Raccoon Logic's Vision for the Future: A Conversation on Sequels, Big Companies, and Economic Uncertainty

Raccoon Logic, the studio behind the hit game Journey to The Savage Planet, is working on a new title in the same universe. The team's journey to reacquire the IP from Google was long and complex, involving numerous discussions with accountants and lawyers. However, the studio's executive producer and co-founder, Reid Schneider, and creative director, Alex Hutchinson, believe it was worth it. The IP gives them a solid foundation to build upon, allowing them to focus on the creative aspects of game development rather than starting from scratch. Hutchinson notes that when working for bigger studios, the technology base and toolset provide a significant advantage, enabling developers to focus on the more interesting aspects of game creation. By reacquiring the Savage Planet IP, Raccoon Logic has essentially saved itself 18 months of tedious development work. The team is now fully focused on creating the next Savage Planet game, with no side projects or new business opportunities in the works. Schneider emphasizes the importance of concentrating on a single task and doing it exceptionally well, rather than trying to tackle multiple projects and risking mediocrity. The studio's approach is centered around creating a great game, rather than getting sidetracked by various initiatives or chasing the latest trends. Hutchinson and Schneider also discuss the current state of the gaming industry, with Hutchinson expressing his concerns about the potential impact of subscription-based models on game development. He believes that such models might push developers towards creating certain types of games, such as service-based titles with long playtimes, rather than focusing on story-driven experiences. The team is excited about the possibilities offered by Unreal Engine 5 and user-generated content, but their primary goal is to create a genuinely funny game. Hutchinson notes that comedy in games often relies on dialogue, but Raccoon Logic is aiming to create a more playable, slapstick-style humor. The studio has also made a conscious effort to increase diversity within its team, with over 45% of new hires coming from diverse groups. Additionally, the team has worked with local French Canadian actors to add a unique cultural flavor to the game. When asked about their experience working across different platforms, Hutchinson compares it to managing a buffet of deals, where the goal is to find the right balance to reach the target audience. The team is confident in their approach and believes that the current market trends will ultimately benefit their focus on creating high-quality, engaging games. As Hutchinson puts it, 'When it gets tighter, you're competing with the survivors and the people who can make actual games.' The studio is committed to pushing the boundaries of what worked in the first Savage Planet game, focusing on humor, player choice, and exploration. With their sights set on creating an exceptional gaming experience, Raccoon Logic is poised to make a significant impact in the industry.