Runner3: devs got the game running on Nintendo Switch in one day, couple of screens
It’s from an unlikely place that today’s interview of Choice Provisions about Runner 3 comes from… it’s Autodesk’s website! For those who don’t know, Autodesk is the company behind various animation and visual effects products, such as the well-known Maya (a 3D computer graphics software), that Choice Provisions is actually using for Runner3.
In this interview, Josh Defries (Artist) share some neat details about the development of the game. He reveals that development on the Nintendo Switch has been pretty smooth, despite the team being rather anxious at first (what with all the unknowns of a new platform). But actually, they managed to get the game running on Nintendo Switch in a single day:
We were nervous at first about developing for the Switch, simply because there are always unknowns with new platforms. We ended up getting the game running on the console in only a day, however, and it’s been smooth sailing ever since!
Josh Defries also discusses the inspiration behind the series: it all happened because BIT.TRIP RUNNER is the game players liked the most from the 6 games of the BIT.TRIP series. They realised there was definitely potential for a sequel, and so they began thinking of ideas to expand on the gameplay of the original, to justify a sequel. They actually followed the same “process” for Runner3!
But there’s more: the interview also goes over how they came up with the quirky art style and music for Runner3, the various lands, development proper, what the team see for the future of gaming, and more.
Here’s an excerpt, about what they chose to prioritise when making Runner3 (spoilers: gameplay!):
As important as it is to us to have appealing visuals and catchy music, we take a “fun first” approach to game development. You can make the best-looking game in the world, but it’s all for naught if the gameplay is lacking. This way of thinking guides most of the decisions we make in the company. We’re pretty unwilling to implement something if it will cause the gameplay to suffer in any way.
Finally, here’s a couple of screenshots for the game:
Source: Autodesk
