renowned game dev christopher ortiz reveals .45 bloodhound inspirations

This extensive interview with Christopher Ortiz, creator of the acclaimed game VA-11 Hall-A, delves deep into his career, inspirations, and the highly anticipated new project, .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND. Ortiz discusses the unexpected success of VA-11 Hall-A, its merchandise, and the challenges of managing a growing fanbase. He also shares insights into his creative process, collaborations with other artists, and his personal influences, including a deep appreciation for the work of Suda51 and the game The Silver Case.

The interview covers a wide range of topics: Ortiz's role at Sukeban Games, the experience of visiting Japan and witnessing the reception to his work, the development of VA-11 Hall-A, the status of the planned iPad port, the evolution of the Sukeban Games team, collaborations with key artists like MerengeDoll and Garoad, and the surprising popularity of VA-11 Hall-A's merchandise.

A significant portion of the interview focuses on .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND, exploring its visual and gameplay inspirations, the development process, the team's approach to challenges, and the overwhelmingly positive fan response. Ortiz details the game's unique battle system, designed as a bridge between visual novel fans and action game enthusiasts. He also discusses the character design of Reila Mikazuchi, revealing influences from actor Meiko Kaji.

The interview also touches upon Ortiz's personal life, his daily routine, current gaming interests, and his thoughts on the current state of indie game development. He expresses both admiration and concern regarding trends within the industry. He concludes by discussing his love for The Silver Case, its impact on his work, and his anticipation for future projects.

The conversation is peppered with candid reflections on the creative process, the challenges of game development, and the importance of personal experiences in shaping artistic vision. The interview concludes with a discussion of Ortiz's coffee preferences and a promise of a future conversation dedicated to The Silver Case.