Skaperen av Mario + Rabbids diskuterer nytt studio og indiespilllandskapet

Davide Soliani, known for his work on Mario + Rabbids, believes players are eager for unique, independent games that tell diverse stories. After 25 years at Ubisoft, Soliani has teamed up with writer Christian Cantamessa, famed for his work on Red Dead Redemption and the upcoming Perfect Dark reboot, to launch a new studio called Day 4 Night.

In an interview with VGC, Cantamessa acknowledged the challenges of starting a new studio in today’s gaming industry. “This industry is really at a crossroads right now,” he remarked, noting the pressures of high overheads and the difficulty of recouping massive investments. Despite these risks, they are excited about their new "passion project" and the creative freedom it offers, thanks to financing from Krafton and Ed Fries' 1Up Ventures.

Soliani shared that players are showing increasing interest in games that deviate from the mainstream.

"There is a growing interest from the player towards games that are a bit... different."

He likened the current gaming landscape to the late 60s and 70s of cinema, where audiences began gravitating toward independent films rather than mainstream offerings. "I think maybe we're in the late 60s, 70s of cinema, and we're starting to see the Bonnie and Clyde of the video game world," he said.

As for their upcoming project, Soliani confirmed it’s a new IP focused on merging gameplay with meaningful storytelling. He also clarified that his departure from Ubisoft was not due to the reception of Sparks of Hope, the sequel to Kingdom Battle, but rather a personal quest for something more fulfilling creatively.

“Kingdom Battle was a personal project, like the one that we are doing now at Day 4 Night.”

Although the sequel was a surprise success, Soliani found it challenging to develop amidst high expectations. He noted that Ubisoft's comments on the game's reception affected team morale, saying,

"It was a bit hurtful for the morale of the team... we were super committed to creating a very good game."

Despite these challenges, Soliani remains proud of his work and continues to cherish his love for Nintendo, as evidenced by the giant Mario plushie adorning his office. As Day 4 Night embarks on its journey, fans are excited to see how this new chapter unfolds in the evolving landscape of gaming.