Interview: Goddess Order Developers Discuss How to Build a Fantasy RPG World

An exclusive email interview with Pixel Tribe, the creators of the upcoming Kakao Games title, Goddess Order, reveals insights into the development 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 high-quality pixel art aims for a console-level feel, emphasizing narrative. Each character and background is meticulously pixel-crafted.

Inspiration draws from a vast wellspring of games and stories. Pixel art is about using tiny units to express form and movement; it's less about direct references and more about the subtle influence of accumulated experience. Think of a lake of inspiration – I constantly draw from everyday observations and experiences to keep my creativity flowing.

Teamwork is key. Initially, I worked solo, creating Lisbeth, Violet, and Jan. Collaborating with colleagues who shared my passion for these characters enriched their development. Discussions with scenario writers and combat designers further refined the art style, ensuring character designs aligned with their backstories and combat roles. The process is collaborative and fun – a constant exchange of ideas, refining details together, like imagining a noble lady who transforms into a fierce dual-blade warrior.

Droid Gamers: How do you approach world-building in a fantasy RPG?

Terron J.: As Contents Director, I can say Goddess Order’s world sprung from our pixel art characters. Lisbeth, Violet, and Jan formed the foundation for immersive gameplay. World-building begins by deeply exploring these characters. They often arrive with inherent traits, roles, and purposes.

I focused on fleshing out their stories, listening to the narratives they presented. Their vibrant personalities and compelling backstories – tales of growth and heroism – unfolded organically. The game’s focus on manual controls reflects the strength and agency these characters exude. Scenario writing felt less like work and more like a unique, rewarding journey.

Droid Gamers: How are combat styles and animations designed?

Terron J.: Goddess Order’s combat system features three characters taking turns, using linked skills for synergy. Design involves extensive brainstorming and discussions. First, we define unique roles and positions for each character to optimize battle formations. We consider whether a character will be a powerful attacker, a support character, or a versatile unit, focusing on the strategic use of linked skills. We constantly review whether each character contributes unique advantages and whether controls are intuitive.

Ilsun: Next, we enhance the visual representation. This includes selecting appropriate weapons, appearances, and movements that emphasize each character's personality and concept. While 2D pixel art might suggest a two-dimensional battle, Goddess Order characters move with three-dimensional fluidity. We use real-world weapon models to study movement, adding originality to each character's combat design.

Terron J.: Finally, technical optimization is crucial for mobile gameplay. We meticulously test performance across various devices to ensure smooth, uninterrupted combat and cutscenes, prioritizing a seamless player experience.

Droid Gamers: What’s next for Goddess Order?

Ilsun: Goddess Order offers a compelling JRPG experience with its pixel art and narrative. The story follows the Lisbeth Knights, summoned by a goddess to save the world. The unique graphics and combat system enhance immersion. We plan to expand with additional activities, quests, treasure hunts, and continuous updates to both chapter and origin stories. Advanced content with refined controls will challenge players. We welcome player feedback after launch.