I had the privilege of conducting an email interview with two developers from Pixel Tribe, the creative minds behind the highly anticipated Kakao Games title, *Goddess Order*. A heartfelt thank you to Ilsun, the Art Director, and Terron J., the Contents Director, for sharing their time and insights into the development process of this pixel RPG.
Q&A With Pixel Tribe
Droid Gamers: What inspirations do you use when creating the pixel sprites for each character?
Ilsun from Pixel Tribe: "Greetings! I'm Ilsun, the Art Director at Pixel Tribe, responsible for the visuals in Goddess Order. Our team, previously celebrated for Crusaders Quest, is now crafting Goddess Order, a mobile action RPG with a focus on exquisite pixel art that evokes the feel of console gaming while emphasizing storytelling. Every element in the game, from characters to backgrounds, is meticulously designed in pixel form.
Our character designs are inspired by a vast array of games and narratives we've encountered over the years. Pixel art involves arranging tiny units to convey form and motion, which is more about the subtle influence of experience than specific references. It's akin to dipping into a lake of inspiration whenever creativity is needed. I constantly seek to replenish my creative well by drawing from everyday life.
Our production process thrives on the synergy among team members. Initially, I worked alone, pouring my heart into pixel art, and characters like Lisbeth, Violet, and Jan were born. My colleagues, sharing my enthusiasm, joined in to refine these characters through collaborative discussions. This teamwork has shaped the distinctive art style of Goddess Order. As development progressed, I collaborated with scenario writers and combat designers, and these detailed discussions were crucial in refining the intricate concepts and designs of our characters.
For instance, when a scenario writer or combat designer proposes a character concept, like a noble lady who transforms into a fierce warrior wielding dual blades and soaring through the air, my team and I work together to bring that vision to life through pixel art. It's a fun and engaging process."
Droid Gamers: How do you start the process of world-building when creating a fantasy RPG?
**Terron J. of Pixel Tribe:** "Hello! I'm Terron J., the Contents Director at *Pixel Tribe* working on *Goddess Order*. Our development journey began with the pixel art characters, which laid the foundation for immersive gameplay. The world-building process in *Goddess Order* starts with a deep dive into the characters themselves. It might sound abstract, but characters often come to us fully formed, with their roles and missions clear.I immerse myself in fleshing out these characters, listening to their stories and bringing them to life. As I work on them, I see their vibrant vitality and witness their compelling biographies unfold—stories of growth amidst adversity and heroes stepping forward to save their kingdom. The emphasis on manual controls in the game stems from the strength I feel emanating from these characters during scenario crafting. Writing the scenario feels less like a task and more like a surreal, enjoyable journey, a rare experience in the early stages of game development."
Droid Gamers: What goes into designing certain combat styles and battle animations for a character?
**Terron J. of Pixel Tribe:** "To understand combat design in *Goddess Order*, it's crucial to break it down into three main components. Combat typically involves three characters fighting in turns, utilizing link skills to activate synergy among knights on the battlefield, all experienced through mobile gameplay.Combat design and balance are planned to enhance the excitement of battle, involving extensive brainstorming and discussions. The first step is harmoniously designing unique roles for each character to strategically structure the battle formation. We discuss whether each character should unleash powerful attacks, widen their range to shorten combat time, or act as versatile healers to assist in stage clear. In Goddess Order, timing linked skills can lead to more advantageous battles.
We continually review whether characters adhere to these mechanisms. If a character fails to deliver a unique advantage or if controls are cumbersome, we make bold adjustments for dynamic combat."
Ilsun of Pixel Tribe: "The next step involves enhancing the art elements to visually represent these characteristics. We contemplate what weapons a character should wield, what appearance would be suitable, and what movements would emphasize their concept or personality. Creating a visually enjoyable and impactful style is crucial for bringing the sensation of combat to life. Despite being in 2D pixel art, Goddess Order features characters that twist and turn their entire bodies during actions, considering three-dimensional movements for a point of differentiation.
To facilitate smooth production, our studio has an arsenal of various models like swords, spears, shields, and guns. Our developers study detailed movements with these weapons, leading to original combat designs for each character."
Terron J. of Pixel Tribe: "Lastly, technical optimization is essential to ensure combat and animations are enjoyable on mobile devices. We carefully check specifications to ensure uninterrupted combat even on average devices and to maintain immersion in cutscenes. Since Goddess Order is meant to be experienced firsthand, we strive to avoid compromising gameplay with external factors."
Droid Gamers: What’s coming up in the future of Goddess Order?
Ilsun of Pixel Tribe: "Goddess Order evokes a well-crafted JRPG with its pixel art graphics and narrative-driven story, following the journey of the Lisbeth Knights called upon by the goddess to save the world. The unique graphics and combat system immerse players in this epic quest, while individual origin stories of the knights encountered along the way help players understand the world view. We hope you enjoy the diverse tales experienced by Princess Lisbeth and her knights in the Kingdom of Kaplan.
Once the chapter scenarios are complete, we plan to incorporate various activities for the knights, such as resolving quests from residents or embarking on treasure hunts. Both chapter and origin stories will receive continuous updates, and we also plan to introduce advanced content that challenges the limits of action through refined controls. We eagerly anticipate your support and feedback even after the game’s launch."
