2024: Year in Review

A random collection of events and peculiar moments that shaped my 2024

December 31, 2024

Pencil sketch of a still life featuring a human skull resting on a book, with a flower in a cylindrical vase positioned next to it

Another year has flown by—it feels like it ended before it even began!

As the final day of 2024 arrives, let’s take a moment to chill, and review the events and oddities that defined my year. ✨

🎮 Push Golf and Unreal Engine 5 Petit Contest 21

After finally building my new workstation PC, I decided to dive into learning Unreal Engine 5. What better way to put my newfound skills into practice than by joining a UE5-based game jam?

Unreal Engine 5 Petit Contest 21 was a unique experience that pushed my creativity and technical skills. The contest ran for about seven weeks, from February 16 to April 7. This relaxed timeline allowed participants to brainstorm, prototype, and build their projects at a comfortable pace.

Having mostly been accustomed to shorter game jams, adjusting to a longer format was a learning curve. Still, it gave me the chance to push my limits (pun intended 😂) and explore new ideas, culminating in Push Golf.

Participating in this competition was a lot of fun and a valuable opportunity to deepen my understanding of Unreal Engine. That said, Push Golf ended up being my only serious gamedev project this year—which, looking back, feels a bit disappointing. 😞

If you’re curious about the journey, I’ve documented the entire process in a two-part blog series:

Push Golf and the Unreal Engine 5 Petit Contest: From Nostalgia to a Game Jam (Part 1)

Push Golf and the Unreal Engine 5 Petit Contest: Creating the Game (Part 2)

🎵 Hikaru Utada’s SCIENCE FICTION TOUR 2024 at Saitama Super Arena

Hikaru Utada on stage, smiling warmly while dressed in a white outfit, surrounded by vibrant red and orange lighting. The crowd in the foreground raises their hands in admiration, contributing to the energetic and emotional atmosphere

One of the biggest highlights of my year was attending Hikaru Utada’s SCIENCE FICTION TOUR 2024 in Saitama. Seeing her live again after six years was an incredible experience.

The setlist was a perfect blend of nostalgia and new hits, celebrating her 25th anniversary with classics like First Love, Automatic, and Simple & Clean.

Utada’s playful and humble MC moments reminded me why she’s not just an incredible artist but a truly special presence in the music world.

Her music has been part of my life since my high school Kingdom Hearts days, and seeing her live is always something special to me. ✨

Hikaru Utada’s HIKARU UTADA SCIENCE FICTION TOUR 2024 at Saitama Super Arena

🎵 BRA★BRA FINAL FANTASY 2024: A Night with Nobuo Uematsu

The BRA★BRA FINAL FANTASY 2024 concert cast stands on stage, holding hands and celebrating as the audience cheers

Attending BRA★BRA FINAL FANTASY 2024 in Shibuya was an unforgettable experience. Seeing Nobuo Uematsu in person and hearing the Siena Wind Orchestra bring Final Fantasy’s iconic music to life felt surreal.

Hearing these legendary tracks live reminded me just how powerful video game music can be. It was a night of collective nostalgia, stunning performances, and pure joy.

Every piece was performed with incredible energy, and the concert’s interactive elements–like audience participation and spontaneous cheers–made it even more special.

Here’s hoping for another BRA★BRA in the future! 🎵✨