LogInHerobeat Studios CEO Javier Ramello Marchioni has told us about the development behind Endling - Extinction is Forever, talked about the nuances of developing games with animals as main heroes, and discussed the tech behind the game.
Introduction
Herobeat Studios is an indie game studio based in Barcelona, Spain. We started this adventure because we're super passionate about making games that matter. Our team has experience in both indie and big-shot game companies, and we know games have the power to make a positive impact on society.
Our big hit is Endling - Extinction is Forever, a BAFTA award-winning game that dropped on July 19th, 2022. With Endling, we wanted to open people's eyes to environmental issues and spark some real change. We're all about standing up for animal welfare and showing how environmental problems can mess up our future as humans too.
But we're not just about the environment and animals. At Herobeat Studios, we want our games to reach everyone. We're breaking down barriers and making games that appeal to young folks who might not be into traditional media and also to older players who dig deeper topics.
Sure, we care about the environment and animals, but we've got a bunch of other social issues on our radar too. Endling is just the beginning for us. We've got more games lined up under the Herobeat Studios name, and we're stoked to have HandyGames as our publisher. They totally get our vision and are helping us spread the word far and wide.
At Herobeat Studios, we're all about games that entertain, educate, and inspire. We believe games can change lives and make a real difference. So we're here to rock the gaming world and bring about some awesome positive change. Join us for the ride!
The Idea Behind Endling
Back in 2018, over a casual coffee meetup near Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, my friend Pablo and I discussed my side project needing a logo. The idea struck a chord with Pablo, and he decided to join me full-time, bringing his awesome artistic talent. That's how Herobeat Studios and our acclaimed game, Endling, were born.
Endling went through a remarkable transformation thanks to our talented team. We got positive feedback even in the early stages, and the support of GameBCN, a game incubator, was a game-changer. We left our jobs, received an Epic Megagrant, and caught the attention of our publisher, HandyGames.
Forming Herobeat Studios and creating Endling has been an exhilarating adventure driven by passion, determination, and an incredible team. We're grateful for the opportunity to make a profound impact through gaming.
From the start, we wanted video games to be more than just fun. We aimed to raise awareness and engage a diverse audience, including young people and those concerned about environmental and social issues.
Endling, our emotionally charged game, doesn't spell out the eco-message. We present a dystopian world like ours, where survival is all that matters for a mother fox. We trust players will draw their own conclusions.
Through Endling and future projects, we're using games to inspire change and encourage players to tackle societal and environmental challenges.
Mother/Kids Relationship
The idea of family and the bond between a mother and her kids is key in shaping Endling. We chose foxes for their adaptability and survival skills, which fit perfectly with our story. In the game, you control the last fox, representing the devastating impact of human activities on ecosystems. Many species, including humans, have struggled to find habitable environments.
As you play, you step into the role of the mother fox, embarking on a dangerous adventure. But you're not alone. Your cubs are like NPC companions in other games, and they're vital to your journey. You must protect and guide them, and they evolve and learn as the game progresses. We want you to form a deep bond with the characters.
Having the mother and her cubs serves multiple purposes. It adds emotional depth and responsibility, making you care about their well-being. Plus, the cubs' growth brings new gameplay dynamics and challenges. With their unique abilities and personalities, they become valuable companions, strengthening the connection between you and the characters.
In a nutshell, family and the mother/cub relationships are central to Endling. They create an emotional impact, foster a connection with the characters, and introduce engaging gameplay mechanics.
Developing Games With Animals as Main Heroes
Making games with animals as the heroes comes with its challenges and perks. One big challenge is staying true to the perspective of the animal protagonist. In Endling, we wanted players to feel like a real fox, so we ditched actions that real foxes wouldn't do. It wasn't the easy way out, but it kept the experience authentic. This challenge pushed us to come up with original plot elements and game mechanics that fit the realistic vibe of the game.
Realism was key because the future in Endling is plausible, not some sci-fi fantasy. Our foxes can't talk to humans or solve complex problems like a human can. We deliberately avoided mechanics that felt too human-like, like naming the cubs. Instead, we relied on scents, sounds, and the soundtrack to convey emotions. Each cub is linked to a specific instrument, and if one dies, that instrument is gone from the music forever. We were super meticulous, making sure every detail contributed to the game's core message.
