Indie Game Company: Black Tabby Games

Introduction: It is time to discuss an Indie Game Company that has recently caught my eye. Black Tabby Games recently released a game called Slay The Princess which has exploded in popularity. I would like to discuss the company and show some appreciation for this game that hasn't been able to leave my head for nearly a month now.

Indie Developer Profile: 

Black Tabby Games is an indie game development studio known for creating immersive and narrative-driven experiences. The studio was founded by Abby Howard and Tony Howard-Arias, a married couple with diverse backgrounds in the creative and tech industries. They are based in Toronto, Canada, where they live with their pets: a cat named Spoons, a snake named Wednesday, and an axolotl named Nubs. I wish I was them, I love animals so much and I always wondered what it is like to have an axolotl. 

Origins and Team: Abby Howard is an acclaimed cartoonist with works like The Last Halloween and The Crossroads at Midnight. Her artistic talents are evident in the hand-illustrated art of their games. Tony Howard-Arias has a background in technology and publishing, having built organizing technology for political campaigns before co-founding Black Tabby Games​. Both of them seem incredibly sweet and come from humble beginnings. 

Notable Projects: Scarlet Hollow is a horror visual novel set in a small town with supernatural occurrences. The game emphasizes immersive decision-making, realistic NPC relationships, and significant narrative branching. It has received positive reviews for its storytelling and atmosphere, with over 98% positive reviews on Steam. The game is being released in seven episodes, with three currently available​. Personally, I have not played Scarlet Hollow but I have seen some playthroughs of it and researched quite a bit on the game. It seems very similar to Slay the Princess but with different themes and stories. 

Slay the Princess is another major project from Black Tabby Games. It combines elements of cosmic horror, black comedy, and romance. The game features a fully-voiced narrative and complex branching paths, making each playthrough unique. Basically, it feels as if The Stanley Parable and a horror movie had a child. The game successfully garnered significant attention, with 25,000 wishlists on Steam within two weeks of its demo release. I have seen many playthroughs and played the game myself; I am in love with this game, and it is currently my favorite game of this year.  

Technological and Artistic Approach: Black Tabby Games is known for its distinctive hand-illustrated art, primarily created by Abby Howard. Their games often blend humor with horror, creating a unique emotional experience. They utilize a variety of tools for game development, focusing on creating immersive and branching narratives that keep players engaged and invested in their choices. The art style is simply beautiful and so comforting. In a way, it feels nostalgic but I can't quite explain how. 

Industry Collaborations and Achievements: The studio has collaborated with Serenity Forge for publishing Slay the Princess on multiple platforms, including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC. This partnership has helped the game reach a broader audience. Scarlet Hollow was named Game of the Year 2021 by Kotaku editor John Walker, showcasing the studio's capability to create critically acclaimed content.

 

Challenges and Criticisms: Like many indie developers, Black Tabby Games faces balancing creativity with financial constraints. While they have received praise for their storytelling and artistic style, they must continuously navigate the competitive indie game market to sustain their operations and reach their audience effectively. Something to note is that point-and-click-styled adventure games typically are cheaper and easier to make compared to super interactive games. Given this company seems very small and somewhat new, I am guessing these developers are working with what they have. Not to say that in a bad way or anything, but they are pushing the boundaries of point-and-click style adventure games to their limit, and the hard work shows. Despite the concept being used countless times, they managed to create a new and fresh spin on this genre of games. 

Conclusion: Black Tabby Games stands out in the indie game development scene for its unique blend of horror and humor, hand-drawn art, and compelling narratives. With successful titles like Scarlet Hollow and Slay the Princess, the studio has made quite the name for themselves. Their dedication to storytelling and immersive experiences continues to resonate with players and critics alike. I know that I will remember these games for years to come. 

 AAA Gaming Company: Nintendo 

Introduction: Talking so much about Nintendo’s games by this point is becoming routine for me. However, I have yet to dive into Nintendo as a company and not just the fun games it provides us. So today I will get into Nintendo, which by definition is a AAA gaming company. 

