Fantasy RPG World Building: Insights from Goddess Order Developers

I had the pleasure of conducting an email interview with two key developers from Pixel Tribe, the creative minds behind the highly anticipated Kakao Games title, *Goddess Order*. A heartfelt thank you to Ilsun, the Art Director, and Terron. J, the Contents Director, for generously sharing their time and providing a fascinating glimpse into the development of a pixel RPG.

Q&A With Pixel Tribe

Droid Gamers: What inspirations do you use when creating the pixel sprites for each character?

Ilsun from Pixel Tribe: “Hey there! I’m Ilsun, the Art Director at Pixel Tribe, and I'm excited to share insights about the graphics for Goddess Order. Our game is a mobile action RPG crafted by the team behind Crusaders Quest, renowned for its stunning pixel art. Goddess Order aims to deliver a console-like experience with a focus on storytelling, all rendered in high-quality pixel art.

When designing characters, we draw inspiration from a vast array of games and narratives we've encountered. Pixel art is about arranging tiny pixels to capture form and movement, so it's more about the subtle influence of experience than specific references. It's like dipping into a lake of inspiration whenever needed.

Our creative process thrives on teamwork. Initially, I worked alone, birthing characters like Lisbeth, Violet, and Jan. As our team grew, so did our collaborative efforts. Discussions with my colleagues sparked rich ideas, shaping the art style around these core characters. Collaborating with scenario writers and combat designers further refined our characters, making Goddess Order a true team effort.”

Droid Gamers: How do you start the process of world-building when creating a fantasy RPG?

World-building in Goddess Order starts with deeply understanding our characters. They often arrive with clear identities, missions, and stories. As I fleshed out their biographies, I witnessed their growth and the unfolding of epic tales—stories of heroes rising to save their kingdom. The manual control emphasis in our game stemmed from the strength and vibrancy of these characters, making the scenario writing a truly special and enjoyable journey.”

Droid Gamers: What goes into designing certain combat styles and battle animations for a character?

We start by defining unique roles for each character, strategizing their battle formations. Whether a character unleashes powerful attacks, widens their range, or supports with healing, we ensure their utility enhances the battle dynamics. The timing of linked skills can lead to more advantageous battles, and we continually review and adjust characters to maintain this balance.”

Ilsun of Pixel Tribe: “Next, we focus on enhancing the art to visually represent these combat characteristics. We consider weapons, appearances, and movements to emphasize each character's concept and personality. Even though Goddess Order uses 2D pixel art, we incorporate three-dimensional movements to differentiate our game's quality.

Our studio has an arsenal of models, from swords to guns, which we use to study detailed movements. This diligent approach helps us create original combat designs for each character.”

Terron J. of Pixel Tribe: “Finally, we prioritize technical optimization to ensure smooth gameplay on mobile devices. We carefully check specifications to maintain uninterrupted combat and immersive cutscenes, ensuring Goddess Order is a game you experience, not just observe.”

Droid Gamers: What’s coming up in the future of Goddess Order?

Ilsun of Pixel Tribe: “Goddess Order blends pixel art with a JRPG narrative, following the journey of the Lisbeth Knights on a mission to save the world. Our unique graphics and combat system immerse players in this epic quest, while the knights' origin stories enrich the world view.

Post-launch, we plan to introduce various activities like quests and treasure hunts. Both chapter and origin stories will receive continuous updates, and we'll add advanced content that challenges players' skills through refined controls. We eagerly await your support and feedback as Goddess Order evolves.”