The Enduring Charm of Katamari Damacy

The 'Why I Love' series on GamesIndustry.biz celebrates game developers' appreciation for their peers' work. This article was contributed by Sigtrap co-founders Gary Lloyd and Luke Thompson, who recently launched Under Cover on Meta Quest. Katamari Damacy has been a favorite of mine since its release, and my admiration for it has only grown stronger since I became a game developer. Let's take a step back to 2004, when the PlayStation 2 and Xbox were at the height of their popularity. The gaming landscape was dominated by complex, realistic, and immersive games that pushed the boundaries of technology. That year saw the release of iconic titles like Doom 3, Fable, Far Cry, GTA: San Andreas, Halo 2, and Half-Life 2. Amidst this sea of graphical powerhouses, a small team at Namco, led by Keita Takahashi, dared to be different with Katamari Damacy. The game's concept was simple yet revolutionary: players control a small character rolling a ball that grows in size as it collects objects. The game's beauty lies in its absurdity, with a narrative that is both humorous and engaging. As a game developer, I can only imagine the challenges Keita Takahashi faced when pitching this idea to Namco's executives. It's a testament to his courage and conviction that the game was greenlit, despite its unconventional nature. The result was a game that was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, leaving a lasting impact on the gaming industry. Katamari Damacy's influence can still be seen today, with many developers drawing inspiration from its innovative gameplay mechanics and offbeat humor. The game's ability to balance simplicity with depth, making it accessible to players of all skill levels, is a masterclass in game design. The game's graphics, while not cutting-edge at the time, perfectly complement its wacky sense of humor and quirky charm. In an industry where trends often dictate the types of games that get made, Katamari Damacy stands out as a beacon of originality and creativity. Its success is a reminder that taking risks and embracing innovation can lead to truly remarkable experiences. As someone who has been inspired by Katamari Damacy, I can attest to the game's enduring influence. In 2019, I co-founded Exit Plan Games with Damien Monnier, and our debut title, Bang-on Balls: Chronicles, was heavily influenced by Katamari Damacy's innovative spirit. While the gaming industry is often driven by trends and a desire to play it safe, there are still developers like Keita Takahashi who are willing to push the boundaries of what is possible. And it's heartening to see that there are still gamers out there who appreciate and support these innovative efforts, recognizing the value of taking risks and trying something new.