Yes, he was. He did a lot of research on duel systems and even cards and such with an old friend of his in the past, which lead to them developing the Real Solid Vision system. It's something he wishes to get back into and it's why he's taken such an interest in Duel Spirits as of late.

It sounds like you do really great work at SAI. I can't imagine what it's like for the little Duel Spirits, finding themselves lost in a completely different world to what they knew.