Life After Stray Gods: An Insight into Summerfall Studios

The Australian gaming scene has witnessed a surge in outstanding indie games, including Cult of the Lamb, Unpacking, and Heavenly Bodies. Summerfall Studios, the brainchild of Liam Esler, David Gaider, and Elie Young, has made a notable impact with its role-playing musical, Stray Gods. The game has garnered critical acclaim and won several awards, including Game of the Year at the Australian Game Developer Awards. The studio's co-founders reflect on their journey, from the initial concept to the game's launch. They express their gratitude for the support they received from the gaming community and the validation that comes with winning awards. However, they also acknowledge the challenges they faced, including the difficulties of introducing branching narratives and player agency into a musical game. Summerfall Studios prioritizes creating a caring and inclusive work environment. The team emphasizes the importance of diversity and actively seeks to hire individuals who can bring unique experiences and perspectives to the studio. They strive to create a culture that encourages open communication, where every team member feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. The co-founders discuss their approach to game development, focusing on character-driven stories and player-centric design. They aim to push the boundaries of what is possible in game development, exploring new ideas and genres while maintaining their commitment to character-centric storytelling. As Summerfall Studios looks to the future, they are hesitant to commit to another musical game. Instead, they aim to continue innovating and experimenting with different genres and ideas. The team is excited to see how their work will inspire other developers and potentially pave the way for new genres and game styles. In conclusion, Summerfall Studios is dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive work environment, prioritizing character-driven storytelling, and pushing the boundaries of game development. With their unique approach and commitment to innovation, they are poised to make a lasting impact on the gaming industry.