Reply Game Studios: Striving to be Italy's Answer to PlatinumGames

Reply Game Studios is a subsidiary of a prominent Italian corporation, specializing in B2B digital services across various industries, including energy, banking, and healthcare, with over 10,000 employees and billions of euros in revenue. The company's clients sought to develop B2B experiences, particularly in VR and AR, leading to the hiring of game developers. Over time, this group split into two: Infinity Reply, focusing on B2B experiences, and Reply Game Studios, a consumer-facing developer behind the 2022 action game Soulstice. According to Samuele Perseo, product manager at Reply Game Studios, "Soulstice was a significant undertaking, taking four years and nine months to complete." The game was initially released on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X and S, with a later release on PS4, which coincided with its inclusion in the PlayStation Plus subscription service, resulting in a notable increase in audience reach across all platforms. Perseo notes, "The launch was challenging due to the traditional business model, but the PS4 release and PlayStation Plus inclusion provided a welcome boost, renewing interest on other platforms." The core team consists of around 30 people, with over 70 individuals contributing to Soulstice, described as an AA title inspired by Japanese action games like Bayonetta. Perseo cites PlatinumGames as a role model, aiming to emulate their signature style and collaborative approach. The team drew inspiration from Japanese entertainment and anime, which were widely consumed in Italy and France during the 80s and 90s, incorporating elements of dark fantasy classics like Berserk and Claymore. However, Perseo emphasizes the importance of establishing their own unique style, blending realism with tribute elements. The ultimate goal for Reply Game Studios is to become Italy's equivalent of PlatinumGames, a lofty ambition that requires careful growth and maintenance of quality standards. Perseo acknowledges the need for a long-term approach, prioritizing sustainability and collaboration to preserve the company's identity and reputation.