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

An exclusive email interview with Pixel Tribe, the developers behind the upcoming Kakao Games title, Goddess Order, reveals insights into the creation of this pixel RPG. We spoke with Ilsun (Art Director) and Terron J. (Contents Director).

Pixel Tribe: A Deep Dive into Goddess Order

Droid Gamers: What inspires the pixel sprites in Goddess Order?

Ilsun: As Art Director, I oversee Goddess Order's visuals. Building on the pixel art success of Crusaders Quest, we aim for a console-quality feel with a strong narrative focus. Each character and background is meticulously pixel-crafted. Inspiration comes from a vast wellspring of games and stories, drawing on the subtle impact of past experiences rather than direct imitation. The process involves a collaborative spirit. The initial characters—Lisbeth, Violet, and Jan—were born from solo work, but their development blossomed through discussions with colleagues, shaping the game's overall art style. Ongoing conversations with writers and designers enrich character concepts, leading to the unique visual style of Goddess Order. For example, a writer’s description of a refined yet fierce dual-wielding noblewoman inspires collaborative sketching and refinement.

Droid Gamers: How does world-building work in a fantasy RPG like Goddess Order?

Terron J.: World-building starts with our pixel art characters. Lisbeth, Violet, and Jan provided the foundation for immersive gameplay. Their inherent personalities, actions, and purposes guide the narrative. Developing their stories felt less like work and more like a unique creative journey. The game's manual controls reflect the characters' strength and agency. The scenario writing was a deeply engaging process, unlike typical early-stage game development.

Droid Gamers: What's the design process for combat styles and animations?

Terron J.: Goddess Order's combat uses a three-character turn-based system with link skills for synergy. Design focuses on balancing unique character roles and strategic formation. We consider whether characters are best suited for powerful attacks, rapid strikes, or support roles. Linked skills add a layer of strategic depth. We carefully adjust any character that doesn't offer a unique advantage or has cumbersome controls.

Ilsun: The art enhances these combat characteristics. We consider weapon choice, visual design, and movement to emphasize personality. While 2D pixel art is used, we strive for three-dimensional movement in the animations. Our studio utilizes physical props (swords, spears, etc.) to study movement for authentic animations.

Terron J.: Finally, technical optimization is key for mobile performance. We ensure smooth combat even on lower-spec devices without sacrificing cutscene immersion. The goal is a seamless, enjoyable firsthand experience.

Droid Gamers: What's next for Goddess Order?

Ilsun: Goddess Order offers a JRPG-style narrative following the Lisbeth Knights. The unique graphics and combat system enhance immersion. Individual knight origin stories will enrich the world. Post-launch, we plan to add activities like quests and treasure hunts, along with continuous updates to chapter and origin stories, and challenging advanced content.