Moon Rover Ventures into Uncharted Territory with Emergent Games

Moon Rover Games, a newly established studio, is on a mission to explore uncharted territory in the realm of emergent games. With a team of seasoned developers from renowned franchises such as Far Cry, Battlefield, and Crusader Kings, the studio aims to leverage their expertise in emergent gameplay to create something innovative and groundbreaking. According to Moon Rover creative director Jamie Keen, the allure of emergent games lies in their ability to evoke a sense of joy and wonder in players. "There's something special about emergent game experiences, a slight loss of control that makes the game feel alive," he explains. "We want to capture that essence and push the boundaries of what's possible in a multiplayer co-op action experience." Keen draws inspiration from his work on Far Cry and Battlefield, seeking to combine the best elements of these games to create a unique recipe for emergent gameplay. While he admires the emergent qualities of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, he notes that Moon Rover is aiming for a more contained experience, one that balances direction and familiarity with novelty and surprise. The studio acknowledges the challenges of marketing emergent games, which often rely on the unpredictable nature of player interactions. "It's difficult to convey the magic of emergent gameplay in a way that resonates with players," Keen admits. "We want to create an experience that's both exciting and accessible, without sacrificing the sense of discovery and wonder that makes emergent games so compelling." To achieve this, Moon Rover is adopting a design approach that emphasizes experimentation and iteration. The team starts with a small set of interacting systems and gradually builds upon them, refining and balancing the game as it takes shape. This process allows them to identify patterns and combinations that yield interesting and engaging gameplay experiences. As the game evolves, the studio relies on machine learning technology to help navigate the vast possibilities and identify meaningful interactions. "Machine learning enables us to sift through the noise and focus on the signal, allowing us to create a more cohesive and engaging experience for players," Keen explains. Moon Rover CEO Julien Wera highlights the benefits of advances in technology, which enable independent studios to create ambitious and impressive games without requiring massive teams. "We want to create a studio where everyone feels valued and empowered, where they can contribute to the project and the company culture in meaningful ways," he says. The studio aims to maintain a headcount of 50-70 employees, allowing for a more intimate and collaborative work environment. "We believe that a human-sized studio is essential for fostering a healthy culture and ensuring that everyone knows each other and can contribute to the project," Wera notes. When it comes to company culture, Moon Rover is committed to transparency, psychological safety, and open communication. The studio encourages employees to share their thoughts and ideas, and values the input of all team members in shaping the project and the company. While the industry has embraced remote and hybrid working arrangements, Keen expresses a preference for on-site collaboration, citing the energy and creativity that arises from working together in the same space. "We want to capture the magic of a studio that's really ticking over and working well, where ideas bounce around and take life," he says. For prospective employees concerned about the studio's culture, given the founding team's background at Ubisoft, Wera emphasizes the importance of creating a healthy and positive work environment from the outset. "We're acutely aware of the industry's challenges and are committed to building a studio that values diversity, inclusivity, and respect," he says. "We want to create a place where everyone feels welcome and empowered to contribute, and where we can have open and honest discussions about how to maintain a positive and healthy culture."