Dev Team Shares Secrets of Crafting Immersive Fantasy RPG Worlds

An exclusive email interview with Pixel Tribe, the developers behind the upcoming Kakao Games title, Goddess Order, reveals insights into the creation of this pixel RPG. We spoke with Ilsun (Art Director) and Terron J. (Contents Director).

Pixel Tribe: A Deep Dive into Goddess Order

Droid Gamers: What inspires the pixel sprites in Goddess Order?

Ilsun: As Art Director, I lead the visual direction for Goddess Order, a mobile action RPG building on the pixel art success of Crusaders Quest. Our pixel art aims for a console-quality feel, emphasizing narrative. Each character and background is meticulously pixelated.

Inspiration comes from a vast range of games and stories. Pixel art is about using limited units to express form and movement; it's less about specific references and more about the subtle impact of accumulated experience. Think of it as a wellspring of inspiration, drawn upon as needed. I constantly seek inspiration from everyday life.

Collaboration is key. Initially, I worked solo, creating Lisbeth, Violet, and Jan. However, team discussions enriched their designs. Later, collaboration with writers and combat designers further shaped the art style, often starting with a concept like, "What if a refined lady becomes a fierce dual-blade warrior?" This collaborative process is key to Goddess Order's unique aesthetic.

Droid Gamers: How does world-building work in a fantasy RPG like Goddess Order?

Terron J.: Goddess Order's world sprung from its pixel characters. Lisbeth, Violet, and Jan established the foundation for immersive gameplay. World-building begins with understanding the characters; they often arrive with inherent traits, goals, and purpose. I fleshed them out, listening to their stories, witnessing their growth and heroism unfold. The game's manual controls reflect the characters' strength, making scenario writing feel less like work and more like a unique journey.

Droid Gamers: How are combat styles and animations designed?

Terron J.: Goddess Order's combat system centers around three characters using linked skills. Design involves brainstorming unique roles for each character – powerful attackers, support characters, etc. – and ensuring balanced team compositions. The timing of linked skills is crucial. If a character lacks a unique advantage or controls feel clunky, adjustments are made to maintain dynamic combat.

Ilsun: Visually, we emphasize impactful art. Despite the 2D pixel art, characters move three-dimensionally. We use physical models of weapons to study movement, ensuring originality and visual appeal.

Terron J.: Finally, technical optimization is paramount for smooth mobile gameplay, ensuring consistent performance even on lower-spec devices without sacrificing cutscene immersion. Playability is prioritized.

Droid Gamers: What's next for Goddess Order?

Ilsun: Goddess Order blends pixel art with a compelling JRPG narrative, following the Lisbeth Knights' quest to save the world. The unique graphics and combat system enhance immersion. Post-launch, we plan to expand the story, add activities like quests and treasure hunts, and introduce challenging advanced content. We welcome player feedback.