During this past Sunday’s X Spaces’ session, Pikamoon co-founders Conrad Lewis, Luke Appleton, and Nixx sat down alongside key Pikamoon game designers to discuss the latest developments in Dreva.
The conversation highlighted various aspects of the game’s development, the uniqueness of PikaRoyale, and addressed some of the community’s most frequently asked questions.
The Orbit Cosmos members featured in this Spaces session are:
- Ali Shafique (Game Designer)
- Mumtaz Ahmed (Game Designer)
- Sheikh Ali (Game Writer)
Before diving into a brief summary of the key discussion points, let’s first take a look at some of the biggest alpha drops from this episode.
Table of Contents
Biggest Alpha Drops This Episode
- Pikamoon’s upcoming battle royale mode, PikaRoyale, will stand out by introducing Pikamoons as companions, providing players with special abilities.
- PikaRoyale will take place in the Nexus, a unique region within Dreva where the six elemental regions converge.
- The Nexus will feature a dynamic weather system that will significantly alter gameplay, ensuring no two battles will be alike.
- Pikamoon Corruption will introduce another unique game mechanic that challenges players to adapt to unexpected twists, ensuring the gameplay remains fresh.
- After PikaRoyale’s release, the development team plans to expand the Nexus region through DLCs, expansion packs, and ongoing in-game events.
- Players will be able to play and win PikaRoyale without capturing any Pikamoons.
- Pikamoon aims to be free-to-play across multiple platforms, making it accessible to a broad audience.
- The Pikamoon development team is exploring the implementation of a Battle Pass system, allowing players to earn exclusive rewards.
- Orbit Cosmos, the studio behind Pikamoon, has grown to an 80-person team, carefully selected from over 50,000 applicants.
1. Pikamoon Game Development Process
Nixx: Why did it take so long to launch the game, and what are you spending the time on?
Ali Shafique: Developing a game is a multifaceted and intricate process that can often feel like solving a complex puzzle. It involves several critical phases:
- Planning Game Mechanics: The foundation of any game lies in its mechanics. We spend significant time brainstorming and finalizing the core gameplay elements to ensure they are not only engaging but also fun for players. This involves extensive discussions on how different mechanics can interact and enhance the overall gaming experience.
- Asset Creation: Once the mechanics are solidified, we transition to creating the game’s assets. This includes designing characters, crafting detailed environments, and developing fluid animations. Each element needs to be meticulously crafted to ensure cohesion and immersion within the game world.
- Programming and Integration: After creating the assets, the next step is to program these elements into the game. This phase involves building the game engine, integrating mechanics, and ensuring that everything works harmoniously.
- Testing and Iteration: Finally, we enter the testing phase, which is crucial for identifying and fixing issues. During this stage, we rigorously playtest the game to ensure that it meets our quality standards. This iterative process allows us to refine mechanics, enhance gameplay, and ultimately deliver the best possible experience to our players.
2. PikaRoyale’s Unique Features
Nixx: The battle royale genre seems saturated. How will PikaRoyale stand out?
Ali Shafique: You’re absolutely right; the battle royale genre is indeed crowded, but we believe PikaRoyale will carve out its own niche by retaining the core elements that players love while introducing fresh mechanics that enhance the experience:
- Pikamoons as Companions: One of the standout features of PikaRoyale is the inclusion of Pikamoons, which serve as companions in the game. Each Pikamoon will offer unique abilities that can provide strategic advantages during gameplay. For example, a Pikamoon with flight capabilities might allow players to traverse the map more effectively, while others may provide buffs in combat.
- Dynamic Weather System: We are implementing a dynamic weather system that will radically alter match dynamics. Players may find themselves battling through heavy fog, navigating heatwaves, or adjusting their strategies based on changing environmental conditions. This feature will add layers of complexity and excitement to every match.
- Innovative Gameplay Mechanics: While we want to keep the essence of what makes battle royales fun, we’re also exploring unique systems that set us apart from competitors. Without giving away too much, we have several innovative ideas in the pipeline that will enhance gameplay and create memorable experiences for players.
3. Battle Pass System
Nixx: Can you explain the battle pass system coming to Pikamoon?
Ali Shafique: Absolutely! We are exploring ways to introduce a battle pass system that will enrich the gameplay experience and reward our dedicated players. The battle pass will allow players to earn exclusive rewards through regular gameplay, including:
- Unique Skins and Modes: Players will have the opportunity to unlock special skins for both their characters and Pikamoons. These cosmetic rewards will enhance personalization and allow players to showcase their unique styles.
