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

The year 2023 saw the release of numerous remarkable indie games that left a lasting impact on players. Amidst this crowded market, Chants of Sennaar stood out as a unique love letter to language and communication. Developed by Rundisc, an independent studio founded by Julien Moya and Thomas Panuel, the game challenges players to decipher ancient glyphs in a Tower of Babel-inspired world. The journey begins with simple tasks, such as matching symbols to 'open' and 'close', and gradually evolves into a complex linguistic puzzle. The game's pre-production started in 2019, and after a series of trials and reflections, the duo finally struck a satisfying gameplay model. The game drew inspiration from titles like Return of the Obra Dinn, The Talos Principle, and Heaven's Vault, with the latter being a primary influence. After creating an initial demo, Moya and Panuel pitched their game to publisher Focus Interactive, which offered financial support and became the game's co-producer. This partnership enabled the team to work full-time on the game and bring in additional talent, including a sound designer and composer. The development process was not without its challenges, as the team struggled to get the core gameplay right and balance the difficulty level. However, after months of testing and refinement, they achieved a engaging and rewarding experience. The game's languages were created in-house, with the team drawing inspiration from existing languages to craft something new and unique. The visual style was also carefully considered, with the team opting for a minimalist approach that overcame their resource limitations. The result was a distinctive aesthetic reminiscent of Franco-Belgian comic books. The game's world and architecture were inspired by various sources, including M.C. Escher's artwork and the works of Thierry Urbain. The team's goal was to recreate the sense of strangeness and wonder found in old isometric adventure games, and to convey the feeling of being a traveler in a foreign land. As players progress through the game, they become the unofficial translator of the tower, using their multilingual skills to connect the fragmented clans. The narrative was inspired by the Indian fable 'The Six Blind Men and The Elephant', and reflects the team's concerns about the current geopolitical situation. The game's success is a testament to the power of limited resources and the importance of trusting publishers. With Rundisc's next project on the horizon, it's clear that Moya and Panuel are no longer just hobbyists, but seasoned game developers with a unique vision and approach.