Independent Games Festival Highlights Innovation in Gaming
The Independent Games Festival (IGF) serves as a prominent platform for fostering creativity in game development while honoring the contributions of independent developers who are pushing the boundaries of the medium. In a recent discussion with the finalists for the Nuovo and Grand Prize nominees, Game Developer delved into the themes, design choices, and development tools utilized in these innovative entries. Both Game Developer and GDC operate under the umbrella of Informa.
UFO 50: A Unique Collection of Games
This year, UFO 50 has garnered a nomination for the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at the IGF awards. The project is a compilation of fifty distinct games spanning various genres, all crafted by a diverse group of developers. It pays homage to the 8-bit aesthetic while narrating the fictional tale of a video game company responsible for these creations.
Insights from Developer Derek Yu
In an engaging conversation, Game Developer spoke with Derek Yu, one of the key figures behind UFO 50. He shared insights into the collaborative efforts that ensured a unified feel among the multiple developers’ contributions. The team implemented specific rules and limitations to maintain coherence, while also promoting a sense of exploration for players as they navigate this eclectic assortment of games.
Derek Yu’s Journey in Game Development
“I’m Derek, one of the indie developers who collaborated on UFO 50,” Yu introduced himself. His background in game design began with creating games on paper and eventually transitioned to developing freeware titles using Klik & Play. His first commercial success was Aquaria, followed by the acclaimed Spelunky and its sequel, culminating in his recent project, UFO 50.
Inspiration Behind UFO 50
The idea for UFO 50 emerged from Yu’s desire to collaborate with his childhood friend Jon Perry. Their shared history of developing small games as “Blackeye Software” and their nostalgic gaming experiences from the 80s and 90s heavily influenced their creative direction. Yu fondly recalls his time exploring game collections on floppy disks, CD-ROMs, and at arcades, which shaped the essence of UFO 50.
Development Tools and Cohesion
The team utilized GameMaker Studio 2 as the primary development tool for UFO 50. By gathering numerous works from various creators into one cohesive package, they aimed to emulate the legacy of a fictional game studio known as UFOSOFT. Yu explained the challenges they faced in ensuring seamless integration among the diverse games, emphasizing the importance of establishing flexible design rules. For instance, they opted for a consistent 32-color palette while allowing more freedom in sprite use to cultivate an authentic atmosphere.
Designing with Narrative in Mind
In a discussion about the overarching narrative of UFOSOFT, Yu noted that they subtly adjusted game designs during development. While Barbuta, the first game in the collection, was inherently primitive, they amplified this quality to enhance its position as the studio’s inaugural title. The initial focus was on creating games they were passionate about, which naturally informed the overall design.
Narrative Challenges and Cohesion
The creation of a cohesive narrative across the varied works posed significant challenges. The team drew inspiration from both real-world video game history and their personal development experiences. They consistently discussed themes and ideas throughout the process, leading to interconnected character arcs and settings. The final narrative ties were woven together late in development, with Jon playing a crucial role in unifying the storyline.
Game Selection and Unique Experiences
The selection process for the games included brainstorming sessions among team members. Once Paul, Tyriq, and Ojiro joined the project, their unique ideas further enriched the diversity of the collection. Each developer contributed their distinctive styles, making it seamless to ensure that each game felt unique while maintaining the overall package’s integrity.
Capturing the Essence of Discovery
The concept of exploration resonates deeply with the UFO 50 team. For Yu, this fascination began with a passion for gaming, which evolved into an appreciation for the history of game development. He sought to encapsulate the thrill of discovery within UFO 50, emphasizing that genuine exploration should be a key aspect of the player experience, rather than merely guiding them through the collection.
Enduring Motivation Over Eight Years
Over the eight-year development span, sustaining motivation proved crucial. Collaborating with passionate creatives kept the team inspired. The constant exchange of ideas and iterations allowed for a dynamic development environment, where team members could switch between directing their games and supporting others, fostering an atmosphere akin to an extended game jam filled with mutual encouragement.
Hopes for Player Experience
Ultimately, Yu expressed his desire for players to take away a sense of curiosity and excitement for different game genres and styles they may not have previously explored. The team has been delighted to see younger audiences, unfamiliar with the 80s and 90s gaming era, express interest in its history. Through UFO 50, they aim to ignite a passion for games and their rich background among players.
