"New Game!" is a slice-of-life manga series that explores the daily lives of employees at a fictional video game development company, Eagle Jump. The story centers on Aoba Suzukaze, a recent high school graduate who joins the company as a character designer, fulfilling her dream of working on the popular game series "Fairies Story." Aoba’s enthusiasm and inexperience provide a lens through which the challenges and dynamics of game development are portrayed.

The narrative delves into the collaborative process of creating a video game, highlighting the roles of various team members, including programmers, artists, and planners. Aoba works under the guidance of Kou Yagami, the lead character designer and a former idol in the gaming industry. Kou’s professionalism and occasional eccentricities serve as both inspiration and a source of comedic tension for Aoba. Other key characters include Hifumi Takimoto, a shy but talented 3D modeler; Rin Toyama, a confident and competitive programmer; and Umiko Ahagon, the no-nonsense lead programmer with a sharp tongue.

As the story progresses, the team works on developing a sequel to "Fairies Story," navigating tight deadlines, creative disagreements, and technical challenges. The manga balances workplace humor with moments of personal growth, as characters confront their insecurities and aspirations. Aoba’s journey from a novice to a more confident designer is a recurring theme, alongside the camaraderie and occasional rivalries among the team members.

The series also touches on the broader gaming industry, including the pressures of meeting fan expectations and the impact of corporate decisions on creative processes. While the focus remains on the daily lives of the characters, the narrative occasionally explores their personal lives, adding depth to their interactions and motivations. The blend of workplace realism and lighthearted humor makes "New Game!" an engaging portrayal of the video game development world.