Interview: Goddess Order Developers Discuss How to Build a Fantasy RPG World

Pixel Tribe's Goddess Order: A Deep Dive into Pixel Art, World-Building, and Combat

This interview features Ilsun (Art Director) and Terron J. (Contents Director) from Pixel Tribe, the developers behind the upcoming Kakao Games title, Goddess Order. They offer insights into the creation of this pixel art RPG.

Crafting Pixel Perfection

Droid Gamers: What inspires your pixel sprite creation?

Ilsun: Goddess Order, a mobile action RPG, builds upon the pixel art success of Crusaders Quest. Our high-quality pixel art aims for a console-level feel, emphasizing narrative. Inspiration draws from countless games and stories, focusing on nuanced expression of form and movement through pixel arrangement rather than direct references. It's a continuous process, fueled by daily observations and the collaborative energy within the team. The core characters—Lisbeth, Violet, and Jan—emerged from initial solo work and were refined through team discussions, shaping the game's overall art style. Collaboration with writers and designers further enriches character design, with concepts evolving through shared ideas and brainstorming.

World-Building from the Ground Up

Droid Gamers: How do you approach world-building in a fantasy RPG?

Terron J.: World-building in Goddess Order originates from the core characters, Lisbeth, Violet, and Yan. Their inherent personalities and backstories drive the narrative. Developing these characters felt less like work and more like experiencing their lives unfold—stories of growth and heroism. The game's manual controls reflect the power and agency these characters embody.

Designing Dynamic Combat

Droid Gamers: How are combat styles and animations designed?

Terron J.: Goddess Order's combat system features three characters using linked skills for synergistic attacks. Design involves defining unique roles for each character—damage dealers, support, etc.—and ensuring balanced gameplay. The timing of linked skills significantly impacts battle outcomes. If a character lacks a unique advantage or controls feel cumbersome, adjustments are made to enhance combat dynamics.

Ilsun: Visual representation of combat characteristics is key. Weapon choice, character appearance, and movement all contribute to the overall impact. Despite the 2D pixel art, characters move with three-dimensional fluidity. The studio uses real-world weapons to study movement for authenticity.

Terron J.: Technical optimization is crucial for smooth mobile gameplay. The team ensures consistent performance across devices, maintaining immersion even on lower-spec hardware.

The Future of Goddess Order

Ilsun: Goddess Order aims to deliver a compelling JRPG experience. The narrative follows the Lisbeth Knights' quest to save the world. Post-launch, the game will receive continuous updates, including expanded chapter scenarios, origin stories, additional activities (quests, treasure hunts), and challenging advanced content.