Come out, come out wherever you are! - SCHiM
Livingin the shadows is quite a sad and hard task, but Ewoud, the Producer and Game Developer, of SCHiM, made us see how easy and fun it looks!
The player plays as a SCHiM, the soul and spirit of an object, thing, or living thing. Everything in the world has one. A SCHiM should NEVER be separated from their thing! This does happen to the SCHiM the player will play in this game. This SCHiM who is attached to a human being is separated from him early on in the game and you as the player will have to get back to him before it's too late!
Come out of the shadows quickly because here's how our interview with them went!
How was this game born?
The game was started out as a project for my college exam for my Game Development course. I was able to collaborate with my previous intern company, Extra Nice, after a lot of social media and press attention, we decided to make SCHiM a full fledged game.
What was development like?
During the development of SCHiM, I was able to get a real grip of what (indie) game development actually looks like, compared to my time back at school. I found out that it takes a lot more planning and a lot of concepting, testing and reiterating. Things that I wouldn't have gotten a lot of experience in otherwise.
What did you learn about yourself through this game?
Through the development of SCHiM I learned what kind of games I want to make and how I go about working on my own. The development of the game started during the pandemic so I had to adapt to working at home and staying productive.
What makes this game special?
I think what makes SCHiM special, is that it is a universally relatable concept. Almost everybody remembers jumping on the cracks in the pavement or the lines at a crossing, or in this case the shadows.
How does sound play a role in the game?
We are glad to work with a company called Moonsailor, who is producing the audio and music for the game. The audio in the game helps with the world building of the game, but we are careful to also implement visual cues, to better aid those with trouble hearing.
What games influenced this one the most?
A game that I took inspiration from in the beginning was Splatoon, even today we get many people referencing that same inspiration when they see the game in action.
Any fun stories or wild moments during development?
The biggest moments during development have been the reactions to the game online. The game has gone viral a few times, and the reactions from players were a big inspiration to keep going, and seeing that our hard work is being seen.
Do you think preserving older gameplay mechanics in new games is important?
Games are still a relatively new medium, I think it really is up to the developer to have the creative freedom to create their game the way they want to make. Of course there are basic mechanics and interactions that have matured along with generations of games (e.g. pressing a button to jump, using a joystick to move, etc). These mechanics are easy to implement and are usually expected in any modern game, but if your game works (better) without, let's say a jump button, then I don't see why that has to be preserved.
What's your favorite memory as a gamer?
My favorite memories are from my early days playing Minecraft with my friends, and making playable minigame creations in the singleplayer mode. I think this is where I was able to have an early creative output as a kid.
Who will enjoy this game the most?
Ideally I think everyone should be able to enjoy SCHiM, I think the people who will enjoy it the most are the platformer and the exploration players.
Bottom Line, why must someone play this game?
You should play this game to know how it feels to live in the shadows!
How do you want this game to be remembered?
If this game would be remembered in any meaningful way, even to a few, then I consider it a job well done. A childhood favorite, an inspiration for one's own project, or just a good time, that would be fantastic.
What's next?
For me, I'll probably work on new game prototypes while doing a simpler job in the game industry for a little while.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Wishlist SCHiM! :D
Check out SCHiM trailer here:
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