MAPFG: Interview with a Japanese Indie Game Developer, Part 2

Where we talk about their name, roles in the group, and their future plans

An Interview with Make and Play a Favorite Game (MAPFG), Part 2
Interview by: Douglas Schules; Translation by: Douglas Schules

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このインタビューを日本語で読む

An Interview with Make and Play a Favorite Game (MAPFG), Part 2

Daedalus Machine
Your Circle has a rather unique name. How’d you decide on “Make and Play a Favorite Game”?
 
MAPFG
Hira
We both like band called “The Pillows,” and in the middle of a song titled “Poison Rock ’n’ Roll” there is a part where they sing “make and sing a favorite song,” so I played off that. To summarize one part of the song:

I make and sing a favorite song
Only that thing
If you’re dissatisfied, disappear
I’d like to play with people
Besides that

So we decided on a Circle name that had the implication that we also make and play games that we think are interesting, and don’t need other people who aren’t interested in them.
 
Rokusuijo
I want our game to sell, but if approached too seriously like a business I won’t have any fun. It also strongly expresses a foundational point: “Happily make things you like.” There are people who say “There aren’t any worries if I can do that,” right? (laugh).
 
So, because of that I want to live by the motto “I’ll have fun while making things that I like!”
 
 
DM
Can you tell us a bit more about MAPFG? How long has it been around, how was it formed, where is it based, and so forth.
 
MAPFG
Hira
Both of us live in Kyoto and Osaka, there’s really no official location for the Circle. Each of us does our work at our homes, and once a month we get together to have a meeting.
 
Rokusuijo
Alchemy Panic! is our debut work, so we really haven’t been active all that long. The invitation from me made the two-man team, right? I remember it was a lighthearted atmosphere like, “Wanna make a game together?” “Sure.”
 
As for the work itself, we decided on the necessary monthly milestones, and by using chat tools we were able to report to each other in real time as the work was completed.
 
 
DM
How many members are there, and what are their roles?
 
MAPFG
Hira
There are 2 members: Rokusuijo is the producer and designer, and I am director and programmer. In terms of the division of labor, we’ve progressed so far with a flexible approach where we can individually cover things.
 
 
DM
For those who might be unfamiliar with these roles, can you explain what their responsibilities are?
 
MAPFG
Rokusuijo
Hira was in charge of creation processes such as putting the materials in the beakers, earning points, clear conditions, game over and the like, while I was responsible for the models for materials and characters, animations and effects. I also implemented the conversation system.
 
Those were the main things. I was also responsible for things such as the main menu and results screens. Hira also dealt with game balance and difficulty settings. We did these things when we had free time, so we were able to progress.
 
 
DM
What can you tell us about the development the graphic and audio assets?
 
MAPFG
Hira
Rokusuijo made all the graphic assets. The sound assets were free; we used background music and sound effects from Maoudamashii, and voice from Koukaon Labo.


DM
Why did the members start making games?
 
MAPFG
Hira
I like the game entertainment industry, so I thought I’d contribute to it.
 
Rokusuijo
I like creative activities, and I particularly like game interactivity, so I proceeded to develop on my own.
 
 
DM
What genres of games do you prefer, and what are your favorite games?

MAPFG
Rokusuijo

Action games and puzzle games, I guess. When I want to feel exhilaration, I play action games and when I want to focus, I play puzzle games. What I like now is Splatoon 2, Guilty Gear Xrd REV2, and the Ace Attorney series.

DM
How do you decide on the games to make?
 
MAPFG
Hira
We decide a genre of what each of us wants to make and put out ideas first. Then, we set what kind of focal point we want users to play.
 
Rokusuijo
As for Alchemy Panic!, we started off from “what kind of game is it that we can play in a short period of time?” instead of what kind of game Alchemy Panic! is. Based on that, we proceeded to the idea “is this what we can enjoy?”
 
 
DM
Has MPFG participated in other events, or was Digige the first?
 
MAPFG
Hira
Digige is the first. This time, we started our circle aiming at putting out the complete version at Digige; however, this doesn’t mean this is the end, and we are proceeding with development so that we can release a new product next year.
 
Rokusuijo
When we started the circle, we thought it would be fine to end after this but it was very enjoyable, so we were like “Why don’t we create another one?” I don’t know how long we can continue, but I will have fun as long as we do.
 
 
DM
What pans, if any, do you have to release Alchemy Panic! on digital platforms, whether they are domestic like DMM or DLsite or overseas like Steam?
 
MAPFG
Rokusuijo
We aren’t really thinking about it at this point. Although we can sell without publisher using something like Steam, the procedure is a bit cumbersome. So, we would prefer to use the time to focus on creating something else rather than publication. But, if there is anyone who says “We’ll be happy to put it out!”, we would be glad to get contacted!

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