Balancing Artistic Vision and Gaming Innovation at Kepler Interactive

Kepler Interactive has established a diverse portfolio of games, ranging from the New Caledonia-inspired world of Tchia to the visually stunning survival horror game, and operates a creative studio that facilitates collaboration between different art and cultural mediums. In an interview with CEO Alexis Garavaryan, the company is celebrating its recent majority investment in French indie video game studio Tactical Adventures. He discusses the new partnership, how Kepler Interactive identifies and collaborates with new game developers, and the current challenges facing the gaming industry. Kepler Interactive's portfolio is diverse, making it challenging to identify a common thread between games like Tchia and Scorn. What defines a Kepler Interactive game? At its core, Kepler games are characterized by bold art direction and innovative design. The company prioritizes games that draw inspiration from various art forms, cultures, and experiences beyond the gaming world. Many games are inward-looking, referencing other games and a limited set of iconic IPs from other media. Kepler sees an opportunity to create a unique identity by working with developers who seek inspiration from outside the gaming industry, as evident in their portfolio. Tchia, for example, draws from Awaceb's New Caledonian heritage, while Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 offers a distinctly French take on the JRPG genre. Pacific Drive was influenced by Jeff VanDerMeer's Southern Reach Trilogy and Cassie Dracott's personal experiences driving through the Pacific Northwest, showcasing the connection between games and other art forms. This approach allows Kepler to sign a wide range of projects without being overly prescriptive. The company seeks to find a balance between creative freedom and a unified vision. How does Tactical Adventures fit into Kepler's framework? When partnering with new studios, Kepler ensures they align with the company's values and contribute to the growth of the entire group. Tactical Adventures, with their game Solasta, brings expertise in tabletop gaming and innovative ideas to the table. Kepler is excited to support their development and learn from their experiences. The company's role is to provide expertise, extend the game's reach, and leverage their strong relationships with platforms and partners to secure optimal placement. Kepler's group structure enables studios to share knowledge, technology, and feedback, allowing them to operate on par with larger publishers while maintaining creative control and independence. What is Kepler Interactive's approach to Early Access releases, both in general and regarding Solasta 2? Decisions on development approaches are left to the studios. Tactical Adventures is comfortable with the Early Access model, which proved successful for Solasta: Crown of the Magister. Kepler allows flexibility in launch plans to accommodate the unique needs of each game, genre, and community. How does Kepler find and evaluate new game titles? The company employs a multi-faceted approach, as the number of unsigned games is vast. Personal networks, events, recommendations, and online platforms like Steam are all utilized to discover new projects. Having a clear understanding of Kepler's creative values is essential in identifying exceptional games that fit the company's identity. Is there a particular aspect that would immediately disqualify a game from being signed? Kepler prioritizes games that avoid relying on overused industry tropes. The company seeks unique, innovative projects that draw inspiration from various art forms and cultures. Pacific Drive is an example of a game that successfully blends different influences to create a distinctive atmosphere, attracting players who appreciate its originality. Success can be challenging to achieve, and some teams may resort to familiar concepts to guarantee an audience. However, Kepler views this approach as a risk, as it can lead to a saturated market and diminished creativity. How does Kepler Ghost support the company's goals? Kepler Ghost offers a white label service, allowing the company to work with top studios through project financing, publishing, or other support functions. The goal is to provide a modest contribution to the game's development, ensuring the creators receive the recognition they deserve without compromising their vision or sharing the spotlight. The creative studio aspect of Kepler Interactive is essential, as it enables the company to explore the intersection of games and other cultural spaces. The collaboration with Robyn Lynch is an example of this, as her approach to building worlds around her collections resonates with Kepler's own approach to game development. What are the biggest challenges facing the gaming industry in the next five years? The industry is constantly evolving, with geopolitical changes and shifting global pop culture. To succeed, companies must focus on designing innovative, bold, and unique experiences that cater to regional differences. Derivative ideas are no longer viable, and Kepler Interactive is committed to supporting radically innovative projects that challenge the status quo. A typical workday for CEO Alexis Garavaryan involves playing the latest game builds, exploring other cultural experiences, and attending events like the Devon Turnbull's Listening Room or the Erika de Casier show. The company's culture reflects the eclectic inspirations of their games, and they strive to maintain this unique approach in the ever-changing gaming landscape.