The director of Phantom Blade Zero recently got some counterintuitive advice from another indie studio. Speaking with Sandfall Interactive, the team behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, they were told the most crucial task in final development is to cut content aggressively and polish what remains. Director Soulframe Liang admitted this focus on reduction was unexpected.
Sandfall's own game demonstrates this philosophy, featuring deliberately contained areas that prioritize refinement over sheer volume. This approach is credited with enhancing the overall quality and engagement of their title. The Phantom Blade Zero team has already shown a strong capacity for polishing its gameplay, with notable improvements seen between recent public demos.
Whether S Game fully heeds this specific advice remains to be seen, but the studio's existing trajectory suggests a similar focus on refinement. If they continue emphasizing polish over scope, their upcoming action RPG could achieve a significant impact akin to this year's award-winning Clair Obscur.
Sandfall's own game demonstrates this philosophy, featuring deliberately contained areas that prioritize refinement over sheer volume. This approach is credited with enhancing the overall quality and engagement of their title. The Phantom Blade Zero team has already shown a strong capacity for polishing its gameplay, with notable improvements seen between recent public demos.
Whether S Game fully heeds this specific advice remains to be seen, but the studio's existing trajectory suggests a similar focus on refinement. If they continue emphasizing polish over scope, their upcoming action RPG could achieve a significant impact akin to this year's award-winning Clair Obscur.
