Earlier this month, Shanghai-based developer Hypergryph held a media briefing about Arknights: Endfield, their upcoming 3D real-time strategy RPG based on the mobile game Arknights. During the event, I had the opportunity to interview RUA, a core member of the development team, and we talked a bit about the game’s high volume and comparatively “time-consuming” nature.
Having played its first beta version, I can say that Endfield is a game you really have to sit down with. Though equally rewarding, its exploration, combat and factory building systems all require time and effort. Given the growing popularity of short-form content and casual entertainment nowadays, I asked RUA how confident their team is in Endfield finding its audience, given that the game is also coming to mobile platforms.
—From what I’ve seen so far, Endfield really feels like a game you spend quite a lot of time with. It’s a full-scale, content-heavy title. But right now, short and highly stimulating content are the mainstream. In that sense, Endfield seems to be going against the trend, but does that worry you at all?
RUA:
…I’m well aware that Endfield isn’t the kind of game you can casually take for a spin for 10 minutes. (laughs)
—That’s very honest of you (laughs). If you’d responded with something like, “You can play it in short bursts too, don’t worry!” it might have been more beneficial marketing-wise.
RUA:
I don’t want to lie! (laughs) But I actually think there’s still a real demand for long-form, hardcore games. In Japan, console gaming is widespread, and mobile games are generally regarded as more “casual” gaming.
However, we’re not making Endfield into a “quick and light” experience. Players worldwide, and we ourselves, are seeking higher-quality games with strong immersion. This demand is particularly strong among Chinese players. So instead of trying to maximize promotional impact, we believe that delivering the deeper, more immersive kind of experience players truly want is what matters.
Also, high-performance smartphones are already widespread in China, and the user base is huge. Many of those users want to enjoy the kind of high-quality games that were once only playable on consoles or PC, but on their smartphone, whenever and wherever. That’s why we believe it’s essential to create a high-quality, immersive multi-platform game.
That said, even though Endfield is a game that requires a solid amount of commitment to progress through the main story, you can play it in short sessions. For example, while on the train or waiting in line somewhere, you can check on your factories or do some light tasks.
Today’s market is saturated with games competing for players’ time. Among them, it’s the “special” ones that end up taking away playtime from others. Beyond finding the right audience – one which seeks out a deep and hardcore gaming experience, Endfield’s challenge will also lie in standing apart from its competition as a “special” game.
Arknights: Endfield is in development for PC, PS5, iOS and Android. The second closed beta is scheduled to begin on November 28.
