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 mobile action RPG, Goddess Order. They discuss the game's unique pixel art style, world-building process, and innovative combat system.

Pixel Art Inspiration: A Lake of Creativity

Ilsun: Goddess Order's pixel art draws inspiration from a vast range of games and stories. The process isn't about direct imitation but about the subtle influence of accumulated experiences. Ilsun describes it as a "lake of inspiration," constantly replenished by daily observations and interactions. The initial characters—Lisbeth, Violet, and Jan—were born from solo work but evolved through collaboration with colleagues, shaping the overall art style. The team works closely with writers and designers, translating narrative concepts into pixel art. Character design often begins with a collaborative brainstorming session, refining ideas and details together.

World-Building: Characters as the Foundation

Terron J.: World-building in Goddess Order starts with the characters. Lisbeth, Violet, and Jan formed the initial foundation. Their inherent personalities, motivations, and backstories shaped the game's narrative and world. The development process felt less like work and more like a collaborative storytelling journey, bringing these characters to life through their stories of growth and heroism. The game's emphasis on manual controls stems from the desire to convey the characters' strength and agency.

Combat Design: Synergy and Technical Optimization

Terron J. and Ilsun: Goddess Order's turn-based combat system utilizes three characters with unique roles and link skills, creating strategic depth. The design process involves defining each character's role (e.g., damage dealer, support) and ensuring their abilities contribute to balanced and engaging gameplay. The team iteratively refines character designs and abilities to optimize combat flow and prevent cumbersome controls. Ilsun highlights the three-dimensional movement incorporated into the 2D pixel art, enhancing visual impact. The team even uses physical props to study movement for more realistic animations. Finally, technical optimization ensures smooth gameplay on various mobile devices without sacrificing visual quality or immersion.

The Future of Goddess Order

Ilsun: Future updates will expand upon the game's narrative, including additional chapter scenarios and individual knight origin stories. The team plans to introduce new activities, such as quests and treasure hunts, and advanced content to challenge players with refined controls. They are eager for player feedback and support after launch.