Returning the Right Way

On Black Friday I spent most of the day binge-watching the entire new mini-series of Gilmore Girls. When I first heard that they were going to return to the Gilmore Girls universe, I was ecstatic. The witty writing, overwhelming amount of references, and loveable characters in the first seven seasons make it a television series I’ll never forget.  But as excited as I was for the revival, I was equally nervous. As fast food teaches us, some things are simply better the first time. Would the new season, set 10 years after the final seventh season, end up like reheated French fries?

Fortunately, that wasn’t the case. While I don’t find the season gripe-less, I think the writers did a great job delivering something familiar yet new. The four episodes weren’t simply sappy nostalgia trips—I saw a great deal of character development, and I think I gained new insights into most of the main characters. I can’t go much farther here without spoilers, so I’ll stop.

What does this teach me about game development? You gotta return the right way.

With Alkanaur, we aim to make a return of sorts. We absolutely want to make a game that will remind people of Final Fantasy Tactics. As I’ve considered the mechanical design, plot, and characters for our game, FFT has always been a reference point. And when you set yourself a strong reference point, it’s easy to simply rehash or reskin the old game. After all, it’s beloved—why “fix” it? However, if a game wants to successfully return players to a game from their past, the developers need to make sure they also take that game somewhere new.

And so I continue to look for ways to set Alkanaur apart from the wonderful tactical RPGs of the past. Like FFT, we have a two-job system to allow players creative freedom in building a party, but the primary and secondary class system in Alkanaur is distinct. We’ll include character progression, but with a new experience system. We’ll tell a great political-minded story, but players should gain some new insights from the narrative.

Just as I learned to love—and resent—the residents of Stars Hollow in brand new ways in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, we need to present gamers new challenges, new experiences, and new joys in Alkanaur.