The Very Big Indie Pitch serves as a dynamic platform for indie developers, offering a speed-dating style pitching event that takes place at Pocket Gamer Connects and select gaming events worldwide. This unique competition showcases a diverse array of unreleased and released games, all vying for the attention of our esteemed panel of judges. Each participant has a mere five minutes to present their game at each table, racing against the clock to convey their vision before the judges convene to select three winners and provide constructive feedback.
Insights from Chorrus Games
To gain a deeper understanding of what The Very Big Indie Pitch entails, we spoke with Oscar Ruiz from Chorrus Games about their title, Radiant: Guardians of Light, which secured third place in the recent competition at Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki.
Chorrus Games, an indie studio based in Madrid, Spain, has been crafting engaging gaming experiences since its inception in 2014. With over 50 game ideas brought to life and more than 30 million downloads, the team’s commitment to innovation and creativity has been a driving force behind their success. The core team behind Radiant: Guardians of Light includes Oscar Ruiz and Roberto Martinez, who have been integral to the game’s development from the start. Roberto focuses on the art and narrative, while Oscar oversees programming, design, and production. After two and a half years of dedicated work, they welcomed David Escalona to compose the game’s evocative soundtrack, followed by Andries van Heerden, who provided essential programming support.
Inspired by classic Beat ‘Em Up games and fantasy RPGs, the team sought to create a game that pays homage to beloved titles while incorporating modern storytelling elements to engage today’s gamers.
Exploring Radiant: Guardians of Light
Radiant: Guardians of Light is an innovative blend of genres, merging the excitement of 80s Beat ‘Em Up games with the complexity of RPGs. Set in the world of Helia, players assume the role of Ainar, a hero destined to confront the dark tyrant Gultar. The game features fast-paced combat, a rich narrative, and a unique crafting system that allows players to create their own weapons and gear. This design aims to evoke nostalgia while introducing fresh gameplay elements.
What distinguishes Radiant is its seamless integration of nostalgic gameplay with an intricate RPG system. Players can engage in exhilarating, combo-driven combat while delving into a lore-rich world filled with memorable characters and detailed crafting mechanics. The cooperative mode invites players to team up with friends, reminiscent of the classic arcade experience, ensuring that it is a fully realized aspect of the game rather than a mere addition.
The artistic direction and original soundtrack further enhance the immersive experience, with each environment meticulously crafted to draw players into the world of Helia. David Escalona’s music adds an emotional resonance that complements the gameplay beautifully.
Development Choices and Challenges
The decision to develop Radiant as a fantasy hack-and-slash RPG was influenced by the team’s fondness for classic Beat ‘Em Ups like Final Fight and Streets of Rage. However, they aimed to elevate the experience by incorporating RPG elements such as character progression, crafting, and a compelling storyline. This approach allows players to shape their journey, collect resources, and make impactful decisions throughout the game.
Initially, the team chose to focus on PC development to leverage the platform’s flexibility, which suits the precision required for their game. Looking ahead, they are exploring opportunities to expand to consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, believing that Radiant can reach a broader audience on these platforms.
The Indie Developer Journey
Surviving as an indie developer presents its own set of challenges. Limited resources often mean wearing multiple hats, but this also fosters creativity and freedom in the development process. While financial stability can be unpredictable, the joy of seeing players connect with their game makes the effort worthwhile. Strategic budgeting, marketing, and community building through social media and events like The Very Big Indie Pitch are crucial for visibility and success.
For aspiring indie developers, the key is persistence and passion. Embracing the learning curve and surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals can significantly enhance growth. Starting with smaller projects allows developers to hone their skills and gain industry experience before tackling larger endeavors. Networking at events can also provide valuable contacts for distribution and monetization.
Reflections on the Pitching Experience
Pitching at The Very Big Indie Pitch proved to be an enriching experience for Chorrus Games. It allowed them to share their vision for Radiant with a wider audience and connect with fellow developers and industry experts. The feedback received was instrumental in refining their approach and enhancing their confidence in the project.
Through this experience, the team learned the importance of effectively communicating the essence of their game. They aim to continue gaining exposure, building relationships with potential partners, and gathering community feedback to further develop Radiant.
Future Aspirations
The team envisions Radiant: Guardians of Light as the beginning of a larger universe that resonates with players. They aspire to expand the lore through new titles, introducing fresh characters and stories while also considering downloadable content that enriches the game. Beyond gaming, they are open to exploring adaptations in comics, animations, or board games, allowing fans to engage with the universe in diverse ways.
Ultimately, the goal is to cultivate a beloved series where each release contributes to a larger narrative, with the community playing a pivotal role in shaping its future. With numerous projects on the horizon, the team remains committed to bringing their visions to life, fueled by the support of their players.
For those looking to showcase their own exciting new games, The Very Big Indie Pitch events are held throughout the year. Keep an eye on our events page for upcoming opportunities to participate.
