The Indie Gaming Spirit: Rinaldo Wirz on Momo-pi's Cross-Cultural Journey

Momo-pi, a cross-continental indie gaming studio, has been making waves in the industry with its unique blend of Japanese and European influences. Founded in 2018, the studio has already released two games, including the award-winning Captain Velvet Meteor. In this interview, we talk to co-founder and creative director Rinaldo Wirz about his experiences as a foreign developer in Japan, the challenges of indie game development, and the story behind Captain Velvet Meteor. Wirz's journey in Japan began in the world of animation, where he worked as a 3D animator before transitioning to game development. He recalls the cultural shock he experienced when he first arrived in Japan and the challenges he faced as a foreigner in the industry. Despite these challenges, Wirz found that Japan offered him a unique perspective and a chance to work on projects that combined his passion for animation and gaming. Captain Velvet Meteor, the studio's second game, is a crossover title that brings together the worlds of Japanese manga and Western game development. The game follows the story of a young boy who navigates the challenges of moving to a new country and finding his place in a new culture. Wirz explains that the game is inspired by his own experiences as a foreigner in Japan and his observations of the cultural differences between Japan and Europe. The game's development was not without its challenges, however. Wirz notes that the indie game scene in Japan is still relatively underdeveloped compared to the Western market, and that the studio faced significant competition and uncertainty in the industry. Despite these challenges, Momo-pi was able to find success with Captain Velvet Meteor, which won several awards and gained recognition from major publishers. Wirz attributes the studio's success to its unique cross-cultural perspective and its ability to bring together talented developers from different backgrounds. He notes that the studio's experiences in Japan have influenced its approach to game development, with a focus on collaboration, creativity, and attention to detail. As the studio looks to the future, Wirz is excited to explore new projects and ideas, including the long-awaited Spirit, which has been in development for several years. With Captain Velvet Meteor, Momo-pi has proven that it is possible to create games that transcend cultural boundaries and appeal to a global audience. As the studio continues to grow and evolve, it will be exciting to see what new projects and innovations they bring to the table. Whether it's Spirit or something entirely new, one thing is certain: Momo-pi is a studio to watch in the world of indie gaming.