This extensive interview with Christopher Ortiz, creator of the beloved indie game VA-11 Hall-A, delves deep into his career, inspirations, and the highly anticipated upcoming title, .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND. Ortiz discusses the unexpected success of VA-11 Hall-A, its merchandise, and the challenges of porting the game to various platforms, including the abandoned iPad version. He also shares insights into his creative process, collaborations with other artists like MerengeDoll and Garoad, and the influences of games and artists like Suda51 and The Silver Case.
The conversation covers the evolution of Sukeban Games, the team's growth, and the development journey of .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND. Ortiz reveals inspirations for the new game's visuals and gameplay, drawing parallels to Vagrant Story and highlighting the unique challenges of bridging the gap between visual novel and action game fans. He details the team's approach to development, emphasizing a focus on atmosphere, script, and addictive combat.
Ortiz shares personal anecdotes about his creative process, including the evolution of the game's setting and his reflections on cultural appropriation. He also discusses his thoughts on the current state of indie games, expressing both admiration and concern about the industry's trends. The interview concludes with a discussion of Ortiz's personal preferences, including his love for coffee and The Silver Case, setting the stage for a future interview focused on this influential title.
