A Unique Approach to Game Development
The director of the soccer hit Rematch has recently shared insights into the game’s success and the growth of developer Sloclap. He emphasized that while the studio is expanding, it will not grow to the scale of a traditional AAA studio. Both Sifu and Rematch have had significant impacts on Sloclap, with Sifu selling over 4 million copies and Rematch reaching 1 million sales in just a few days.
A New Direction for Sloclap
Rematch takes a completely different approach from Sifu, shifting the focus to a soccer field where two teams of players compete. Unlike many established soccer games, Rematch offers an arcade-style experience, allowing players to control a single character in 3v3, 4v4, or 5v5 matches within small, closed arenas. The game eliminates fouls, offsides, and pauses, creating a fast-paced environment that stands out in the genre.
Interestingly, Rematch shares some similarities with Sifu, particularly in its physicality. This feature aligns well with the game’s fast-paced nature, making the experience engaging and dynamic for players.
The Director’s Vision for the Future
Despite the massive success of Rematch, the game’s director, Pierre Tarno, has made it clear that he does not intend to develop high-budget games or expand the team to large sizes. In an interview, Tarno stated that he is not interested in creating games that cost $50-100 million or involve teams of 250 people. He believes that growing too large could compromise the studio’s ability to take creative risks, which might limit the scope of their projects.
Balancing Growth and Creativity
Tarno highlighted the challenges associated with AAA game production, noting that these games often come with extremely high costs and require large teams of up to 5,000 contributors. This scale makes the business of game development more calculated, leaving little room for risk-taking. For Sloclap, Tarno wants to ensure that they can continue producing great games without being constrained by financial pressures.
He also reflected on the success of Sifu, which helped the studio grow from 70 to 130 employees. Tarno expressed satisfaction with the current state of the company, stating that “staying alive is already an objective and an achievement.” He is content with the progress made so far and is focused on maintaining the creative freedom that has defined Sloclap’s journey.
Staying True to Their Roots
For now, the Rematch developer plans to continue making games without the burden of huge budgets or financial concerns that could stifle creativity. Tarno’s vision for Sloclap emphasizes sustainability and artistic integrity, ensuring that the studio can keep producing innovative and engaging experiences for players. By keeping things small and focused, Sloclap aims to maintain its unique identity in the ever-evolving world of game development.
