I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Ilsun (Art Director) and Terron J. (Contents Director) from Pixel Tribe, the talented team behind the upcoming Kakao Games title, *Goddess Order*. Thanks to both of them for sharing their insights into the development of this pixel RPG!
Q&A With Pixel Tribe
Droid Gamers: What inspires the pixel sprites for each character?
Ilsun (Pixel Tribe): "Hello! I'm Ilsun, Art Director at Pixel Tribe. Goddess Order, a mobile action RPG, builds on the pixel art style that made Crusaders Quest so popular. Our high-quality pixel art aims for a console-like feel, enhancing the narrative. Each character and background is meticulously pixel-crafted.
Inspiration comes from countless games and stories. Pixel art is about using tiny units to express form and movement; it's less about specific references and more about the nuanced impact of our experiences. Think of it as a wellspring of inspiration I draw from daily life.
Collaboration is key. Initially, I worked solo, creating Lisbeth, Violet, and Jan. Discussing these characters with colleagues sparked rich ideas and shaped Goddess Order's art style. As development progressed, collaboration with writers and designers became crucial. For example, a writer might suggest a noble lady who's refined yet fierce in battle. We then brainstorm her design, refining details together. It's a fun, collaborative process."
Droid Gamers: How do you approach world-building in a fantasy RPG?
Terron J. (Pixel Tribe): "Hi, I'm Terron J., Contents Director. Our world-building starts with the characters—Lisbeth, Violet, and Yan. They possess inherent qualities, missions, and purposes. Fleshing them out, listening to their stories, became a vibrant, almost surreal experience. Their growth and heroism shaped the narrative. The emphasis on manual controls stemmed from experiencing their strength while crafting the scenario."
Droid Gamers: How are combat styles and animations designed?
Terron J. (Pixel Tribe): "Goddess Order's combat involves three characters taking turns, using link skills for synergy. Design involves brainstorming unique roles for each character—powerful attacks, wide-range attacks, support roles—to create strategic formations. We ensure each character offers a unique advantage, adjusting as needed for optimal combat dynamics."
Ilsun (Pixel Tribe): "Next, we enhance the visual representation. We consider weapons, appearance, and movements to emphasize personality. While 2D pixel art might seem limiting, we incorporate three-dimensional movements, making the battles visually impactful. We use real-world weapons to study movements, creating original combat designs for each character."
Terron J. (Pixel Tribe): "Finally, technical optimization is crucial for smooth mobile gameplay. We ensure consistent performance even on average devices, avoiding disruption to cutscenes or immersion."
Droid Gamers: What's next for *Goddess Order*?
Ilsun (Pixel Tribe): "Goddess Order's pixel art and story evoke a classic JRPG feel. It follows the Lisbeth Knights saving the world. We'll continue updating chapter and origin stories, adding activities like quests and treasure hunts. We also plan advanced content with refined controls, challenging players."
