Uncovering the dramatic exit from a 1980s-inspired spiritual sect confronts the warm, retro ambiance of pixel art, stirring up an intriguing mix in Quantum Witch.
Hey there! Indie devs like NikkiJay, creator of Quantum Witch, often use 3D game engines for 2D creations, but it's a bit of a hassle, you know? NikkiJay explains, "ugh, all that jazz with 3D camera objects just isn't my cup of tea". She prefers a straightforward approach, and for Quantum Witch, that meant using MonoGame, a flexible engine also used in indie hits like Celeste.
MonoGame was an ideal choice for NikkiJay and her pixel art aesthetic. As a kid, computers and games offered welcome escapism, and working with that style has a warm, familiar feel. With some intelligent programming under her belt since age eight, NikkiJay tackled learning C++ for MonoGame in just four weeks. But she didn't stop there – she created a scripting language for her story-driven game, making development fast and efficient.
In Quantum Witch, point-and-click elements gave way to a side-scrolling platformer, focusing on interwoven plotlines and decisions the player has to make – coining it a 'plotformer'. But don't worry, there's no upsetting puzzles or "moon logic" to confuse gamers. Choices in Quantum Witch matter, affecting outcomes, and even the ending you'll get. There are plenty of reasons to replay the game.
NikkiJay's theme for Quantum Witch is personal freedom and agency, echoing her experiences growing up in a religious cult where personal freedom was scarce. While a serious topic, Quantum Witch portrays these themes playfully. Ren, the 20-something shepherdess, encounters the Lampshade Society, a group that blatantly denies being a cult. NikkiJay describes her approach as turning things into a parody of themselves, a way to cope with the past.
The game's characters are based on various aspects of NikkiJay's personality, and a few video game parodies make an appearance. According to NikkiJay, Ren is her silly side, Tyra is her skeptical 'hair and muscles', and the time-seeing skeleton hint system is just NiqqiJay when she's drunk, dancing, and touting her time-traveling capacities.
Quantum Witch is set to launch during Pride month, offering a unique perspective on LGBT representation. NikkiJay believes it is different from other queer games because the characters are based on herself without any stereotypes. Instead, they live life in a place called Hus, focusing on farming, fixing gates, and exploring the multiverse, without oppression for their queerness. It's all about personal choice and agency.
Quantum Witch releases on PC on June 24. With a playable demo available on Steam, gamers can dive into this engaging adventure and explore freedom, choice, and the hilarious satirical take on a cult-like organization. So what are you waiting for? Jump in and make your move!
- NikkiJay, the creative mind behind Quantum Witch, appreciates straightforward design and layout in game development, preferring to avoid the complexity of 3D camera objects.
- In her pursuit of a suitable game engine, NikkiJay chose MonoGame, which has been utilized in noteworthy indie hits like Celeste, aligning with her pixel art aesthetic.
- The scripting language that NikkiJay developed for Quantum Witch streamlined the development process, enhancing efficiency in creating her story-driven game.
- Quantum Witch transitions from point-and-click elements to a side-scrolling platformer, incorporating intricate plotlines and player decisions, earning it the moniker 'plotformer'.
- The game's characters are based on various facets of NikkiJay's personality, offering a unique, stereotype-free representation of LGBT individuals in a setting where queerness does not lead to oppression.
- To cope with her past experiences growing up in a religious cult, NikkiJay employs a playful and satirical approach in her game design, making light of cult-like organizations through parody.
- UI and animation elements play a significant role in the engaging gameplay experience of Quantum Witch, drawing players into the captivating multiverse of Hus.
- Education and self-development have been central to NikkiJay's personal growth, demonstrated by her mastery of C++ in just four weeks and her continuous drive to innovate and create within the gaming industry, utilizing technology to bring gadget-inspired art to life in her work.
