This extensive interview delves into the mind of Christopher Ortiz, the creator behind the beloved indie game VA-11 Hall-A, and the upcoming title, .45 Parabellum Bloodhound. Ortiz discusses the unexpected success of VA-11 Hall-A, its merchandise, and the challenges of managing a growing fanbase. He also shares insights into the development process, inspirations, and the team behind Sukeban Games.
The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including:
- The overwhelming success of VA-11 Hall-A: Ortiz reveals his initial sales expectations were far lower than the game's actual performance, expressing surprise and ongoing recovery from its impact.
- The elusive iPad port: He clarifies his involvement (or lack thereof) in the stalled iPad version.
- Team growth and collaborations: He details the evolution of Sukeban Games, highlighting key collaborators like MerengeDoll and Garoad, emphasizing their crucial roles in the visual and musical aspects of their projects.
- Merchandise and fan interaction: Ortiz discusses his limited involvement in merchandise creation, expressing a desire for greater participation in future projects.
- Inspirations and influences: He reveals the profound impact of artists like Gustavo Cerati and Meiko Kaji on his work, along with the games The Silver Case and Parasite Eve. He also discusses the importance of drawing from personal experiences and cultural background.
- .45 Parabellum Bloodhound development: Ortiz provides details about the game's development, inspirations (including cities like Milan and Buenos Aires), and the team's approach to gameplay and visuals. He also mentions the challenges and rewards of long-term development.
- Fan reception and future plans: He shares his excitement about the positive response to .45 Parabellum Bloodhound's announcement and reveals plans for self-publishing on PC, with potential console releases handled by a partner.
Throughout the interview, Ortiz offers candid reflections on the indie game scene, his creative process, and his personal life, providing a fascinating glimpse into the world of game development. He also shares his thoughts on the current state of indie games, expressing both excitement and concern about trends and creative bankruptcy. The interview concludes with a discussion of his coffee preferences and a promise of a future conversation focused on The Silver Case.
