Review Fix chats with Gathering Sky co-creator Crystal Ngai who discusses the game’s origin, development and goals.
About the Game:
Since it launched in 2015, the experience has been honoured with over a dozen industry awards, including three awards from the 2016 Game Audio Network Guild awards, a placement at IndieCade and an honourable mention at the 2016 IGF.
Simply put, Gathering Sky is a love letter to the games that aren’t about winning, scoring or conquering.
Review Fix: How was this game born?
Crystal Ngai: Sometime in 2013, we made this prototype simulating the coarse controls in directing a flock. We thought it was pretty compelling, so we added in a bunch of other things we liked — birds, painterly art, cellos!
Review Fix: What was development for the iOS been like? Any hurdles?
Ngai: Gathering Sky was developed in Java for Android, so the process of porting it inevitably caused bugs. On the other hand, it was very refreshing to be able to verify that the game works on all of the devices! An unexpected hurdle — apps released only for iPad devices don’t show up in an app store search on iPhones, so it caused a lot of confusion!
Review Fix: With all the competition on the mobile market and in the indies now, how difficult was it for you guys to try and make something that stood out?
Ngai: When we started making Gathering Sky, the mobile market was pretty different. While we did try to make something we hadn’t seen before, it was more important that we were making something we really enjoyed. Gathering Sky represents something personal within us, so I like to think it’s unique in that way!
Review Fix: Bottom line, why must someone play this game?
Ngai: I hope that someone would be attracted to Gathering Sky for its aesthetics and the promise of a tranquil and meditative experience.
Review Fix: How do you want this game to be remembered?
Ngai: I hope people will remember Gathering Sky as a beautiful, hopeful experience.
Review Fix: What are your goals for this game?
Ngai: If Gathering Sky helps make your day feel calmer, or brighter, even just for a little while, then it’s accomplished its goal!
Review Fix: What’s next?
Ngai: We’re not quite sure, but whatever it is, I’m excited for it.
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