Sukeban Games' .45 Parabellum: Interview with Creator

This extensive interview delves into the mind of Christopher Ortiz, the creator behind the beloved indie game VA-11 Hall-A, and offers a glimpse into the development of his upcoming title, .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND. Ortiz discusses the unexpected success of VA-11 Hall-A, its merchandise, and the challenges and triumphs of indie game development.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including:

• The overwhelming success of VA-11 Hall-A: Ortiz reveals his initial expectations for the game's sales and reflects on the unexpected scale of its success.
• The elusive iPad port: He sheds light on the reasons behind the cancellation of the previously announced iPad version.
• Team growth and collaboration: Ortiz discusses the evolution of Sukeban Games, highlighting the contributions of key collaborators like MerengeDoll and Garoad.
• Merchandise and fan engagement: He shares insights into the creation of VA-11 Hall-A merchandise and expresses his desire for greater involvement in future projects.
• Inspirations and influences: Ortiz discusses the impact of artists like Gustavo Cerati and Meiko Kaji on his work, as well as his admiration for Suda51 and The Silver Case.
• Development of .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND: He details the game's development process, inspirations (including cities like Milan and Buenos Aires), and the team's efforts to create a unique experience.
• Gameplay and accessibility: Ortiz addresses the game's design philosophy, aiming to bridge the gap between visual novel fans and action-oriented players.
• Future plans: He discusses the possibility of console ports, future projects, and the team's approach to post-launch content.

The interview concludes with Ortiz's thoughts on the current state of indie games and his anticipation for future projects. He also shares his preferences for coffee (black, preferably with cheesecake) and reveals his excitement for upcoming titles like Slitterhead.