Unlocking the Power of Language: The Story of Chants of Sennaar

The year 2023 saw a plethora of remarkable indie games that made a lasting impact on players, despite intense market competition. One game that stood out from the crowd was Chants of Sennaar, a unique title that explores the concept of language and communication. Developed by Rundisc, an independent studio founded by Julien Moya and Thomas Panuel, Chants of Sennaar challenges players to decipher ancient languages in a world inspired by the Tower of Babel. The game's journey began in 2019, when Moya and Panuel started working on the project in their spare time. After creating a demo, they pitched it to Focus Interactive, who were impressed by the game's potential and decided to support its development. With the help of a publisher, Moya was able to dedicate himself to the project full-time, and the team was able to bring in a freelance sound designer and composer. The development process was not without its challenges, as the team struggled to perfect the game's core gameplay mechanics. However, after months of testing and refinement, they struck a balance between satisfaction and engagement. The game's languages were created in-house, without the help of professional linguists, and were designed to be puzzle elements rather than scientifically accurate. The team's approach to game design was focused on creating a unique and immersive experience, with a visual style that overcame the limitations of their resources. The result is a game that is both thought-provoking and engaging, with a narrative that reflects the current state of the world. As Moya explains, the game's story was inspired by the Indian fable 'The Six Blind Men and The Elephant,' which explores the idea of perception and understanding. The game's success is a testament to the power of independent game development and the importance of finding the right publisher. With their next project still under wraps, it's clear that Moya and Panuel are no longer just hobbyists, but seasoned game developers with a unique vision and a passion for storytelling.