Importance Score: 52 / 100 🔵
Game Developer Lucas Pope Honored with Pioneer Award
Celebrated independent game developer Lucas Pope, renowned for creating critically acclaimed titles such as Papers, Please and Return of the Obra Dinn, has received the prestigious Pioneer Award at this year’s annual Game Developers Choice Awards. This significant accolade places him alongside esteemed figures in the gaming industry, including Gabe Newell, Yu Suzuki, and Roberta Williams, recognizing his innovative contributions to game design.
Call for Unique and Personal Games
In his brief acceptance speech, Pope, now officially recognized as a pioneer, shared a humble request with his peers. “World peace, obviously,” he began, before addressing the game developers in attendance. “But for this community, I would be content if you continued to produce the kind of distinctive, unconventional, experimental, inventive, and especially intimate games that resonate with me.”
Advice for Aspiring Developers: Make it Personal
This sentiment echoed advice Pope had previously shared, particularly emphasizing the “personal” aspect of game development. When asked about guidance for developers beginning their careers, he advised, “Create something personal, keep it concise, and release it on Itch.io. Seek out individuals who share your tastes and then develop games that bring you joy.”
“I Want This Kind of Game”: The Genesis of Papers, Please
For Pope, game creation has consistently been driven by a desire to “develop experiences that I myself want to play.” He explained the origin of Papers, Please, the gripping simulation where players make impactful decisions as an immigration inspector in a fictional nation. “It stemmed from the thought, ‘I’m seeking this specific type of game. I enjoy scrutinizing documents.’ My initial assumption was that this was a niche interest. However, upon releasing it, I discovered that many others shared my affinity for this kind of gameplay.”
Building Confidence and Pursuing Passion
The success of Papers, Please instilled in him the assurance to pursue a similar creative approach for his subsequent projects. “I decided to replicate that process. I resolved to create a game that was absent from the market, one that I personally desired to play. I proceeded with faith, hoping that others would also appreciate it,” he recounted. “If you possess a genuine passion for a subject, translate that into a game.”
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From Maritime Mystery to Martian Mayhem
This philosophy culminated in Return of the Obra Dinn, a critically lauded title where players assume the role of an insurance investigator tasked with unraveling deaths and enigmas on a ship of the same name. Pope’s most recent endeavor is Mars After Midnight, a Playdate game centered on screening extraterrestrials at a fictional Martian welcome center.
Exploring Lighter Themes in Mars After Midnight
Mars After Midnight adopts a decidedly more lighthearted tone compared to the intensity of Papers, Please and Obra Dinn. One humorous scenario in Mars involves granting entry only to aliens who emit flatulence. In a blog post, Pope described Mars After Midnight as “something suitable for my children.” He further elaborated that while his children are aware of Papers, Please and Obra Dinn, their mature ratings preclude them from playing. “That was partially the motivation behind creating Mars. I wanted to develop a game that they could fully engage with and enjoy.”
Kids’ Input and Game Design
Pope shared that his children playtested Mars After Midnight “numerous times” and contributed suggestions for gameplay sessions. He observed that children, unburdened by preconceived notions, offer fresh perspectives. While some of their ideas might be “somewhat outlandish,” he often identified “the nucleus of a truly compelling element that I could refine and incorporate.” He concluded, “My approach to games is shaped by certain frameworks, but children lack these constraints. Consequently, their participation aids me in understanding their gameplay experiences.”
Future Projects and a Return to 2D
Reflecting on his creative trajectory, Pope contemplated his next steps. “Upon reflecting on Obra Dinn and Papers, Please, I began to consider a return to 2D game development,” he stated, pointing out that Mars After Midnight is also predominantly a 2D experience. He finds working in 2D to be advantageous from both a production and creative standpoint. “However, regarding specific themes and gameplay mechanics for future projects, I am currently exploring several possibilities, though none are ready for announcement at this time.”