To commemorate the 1st anniversary of the title’s release meg’s monster, and winner of the 2023 Michael A. Cunningham Memorial Award for Game of the Year, RPGamer was given the opportunity to interview Daigo Sato, founder of Japanese independent studio Odencat. Daigo not only discusses the studio’s design philosophy and goals, but also discusses the studio’s influences. Suikoden and possible plans for the future. Our interview also includes a free Steam code giveaway. meg’s monsterClick here for details on how to apply for the giveaway.
RPGamer: Who is Odenkat? Can you explain what it’s like in the studio and how you work together?
Daigo Sato (Odencat founder): Odencat is a small game development and publishing studio based in Japan, known for its story-driven pixel art games.Our breakout title is bears restaurantfollowed by recent successes meg’s monster. Although our team is primarily located in Japan, we collaborate with talent from around the world, including Denmark, Vietnam, and the United States, to bring our unique vision to life.
RPGamer: Is there a particular philosophy behind Odencat and the games you create?
Daigo Sato: Our core philosophy is to create memorable experiences that stay with players long after they’ve finished the game. It’s very important to us that our games are not only fun, but also leave a lasting, positive impact on our players’ lives.
Meg’s monster sees Roy trying to return Meg to the world above.
RPG gamer: meg’s monster is a short game but offers a complete emotional experience. Are there any special design considerations for short games?
Daigo Sato: When developing short games, we primarily focus on the power of the story. We meticulously create each game element to serve a purpose and enrich the story. A prime example of this is the combat system, which is designed not just for combat but also as a storytelling tool, ensuring each battle is clear and meaningful.
RPGamer: Is there anything in particular you were aiming to accomplish with your past and current titles?
Daigo Sato: Operating as a small studio, we employ a “build-up” strategy that leverages limited resources to innovate while maintaining the successful elements of past projects. This approach includes developing and improving our own game engines, allowing us to accumulate valuable software assets for future endeavors. This methodology is deeply rooted in my engineering background where efficiency and innovation are paramount.
RPGamer: The Odencat game feels nostalgic due to its pixel art and familiar RPG interface, but explores characters and emotions in a way that feels more modern. Why is it so appealing to do something new with a familiar style?
Daigo Sato: The focus on pixel art is important because it allows the player’s imagination to fill in the gaps. The main motivation behind this choice is to reduce development costs, but it is also to enhance the emotional experience. This is because most of the emotion comes from the players themselves, making the experience more personal and immersive. Less is more — this is one of my favorite quotes of his.
If Meg starts crying, there is a possibility that the world will be destroyed, making this a very important quest.
RPGamer: You said on the Jace Varlet stream that you were really enjoying it. Suikoden II. Have the Suikoden games inspired your own work? Is there any inspiration you would like to explore in future games?
Daigo Sato: Suikoden I and II It has a huge influence on our work, especially in its emotional storytelling and effective use of pixel art. I’m not a game critic, so I’m not good at analysis, but I believe the characters are actually there, have real emotions, and are genuinely suffering… Suikoden I expressed it with pixel art. My favorite character is the villain Luca Bright. Part of that is because it feels like he’s acting of his own volition, rather than just being driven by the plot. Of course, the duel scene between the main character and Joey stirs the player’s emotions in a way that is unique to games, and its effect has not faded to this day. I also dream of one day creating a game that features an ensemble cast of many characters.
RPG gamer: dream channel zero, the upcoming game has some very impressive and surreal images. Are there any other games, movies, art, etc. you recommend to help you feel better?
Daigo Sato: For those who are intrigued dream channel zeroWe invite you to explore the surreal aesthetics of Zellgames by the same author, and titles like Hylix and ENA: Dream BBQ Achieve the same atmosphere. I think this game incorporates some kind of surreal comedy element. Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo (Japanese manga). Honestly, this is the first game where I can’t stop laughing while playing it. I hope that it will resonate with the sensibilities of foreign audiences as well.
The surreal adventure “Dream Channel Zero” is currently scheduled for release later this year.
RPGamer: Are there any other game genres you would like to try?
Daigo Sato: We will always stay true to Odencat’s core philosophy of providing an emotional experience, but at the same time we want to explore different genres and possibilities. I’m currently obsessed with the farming simulation genre, influenced by games such as: stardew valley.after playing pal world, I realized how much a game’s success is determined at the planning stage, and the importance of understanding the market. With that in mind…we’ll try to find the best balance between what we want and what the players want.
RPGamer: Can you give us any hints about upcoming projects or games to look out for?
Daigo Sato: We’re working on another story-driven game that embodies the distinctive Odencat style. It has proven to be a challenging project, but it is important that it is completed in order to move forward. Regarding games other than our games that should be noted, Eiyuden Chronicle This is especially true considering his recent passing. Suikoden creator. This is a project I’m very excited about as it will be his final contribution to the gaming world.
RPGamer would like to thank Daigo Sato for taking the time to answer our questions, and Elisha Deogracias from Odencat for setting up the interview. Questions were also provided by Zach Welhouse and Michael Baker. meg’s monster Currently available on Steam, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. dream channel zero You can add it to your wishlist on Steam.