeloKuro” throughout this release refers to My Melody and Kuromi, popular Sanrio characters known for their contrasting personalities]
The event explores the duo’s “MeloKuro dynamic” (the concept that these opposite personalities complement each other perfectly) through an arcade environment featuring interactive games and photo opportunities.
The Tech Behind the Experience
stu’s large-format interactive gaming installations integrate custom software and hardware solutions. The company prioritized intuitive user experience while handling all development internally: creating proprietary pose detection algorithms, designing custom controller board hardware, and using AI tools to accelerate development cycles.
Technical Innovation Highlights
Custom Pose Detection System
Our team developed a proprietary system that processes infrared sensor data through custom algorithms and image processing in real time. This Unity-integrated solution enables players to control gameplay through body movement, creating an immediately accessible gaming experience.
AI-Accelerated Development
We used Claude Code (Claude Opus 4) across multiple phases, including physics simulation programming, code review, risk assessment, and complex algorithm implementation. This AI-assisted approach reduced development time for sophisticated features while maintaining code quality.
Controller Hardware Developed In-House
stu designed and manufactured controller boards specifically for these installations. This hardware and software integration ensures responsive physical controls that translate player actions into gameplay instantly.
Accessibility-First UX Design
Each game was designed for universal accessibility regardless of age or language background. Play sessions last 1-2 minutes with carefully calibrated difficulty and pacing to deliver satisfying experiences across skill levels.
The Games
MELOKURO CATCHER
Two players collaborate using dual button controls to operate a claw machine, attempting to catch MeloKuro plushies within the time limit. Different plushies unlock unique wallpaper rewards.
MELOKURO SWEETS BASKET
Players hold hands and move together, controlling MeloKuro on screen as they catch falling sweets. The game scores teams based on successful catches within the time limit, requiring synchronized movement.
MELOKURO SNAP
Players match poses displayed on screen alongside MeloKuro. Difficulty increases progressively, with final compatibility scores based on successful matches.
At stu, engineers have full access to AI tools as part of the company’s development framework. For this project, the team actively leveraged cutting-edge AI to tackle the diverse technical challenges spanning hardware, image processing, and interactive gaming. Moving forward, stu will continue exploring new forms of entertainment through the integration of software and hardware, powered by AI and other emerging technologies.
Event Information
Event Title: MY MELODY ♡ KUROMI GAME PLAZA
Dates: July 18 (Fri) – July 30 (Wed), 2025
Venue: SHIBUYA TSUTAYA 1F (21-6 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya, Tokyo)
Official Website: https://mymelodykuromigameplaza.sanrio.co.jp/
Organizer: Sanrio Co., Ltd.
Planning & Production: CyberAgent, Inc. & Cybor Inc.
Development: stu Inc.
Operation and Construction: Hakuten Corporation
©’25 SANRIO. Licensed by Sanrio Co., Ltd.
About stu, Inc.
stu is an entertainment technology company focused on “reinventing entertainment.” The company combines edge technologies in AI, XR, and 5G with advanced content production methodologies including writers’ rooms and previs. Through its interdisciplinary creative team, stu develops experiences that bridge physical and digital entertainment.
Media contact: contact@stu.inc
Official Website: https://stu.inc/
Official X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/stuinc_