Background: Founded on September 23, 1889, by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, Japan, as a playing card company producing handmade playing cards. The company shifted to video games in the 1970s under the leadership of Hiroshi Yamauchi, the great-grandson of the founder. Which will soon set the stage for Nintendo's future dominance in the gaming industry.

Games: Nintendo's entry into the video game market began with arcade games like Donkey Kong in 1981, which introduced the iconic character Mario. The release of the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985 marked a significant milestone, reviving the video game industry after the crash of 1983. The NES became a cultural phenomenon, solidifying Nintendo's reputation as a leader in the gaming world.

Some of the most notable games and characters Nintendo has created include:

• Mario: Introduced in Donkey Kong and later starring in Super Mario Bros, Mario has become one of the most recognizable characters in gaming history.
• The Legend of Zelda: Known for its rich storytelling and innovative gameplay, this franchise has set a high standard for adventure games.
• Pokémon: Developed in collaboration with Game Freak and Creatures, Pokémon has become a global phenomenon, spanning games, trading cards, TV shows, and movies.
• Metroid: Celebrated for its atmospheric exploration and nonlinear gameplay, Metroid has influenced many other games in the genre.
• Animal Crossing: This life simulation game series has garnered a dedicated fanbase for its charming and relaxing gameplay.

Consoles: Nintendo loves pushing the boundaries of gaming technology with its consoles.

• Nintendo Entertainment System: Launched in 1985, it played a crucial role in reviving the video game industry.
• Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES): Released in 1990, it enhanced gaming with improved graphics and sound.
• Nintendo 64: Introduced in 1996, it brought 3D gaming to the masses with titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
• GameCube: Launched in 2001, it featured innovative games and the first use of optical discs for Nintendo consoles.
• Wii: Released in 2006, the Wii's motion controls attracted a broad audience, making gaming more accessible.
• Nintendo Switch: Launched in 2017, the hybrid console allows for both handheld and docked play, showcasing Nintendo's commitment to versatile gaming experiences.

Technologies: Nintendo has introduced many different technologies in gaming.

• Motion Controls: The Wii's motion-sensing technology revolutionized interactive gaming.
• Touchscreen Gaming: The Nintendo DS introduced dual screens and touchscreen gameplay, influencing mobile gaming.
• Virtual Reality: The Nintendo Labo VR Kit for the Switch provided an accessible entry into VR gaming.

Collaborations: Collaboration among companies is nothing new to Nintendo.

• Game Freak and Creatures: Partners in developing the Pokémon series, contributing to its global success.
• PlatinumGames: Collaborated on titles like Bayonetta 2 and Astral Chain.
• Retro Studios: Worked on the Metroid Prime series and Donkey Kong Country Returns.
• Square Enix: Collaborated on various projects, including the Kingdom Hearts series.

Financials: It is safe to say that Nintendo has quite a bit of cash on hand. Easily outperforming competitors constantly with its many successful and iconic games. In 2021 Nintendo's fiscal year had a revenue of $16 billion because of their recently released console, the Nintendo Switch, and its many well-crafted games. 

Culture: Nintendo's characters and franchises have become cultural icons. Mario is recognized worldwide, and Pokémon has influenced various aspects of popular culture, from television to merchandise.

Challenges and Criticisms: Hardware Limitations Nintendo has faced criticism for the hardware capabilities of its consoles, which often lag behind competitors like Sony's PlayStation and Microsoft's Xbox in terms of graphical power and performance.

Business Decisions: Some of Nintendo's business decisions have been controversial, such as its strict policies on fan-made content and its approach to online services. The company has been slow to adopt modern online gaming features, which has frustrated some players. Nintendo has also experienced periods of market fluctuation, such as the commercial failure of the Wii U. However, the company has demonstrated resilience, bouncing back with successful products like the Switch.

Conclusion: Nintendo's journey from a playing card company to a global gaming powerhouse is a testament to its innovative spirit and commitment to quality entertainment. The company's iconic franchises, groundbreaking consoles, and technological advancements have left a mark on the gaming industry. Despite facing challenges and criticisms, Nintendo continues to thrive, adapting to changing market dynamics and consistently delivering beloved gaming experiences. 