- Engaging Rewards: We are exploring various engaging rewards that could include special in-game items or unique challenges that offer substantial benefits. Our aim is to keep players invested and motivated to progress through the battle pass.
- Innovative Features: We are committed to making our battle pass system stand out from the crowd. By incorporating elements that tie directly into the lore and gameplay of Pikamoon, we hope to create a more meaningful and immersive experience for players.
4. Game Development Stages
Nixx: Could you elaborate on the different stages of game development, from pre-production to launch?
Mumtaz: Certainly! The game development process is structured into several key stages:
- Pre-Production: This initial phase lays the groundwork for the entire project. It involves conceptualization, where the vision for the game is established. During this stage, we outline the core gameplay systems, narrative elements, and unique features that will shape the game world. This is where we meticulously plan everything from gameplay mechanics to environment design and user experience (UI/UX).
- Production: This is where the magic happens. In the production phase, we develop gameplay mechanics and core systems, integrating blockchain elements and establishing the multiplayer infrastructure. We also finalize character designs, create art assets, and refine the game’s aesthetics. Additionally, this phase includes sound design and ensuring cross-platform functionality.
- Testing Phases:
- Alpha: The alpha stage features an early version of the game, focusing on core functionalities and basic mechanics. This phase is crucial for identifying and fixing major issues before opening the game to a larger audience.
- Beta: The beta phase presents a more polished version of the game, allowing for extensive external testing. Feedback from players is essential during this stage as we optimize gameplay, balance mechanics, and implement live updates based on user input.
5. The Importance of Pikamoons in Battle Royale
Nixx: How crucial are Pikamoons in the Battle Royale? Can players win without them?
Ali Shafique: Pikamoons are a core pillar of our gameplay mechanics and will play a significant role in the Battle Royale mode. While it is technically possible for players to win without capturing or using Pikamoons, we strongly encourage their use due to the unique advantages they provide:
- Special Abilities: Each Pikamoon will offer distinct abilities that can greatly enhance a player’s chances of survival. For example, certain Pikamoons might enable players to access hidden areas or provide buffs during battles.
- Gameplay Depth: We aim to create gameplay elements that require players to strategically decide when and how to use their Pikamoons. This adds layers of strategy and depth to the gameplay, making each match more engaging and rewarding.
- Challenges for Hardcore Players: For those who seek a challenge, we plan to offer rewards for players who successfully play matches without utilizing their Pikamoons. This dual approach allows us to cater to different play styles while maintaining the significance of Pikamoons within the game.
6. Orbit Cosmos Company Culture and Team Dynamics
Conrad: Can you share insights about the culture at Orbit Cosmos?
Ali Shafique: The culture at Orbit Cosmos is truly vibrant and collaborative. One of the most significant aspects of our workplace is the sense of responsibility we each carry. There is no micromanagement; we are encouraged to take ownership of our work, which fosters a sense of pride and motivation.
- Talented Team: Working alongside some of the most talented individuals in the gaming industry inspires me to push my creative boundaries. The camaraderie we share makes the challenging moments enjoyable, as we often find humor and joy in the process of game development.
- Open Communication: The open-door policy promotes transparency and collaboration. Team members can freely share ideas, and management is always receptive to feedback and innovative concepts. This dynamic environment enhances creativity and allows us to continuously improve.
Sheikh Ali: Working with leaders like Conrad, Nixx, and Luke provides an enriching experience. They encourage us to think outside the box and invest in our development, both professionally and personally. The tools and resources provided empower us to strive for a AAA game standard.
7. Future Plans for Pikamoon Battle Royale
Sheikh Ali: After the launch, we have exciting plans for expanding Pikamoon’s universe. The Nexus will evolve over time through a series of DLCs and expansion packs, introducing:
- New Regions and Storylines: We plan to unlock new areas within Dreva, allowing for fresh gameplay experiences and deeper lore.
- Game Events and Challenges: Time-limited events will provide special challenges, encouraging players to engage with the game consistently and explore all its aspects.
- Easter Eggs and Lore Ties: We aim to create connections between the Nexus and the broader Dreva world, with hidden easter eggs that deepen the narrative and enhance player exploration.
You can listen to the entire X Spaces session below:
Or for a polished transcript of the hour-long session, visit here.
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