『Phoenotopia: Awakening』Long Interview！#8 - フェノトピア攻略メモ。

Hello, everyone. It's Kou from FLYHIGH WORKS.

Today, we would like to present an in-depth interview with Quang, the original creator of "Phoenotopia." The interviewer is Ochoko, "Phoenotopia Strategy Memo. ( フェノトピア攻略メモ。)" blogger who is also considered to be a representative of the Japanese Phoenotopia fans.

This is issue 「#8」!

Interview list is available here→
フェノトピア開発者様にインタビューさせていただきました！

Interview(#8)

Ochoko　

I have only a few questions left for the development team…I would like to ask you questions related to CAPE COSMIC.

I hear that CAPE COSMIC is a four-member development team, so how do your 4 members come together? And why is your company called CAPE COSMIC?

Quang　

Sure! It's an interesting story... the only person officially in Cape Cosmic is myself! We're a very "indie" company. The musician and artists are not employees. The musician actually has a full-time job, one artist runs a cafe business, and another also works on another game. In a way, it's like we're "hobbyists", and I opened a company because I was required to in order to officially proceed with selling the game. The game was officially founded in late 2017, but we have been working together since as early as 2014.

As for how we met. The musician is a friend of mine. We met in college and attended the same church for a while. We were even roommates for a few years! I got very excited when I learned he made music as a hobby. I immediately poached him, "make music for my game!" He probably didn't think I was very serious at the time, haha.

As for the artists, I met them online. There was an online forum for pixel artists. I listed a request asking for help, and they answered. Their quality was very good, so I kept returning to them. We just kept working together for years and years hence why I consider them teammates.

Anyway, we're not a 4 person development team now. One artist has moved on, and the musician has become very busy with life (he's getting married!) Haha, congratulations Will! I think you'll still hear Will's music in my future games, but he might only be able to score a few tracks.

As for the name "Cape Cosmic." I mostly just think it sounds cool, haha. The name has alliteration. I also like starry sky imagery, so I wanted the word "Cosmic" in there.

Ochoko Congratulations on getting married, Will! We wish you many years of peace and happiness.

Ochoko Will you be sharing any information on your blog from now on?

Developer blogs are fascinating, so I hope there will be an opportunity for you to resume blogging.

Quang　If there's something noteworthy to announce, I will! But for now, there's nothing planned. I think once I officially reveal my next game, I'll begin blogging again :D

Ochoko　

Also, this is more a request than a question…If possible, I hope you will consider releasing a design works book and a collection of piano music sheets. (not necessarily physical, an ebook is also good).

Quang I don't think we have a strong enough legacy to fill out a full book. All the stuff in the in-game Art Gallery is most of it, haha. Maybe one day if Phoenotopia continues and we do a sequel, we'll have enough material for a book.

As for the piano music sheets, you might be in luck. The musician Will released an album online that includes sheet music.

Phoenotopia - Piano Arrangements, by sillythewilly

This one was released in 2015 - it came after the flash game, and it contains 13 songs. Maybe one day... I'll let Will know there's demand for it, haha!

Ochoko　

Please allow me to ask a few final questions.

These questions came to me when Kou shacho asked me about the interview.

Everyone who has cleared Phoenotopia has been wondering about this. So, I will ask about this on behalf of the fans.

The word "sequel" popped up in this interview earlier…can we expect Phoenotopia's sequel someday? Also, what are you currently working on? If that is okay to share.

Quang I can't say 100% there will be a sequel. Many developers think there'll be a sequel to their game, but it never comes to fruition for varying reasons. Actually, if you compare the Phoenotopia Flash game and "Awakening", they have different endings!

During the development of Phoenotopia Awakening, I realized my limitations as a developer, and I had to acknowledge that it's possible the sequel might never come to pass. So I made Phoenotopia: Awakening have a more satisfying ending - it ends on a hopeful note. In the flash game, the game had a cliffhanger ending - it was very unsatisfying, haha.

I will say that I "want" to create the sequel one day. In my head, there are like 10 game ideas that are fighting for their chance to be created. I don't have time for them all, haha. I do have a fond spot for Phoenotopia, however. Maybe one day, when the circumstances are right.

As for what I'm working on, its genre is "metroidvania." I haven't revealed it yet - keeping it under wraps for now. I'll likely reveal it publicly next year - I'll announce it on Phoenotopia's twitter when it's ready, so look forward to it!

Ochoko I cannot wait until next year. I am looking forward to your announcement about your new project (and, of course, the Phoenotopia sequel if it happens…!)

Ochoko Lastly, do you have a message for every player out there?

Quang First, thank you very much Ochoko-san for interviewing me!

And for the players out there, thank you for playing Phoenotopia!

I've been really touched and encouraged by all the fanart and fanmail the game has received.

They give me the strength to keep going. So thank you, and thank you!

Ochoko Thank you so much for answering my questions.

It is a dream come true to hear all these beautiful stories.

Even though I am merely a fan, I cannot describe my gratitude to the developers and Kou shacho for this opportunity.

I will continue to support CAPE COSMIC from here on out.

Thank you so much for your time today.