Career Path: Game Artist

Let's discuss another topic related to games. Something I always notice is the art styles in video games, and I would like to explore that through a career path in this post. Entering a Game Artist role in video games is not a simple topic, so let’s start with how one would enter such an occupation. 

First, you must have an interest and talent in art, along with a background in understanding the different styles and tools required for such a role. For instance, you need to be prepared to work with various styles and mediums of art, including concept art, 3D modeling, texturing, animation, and environment art. It is essential to understand software and how it integrates into a game setting, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, GIMP, or Krita. You should have proficiency in both 2D and 3D art, as well as texturing and animation.

Additionally, studying game design is crucial. Analyze other games, experiment, and determine what works best for you and for the game you are working on. Building a portfolio showcasing your skills and work is essential; it makes it easier to present to employers and during interviews. Education also plays a significant role; degrees in design, fine arts, or related fields can be highly beneficial. Don’t hesitate to utilize tutorials, they can be invaluable for skill enhancement.

Over time, you should aim to establish connections and become recognized if your skills are noteworthy. Through dedication and hard work, you will attract more job opportunities. Regardless of your main job, continue with side projects that bring you joy and help develop your skills. Continuous practice is key to achieving improvement and success.

Now, let's delve into the tasks and duties that a game artist typically undertakes. Creating concept art is essential; it serves as the initial draft that the team reviews and discusses. Concept art is crucial because it provides a starting point, ensuring that everyone on the team is aligned with the game's visual direction. Without this foundational step, blindly creating art for the game could lead to disagreements among team members, causing confusion and setbacks. Effective communication is key here; describing ideas and collaborating with the team to find the best solutions for everyone involved is paramount.

Moving on to modeling, while you may start with 2D, 3D modeling is likely necessary at some stage. Character modeling is particularly critical as it defines the appearance of the characters, which is pivotal to any game. Similarly, creating environments that match the game’s tone and ambiance is crucial for immersing players. From large elements like trees and cars to smaller items such as chairs and lamps, creating models and props is a fundamental aspect of game artistry across various game genres. Visuals are integral to gameplay, as they are often the first impression players have and can significantly impact their experience.

Texturing is another important skill to master. Adding textures to characters, environments, and models enhances the game’s overall look and feel. For example, adding a fluffy texture to blankets on a soft bed can evoke a sense of comfort, enhancing the player's connection to the game environment.

Animating and rigging models are also frequent tasks. Ensuring smooth animations and effective rigging contributes to a well-organized and visually appealing game. Collaborating with teammates on level design and scene composition is essential for conveying the desired emotions and gameplay experiences. Even minor details like button colors and placement can significantly affect gameplay and visual appeal. Considering the player's perspective and needs is crucial; brainstorming with the team to make informed decisions ensures a cohesive and enjoyable player experience.

Optimizing the game for different platforms is another critical responsibility. Ensuring that game assets are efficiently designed prevents performance issues such as lag, ensuring a smooth gaming experience across various devices. Documenting your work is also important; tracking the time and effort spent on tasks helps manage project timelines and ensures fair compensation.

Overall, effective communication is vital in this career path. Constant collaboration with team members on designs and decisions ensures that everyone is aligned with the game’s artistic vision and objectives. Good communication fosters teamwork and facilitates creative problem-solving, essential for success in game artistry.

The art design of each game profoundly shapes my gaming experience, making it memorable. The meticulous use of color, style, and design plays a crucial role in crafting the overall ambiance of the game. More often than not, it is the game's art style that draws me in and establishes a connection. If a game's style doesn't resonate with me, regardless of its gameplay quality and entertainment value, I may find myself less engaged. It is through art and its expressive qualities that my passion for games is ignited and sustained.

Sources Used:

Game Designing: Guide to Game Art and Becoming a Video Game Art Designer

https://www.gamedesigning.org/career/game-artist/ 

Teal HQ: What is a Game Artist? Learn about the role of Game Artists, what they do on a daily basis, and what it's like to be one.

https://www.tealhq.com/career-paths/game-artist 

CGSpectrum: What skills do you need to become a game artist? 

https://www.cgspectrum.com/blog/what-skills-do-you-need-to-be-a-game-artist