This email interview with Ilsun (Art Director) and Terron J. (Contents Director) from Pixel Tribe, the developers of the upcoming Kakao Games title Goddess Order, offers a fascinating glimpse into the creation of a pixel RPG.
Pixel Tribe's Goddess Order: A Deep Dive into Development
Droid Gamers: What inspires the pixel sprites in Goddess Order?
Ilsun: As Art Director, I draw inspiration from a vast wellspring of games and narratives. Pixel art is about using minimal units to convey form and movement; it's less about direct references and more about the subtle impact of accumulated experience. Collaboration is key; the initial characters, Lisbeth, Violet, and Jan, were born from solo work but evolved through team discussions, refining details and shaping the game's art style. Ongoing dialogue with scenario writers and combat designers ensures character designs align with the narrative and gameplay. The process is iterative, with concepts refined through collaborative sketching and discussions.
Droid Gamers: How did you approach world-building for this fantasy RPG?
Terron J.: World-building in Goddess Order began with the core characters, Lisbeth, Violet, and Yan. Their inherent personalities, actions, and purposes guided the development. The process felt organic, almost as if the characters themselves were narrating their own stories, revealing their growth and heroic journeys. The emphasis on manual controls stemmed from the inherent strength and agency felt in crafting their narratives.
Droid Gamers: How are combat styles and animations designed?
Terron J.: Goddess Order's combat system revolves around three-character turn-based battles using link skills. Design involves defining unique roles for each character (damage dealer, support, etc.) and ensuring strategic synergy. The team meticulously reviews character utility and control mechanics, making adjustments to optimize combat dynamics.
Ilsun: The art enhances these characteristics. Weapon choices, appearance, and movement are carefully considered to reflect each character's personality and role. Despite the 2D pixel art, the characters move with three-dimensional fluidity. The team uses real-world weapons to study movement for authenticity.
Terron J.: Technical optimization is crucial for smooth mobile gameplay, ensuring consistent performance across devices without compromising cutscene immersion.
Droid Gamers: What's the future of Goddess Order?
Ilsun: Goddess Order will continue to expand its narrative, focusing on the Lisbeth Knights' quest to save Kaplan. Post-launch updates will include additional activities like quests and treasure hunts, alongside continuous updates to chapter and origin stories. Advanced content with refined controls will challenge players' skills.
