VIDEOCULT Co-Founder Spills Secrets on Rain World’s The Watcher DLC

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In the year 2017, Rain World captured the hearts of indie game enthusiasts with its distinct environments, automated creature movements, and ever-changing world. Now, VIDEOCULT is returning with a fresh expansion, aiming to elevate Rain World to even greater heights.

Back in 2017, Rain World’s unique creature AI, captivating setting, robust gameplay mechanics, and compelling narrative made a splash. The 2023 Downpour expansion only added to its popularity. Now, the developers at VIDEOCULT are introducing a fresh chapter for this acclaimed title – The Watcher DLC. In an exclusive conversation with Game Rant, James Therrien from VIDEOCULT shared some insights about the development of this upcoming expansion.

VIDEOCULT Co-Founder Talks New Rain World DLC, The Watcher

The Watcher’s New Protagonist and Gameplay

Q: How does playing Nightcat compare to the other Slugcats?

A: Are we talking about Nightcats? I’m not familiar with them, but this story takes place during The Watcher era. Our main character is more reserved and mysterious. They’ve had encounters with things beyond the ordinary. I believe it will offer a unique and relatable journey.

A: Apart from being called “Nightcat”, what makes the gameplay of The Watcher unique when compared to the original Rain World?

A: The gameplay and mechanics have undergone some substantial and rather unique changes. However, I’d prefer not to reveal too many details as the real enjoyment lies in discovering how complex it is. In other words, I don’t want to say much or anything at all.

Q: What new challenges has The Watcher DLC presented, if any?

As a gamer, here I am, thrilled about my role in the creation process of The Watcher. Frankly, jamming all our brilliant concepts into a manageable timeline was no walk in the park, but we managed to get most of it done – just barely. It seems there will be some post-launch updates and a few surprises in store when this gem hits consoles. Can’t wait for you all to experience it!

Q: How did the development of The Watcher compare to Rain World’s previous Downpour DLC?

A: That’s an excellent question! The Downpour DLC was primarily fan-made mods, particularly the More Slugcats Mod, which were adopted by Akupara and Videocult, the original developers, and expanded upon to create the final version of the Downpour DLC. Interestingly, The Watcher features an entirely new storyline that was developed from scratch by a team consisting of original Rain World creators, contributors from Downpour, and skilled modders. It’s a unique blend of talents!

Question: What developments have occurred in the process of Rain World’s procedurally generated animations since its initial release, especially regarding the DLC?

A: Thanks! I’m hoping it will be less prone to errors, but there are no guarantees. With procedural animation, it seems like understanding the conditions where it works best and avoiding those where it doesn’t is crucial – essentially learning its limitations and how to highlight its strengths. Since it’s quite uncommon, and the implementation varies greatly from case to case, there isn’t much established in terms of best practices without hands-on experience. However, we’ve been working with this for close to a decade, so let’s hope we’ve picked up some useful insights along the way!

The Scope of Rain World’s The Watcher DLC

As a devoted admirer, I’ve always been captivated by the intricate behaviors displayed by the creatures in Rain World. The game’s procedural animation truly brings them to life. So, I’m curious, what goes into crafting one of these amazing beings, and how does the development team ensure that new creations seamlessly blend with the established world?

A: This question delves into both procedural animation and modular AI, topics we’ve covered in depth. In fact, Joar and I presented a talk on this very subject at the Game Developers Conference (GDC), and more recently, Joar delivered an hour-long lecture at the University of London for their AI and Games conference. If you’re keen to learn more, I’d recommend checking out GDC’s ‘The Rain World Animation Process’, or any lengthy YouTube videos on the topic, as they provide detailed insights.

Ensuring that newly created elements harmonize with the current setting is generally less complicated. It involves a strong sense of aesthetics, but primarily it’s about grasping the essence of the game, and acknowledging the autonomy of the creature and its engagement within the ecosystem. Working with a team comprised of RW modders, who have each spent thousands of hours immersed in this environment, is delightful because they intuitively understand it. While I’ll have the final decision-making power and will guide things as needed, they seldom err.

What additional gameplay features and play duration can we expect from The Watcher when added to Rain World?

It’s challenging to predict its gameplay until we try it ourselves, but regarding the dimensions, it’s noticeably larger than the initial Rain World. The abundance of new creatures, artwork, and assets is astounding. As I’m going through the audio, I found more than 180 new music files and around 500 new sound effects. In terms of new content, it’s quite extensive.

The Watcher’s Impact on Rain World’s Story

Question: What’s the reason behind incorporating Alternate Reality Game (ARG) methods in the promotion of the Watcher DLC for Rain World, a practice that has grown popular among indie developers? Are these techniques likely to be utilized by the development team in future projects?

A: It’s common knowledge that fans of the game Rain World are quite passionate, and watching them dissect mysteries and subtle hints is incredibly entertaining. Additionally, I believe this behavior benefits marketing for a game still in development. By revealing works-in-progress, developers can share aspects of the game without fear that it might be considered the finished product or part of the game’s official lore. Instead, fans get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the game’s development process. I find it enjoyable!

A: Will gamers find significant story reveals in this expansion pack? Could you provide a hint or two about what clues they should watch out for within the lore context?

Indeed, it’s fascinating. Fan interpretations often deviate on their own path and attach significance to various elements, which makes the outcome intriguing. A key distinction between original and fan creations is that fan work tends to delve deeper into what’s already known and address queries based on the text’s presumptions, while original work merely strives to discover its unique resonance. My endeavor, “The Watcher,” can be seen as a parallel world to Rain World for those who have experienced it. I aim to surprise people with an unexpected twist.

Q: What new region are you most looking forward to seeing players take on, and why?

A: I can’t wait to respond in six months! There are so many fantastic moments and surprises ahead. Trust me, I plan on tuning in to your Let’s Plays.

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2025-03-28 18:42