This extensive interview with Christopher Ortiz, creator of the beloved indie game VA-11 Hall-A, delves deep into his career, inspirations, and the highly anticipated new project, .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND. From the unexpected success of VA-11 Hall-A to the creative process behind its sequel, Ortiz shares personal anecdotes and insights into his design philosophy.
Ortiz discusses his role at Sukeban Games, the emotional impact of visiting Japan and witnessing the game's reception, and the surprising scale of VA-11 Hall-A's success. He reflects on the game's development, the popularity of its characters, and the status of the long-awaited iPad version.
The interview covers collaborations with key team members, including artist MerengeDoll and composer Garoad, highlighting the synergistic creative process behind VA-11 Hall-A's iconic soundtrack and visual style. Ortiz also shares his perspective on the game's merchandise, his inspirations, and the evolution of Sukeban Games.
A significant portion of the interview focuses on .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND, exploring its visual and gameplay inspirations, the team's development process, and the positive fan reception. Ortiz discusses the challenges and rewards of long-term development, the game's unique battle system, and his creative approach to world-building.
The conversation touches upon Ortiz's admiration for Suda51 and Grasshopper Manufacture, his experiences navigating international publishing, and his reflections on the current state of indie game development. He shares his thoughts on various games he's played recently, and expresses his excitement for upcoming titles.
The interview concludes with a detailed discussion of Ortiz's coffee preferences, a look at the design process for the character Reila Mikazuchi, and plans for future projects. Ortiz emphasizes his commitment to self-publishing on PC while exploring partnerships for console releases.
This interview provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a talented indie game developer and offers valuable insights into the creative process and challenges of bringing unique and compelling games to life.