But hey, making games with animal heroes has awesome benefits too! Firstly, it lets players step into the animal's shoes and see the world from their perspective. That unique viewpoint builds empathy and connection with the animal characters. Secondly, it's a chance to shed light on environmental and social issues. With Endling, we want to raise awareness about how human actions impact ecosystems and the need to take action. Animals as heroes make it a thought-provoking and engaging experience, appealing to both young and mature players with deep themes.
Making games with animal heroes means staying authentic and sticking to their behaviors and limitations. It's challenging for gameplay and story, but the payoff is huge: building empathy, tackling important issues, and giving players a truly immersive gaming adventure.
The Visual Style
When we designed the visuals for Endling, we had three main goals: make it accessible, bright, and captivating. We wanted players to get hooked and crave more. So, we took a 2D graphic style and applied it to a 3D world. This gave us a unique look with vibrant colors and simplified shapes. By simplifying things, we could create bold contrasts and eye-catching silhouettes. The result? A visually stunning display that grabs your attention right from the start.
Endling's story is all about survival in a messed-up future. We needed to show the contrast between life and destruction. So, we made sure every element in the game reflected this struggle. You'll feel the tension as you navigate each level, immersed in the battle to survive.
By combining accessibility, brightness, and an inviting style with strong contrasts and thematic representation, we crafted visuals that perfectly communicate the heart of Endling. The result is an immersive experience that draws you in, making you feel deeply connected to the story and its environmental message. Get ready for a visual feast!
The Engine
We went with Unreal Engine 4 for developing Endling. We've been using this engine for years, so we know it inside out. Unreal Engine's got some serious firepower, and it's been a perfect fit for bringing our vision to life. Plus, we lucked out with an Epic Megagrant from Epic Games themselves. They've got faith in our game and wanted to support us, both financially and with their expertise.
Unreal Engine 4 has all the tools we need to make Endling shine. It's got top-notch graphics, an easy-to-use visual scripting system, and great compatibility with different platforms. It's been a crucial ally in turning our ambitious dreams into a reality. So, choosing Unreal Engine 4 was a no-brainer. We knew it like the back of our hand, Epic Games had our back, and the engine had everything we needed to make Endling truly epic.
Setting Up the Environments
When it comes to building the environments in Endling, we're all about environmental storytelling. We want players to feel the impact of the degraded world and the struggles of our fox hero. Instead of spelling it out, we let the environment speak for itself.
We took a non-linear approach to level design to make it more immersive. Originally, it was a side-scrolling game, but that didn't capture the feeling of a dying homeland. So, we switched it up. Now, the fox's den sits at the center of an open level, begging players to explore. You'll witness your home crumbling around you, challenging your sense of safety and forging a deeper connection to the game.
Every environment in Endling is carefully crafted to reflect the themes of degradation and its impact. We use bright colors, simplified shapes, and striking contrasts to create visuals that pop on screen. It's not just a backdrop – it's a storytelling tool. By exploring and paying attention to the little details, we hope you'll feel a real connection and understand the challenges our fox and her cubs face.
In a nutshell, we let the environment do the talking in Endling. It's all about the visuals and the emotions they evoke. So, get ready to explore a world that tells its story through its decaying beauty.
Main Challenges
Creating Endling came with some tough challenges, but we were determined to stick to our vision. One of the biggies was making sure players cared about the fox and her cubs, even though they couldn't reason like humans or do fancy tricks. We wanted them to be realistic animals, no shortcuts.
This meant we had to get creative. We found ways to tell the story and keep the gameplay fun without relying on typical game mechanics. Instead, we used the environment, sounds, and visuals to build a deep emotional bond between players and the fox family. You'll feel their motivations and struggles without any words or text telling you.
Another challenge was keeping everything in line with our main message and themes. We wanted every single thing in the game to contribute to the experience. So, we had to make some tough calls and ditch anything that didn't fit the core vision. It was all about staying focused and telling a powerful story.
By tackling these challenges head-on and thinking outside the box, we made sure Endling stayed true to our vision. You'll get to experience the realness of the fox and her cubs while being fully immersed in their world. It's all about balancing realism, gameplay, and storytelling to bring you a truly unique and unforgettable game.