Balancing Artistic Expression with Gaming Innovation: The Kepler Interactive Approach

Kepler Interactive has established itself as a publisher with a diverse portfolio, featuring games such as Tchia, Scorn, and Solasta. The company's CEO, Alexis Garavaryan, attributes this diversity to their emphasis on championing bold art direction and innovative game design. Kepler Interactive's approach involves looking beyond the gaming industry for inspiration, drawing from various forms of art, culture, and experience. This philosophy is reflected in their games, which often incorporate unique influences and perspectives. For instance, Tchia draws from Awaceb's New Caledonian heritage, while Pacific Drive was influenced by Jeff VanDerMeer's Southern Reach Trilogy and Cassie Dracott's personal experiences. The company's recent partnership with Tactical Adventures, a French indie video game studio, further demonstrates their commitment to innovative game design and artistic expression. Garavaryan believes that this approach allows Kepler Interactive to stand out in a crowded market, where many games rely on familiar tropes and influences. Instead, the company prioritizes games that offer something new and distinctive, even if it means taking risks. In terms of finding new titles to work with, Kepler Interactive employs a multi-faceted approach, leveraging personal networks, events, and online platforms to discover emerging talent. The company's creative studio also plays a crucial role in this process, as it allows Kepler Interactive to collaborate with developers and artists from various disciplines, fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation. When it comes to Early Access releases, Kepler Interactive adopts a flexible approach, allowing studios to tailor their launch plans to their specific needs and goals. This philosophy is reflected in their work with Tactical Adventures, which has found success with the early access model for their game Solasta. Ultimately, Kepler Interactive's goal is to create a distinct identity for themselves as a publisher, one that is characterized by a commitment to artistic expression, innovation, and creativity. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Garavaryan believes that the biggest challenges will come from adapting to a rapidly changing global culture, where regional differences and unique perspectives will become increasingly important. To stay ahead of the curve, Kepler Interactive will need to remain agile and open to new ideas, always seeking out fresh talent and innovative approaches to game design.