My second indie interview was with Greg Johnson from HumaNature Studios, the team behind the quirky, Doki Doki Universe. He discussed what the game will entail, and what it's been like developing without a big publisher backing them.
Doki Doki Universe is one of my most anticipated indie titles for Playstation platforms, but for those who have no idea what the game is, tell us a bit about the game and how it came about?
Greg Johnson: Doki Doki Universe is a sweet, charming, open-ended game that is essentially an exploration of yourself and of what it means to be human. In the game you play the role of a small robot named QT3 who travels the Galaxy, visiting small worlds with hundreds of oddball characters, and learning about different aspects of humanity. In the process of playing, players take fun personality quizes, and receive an ongoing personality evaluation by a therapist on their home planet. This is a very unusual game. For goal-directed players who are looking for serious challenge, and looking to blast through a game quickly, or for big action lovers who like violence or fast reflexes and hard puzzles, it may not be the right game. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a change of pace, and want to explore a fascinating living little Universe filled with bizarre character and lots and lots of heart, then you might find Doki Doki Universe to be a just what you’ve been wanting.
The art style in the game is one of the main components that attracted me too the game, can you go into why you guys chose to go this route with the art style.
Greg Johnson: We felt like a simple, innocent, child-like look would be the strongest way to get across our theme of innocence. It also is helpful in allowing us to deal with some heavier issues, things like bullying, and abandonment, and prejudice and so on. Also I happen to just love the look a lot. It was originated by a friend who was drawing some doodles on the side of a page. I saw it and loved it and said “I want to make a game like that!”
We all know that Sony has been leading the indie charge with these new consoles, how has it been working with Sony while bringing this game out.
Greg Johnson: As I’ve gotten to know the folks at Sony (SCEA), all the way up to the top of the organization, they are a really idealistic bunch. They genuinely want to see innovation happen and are willing to take risks. It’s very unusual, and I’ve been doing this for over three decades now. This is a wonderful time for Indie developers. If you happen to be one, and you have something that you have built, I encourage you to show it to the folks at Sony. You will find, at a minimum, interest and encouragement, and maybe some good advice. If you’re really lucky and have started building something awesome maybe you’ll get a contract to build your dream game. In terms of working with Sony I can only tell you about my experience. No big company is without its internal politics. Legal departments at publishers will always be very conservative and look out for the interests of publishers. All of that said, Sony is really and truly the best publisher I’ve worked with in my career. There are always stresses and issues to deal with, but Sony’s heart and priorities are in exactly the right place, all the way to the top of the company, and that’s what matters. If you’re an Indie developer I’d say build something cool and then go knock on Sony’s door.
Doki Doki Universe looks like an retro Saturday morning cartoon to me, can you talk about some of the inspirations that helped inspire this game's creation.
Greg Johnson: Hmmm. Well the little Prince is definitely one inspiration. A number of other games perhaps, like Animal Crossing, Little Big Planet, Scribblenaughts, and the Sims and Spore, and Toejam and Earl. At a deeper level I am always inspired by Hayao Miyazaki and the level of heart he has in his work.
With the new hardware and functionality of the PS4, will you guys be taking advantage of the new capabilities including the light bar, the speaker on the Dualshock 4, the touchpad, etc.
Greg Johnson: Well not with this game, as it’s done and out already. Perhaps in future titles.
We've seen a literal explosion of indie devs and titles pop up over the past couple of years, can you tell me in your own words what being indie really means.
Greg Johnson: Sure. Generally people use the term to mean small, independent, self-funded developers, but I prefer to think of it in terms of the Indie spirit, which is one of innovation, and artfulness. We’re not technically Indie since we are a Sony first party title, but I’m proud to be thought of as one and at HNS we strive for that Indie spirit.
With the new consoles finally getting released, there has been a lot reports regarding resolutions and frame rates. Does a game's resolution really matter in the end? :D
Greg Johnson: Yup, it matters. The degree to which it matters depends on the type of game it is, so there is no one right categorical answer to that question. IN our case even though you don’t need a high frame rate to enjoy the experience, it helps improve the overall feel of everything. It’s like having extra clear audio, you don’t really know you’re missing it until you hear it and then all of a sudden you feel like saying, “ahhhh, that’s better” and you relax a little bit more.
Other than your game, what would be your guys' favorite games of the year?
Greg Johnson: That’s tough to say as I haven’t had much time to play this year. We’ve been on a very tight schedule. I really liked The Last of Us, and Skylanders, and Journey, and I’ve also enjoyed playing Magika and World of Tanks with my son.
If you were stranded on an island, and you could only take one console and only a handful of games(could be retro or current), what would they be an why?
Greg Johnson: My favorite all time game and the one I’ve played the most is Age of Empires. Hmmm… Though on a desert island I think I’ll go for a PS4 and all of the great games that haven’t come out yet… including my next games.
