PlatinumGames and Square Enix’s next adventure is about to begin. Soon everyone will be able to go to The Ziggurat. Live service game The Fall of Babylon coming soon. Siliconera spoke with Producer Junichi Ehara, Director Takahisa Sugiyama, and Director Kenji Saito about what to expect from it at launch and in the future, as well as developing the game during the pandemic.
Jenni Lada, Siliconera: You announced The Fall of Babylon back at E3 2018. How long has it been in development?
Takahisa Sugiyama, Platinum The game has been in development for a few years. I actually joined this project when it was already in development, and I just know that enough time has passed that it’s hard for me to recall (laughs).
How has the pandemic affected? The Fall of Babylonof development?
Sugiyama: I think this goes for all game development companies, but of course it has a big impact on our development schedule. In particular, we had to move to remote development, and we, across the company, took on those challenges together.
Kenji Saito, Platinum In the past, game development at PlatinumGames took place between queues, with various departments communicating openly and without barriers. As a director, I used to be able to just take a look, understand what was going on, and quickly communicate what we wanted to do. Not being able to do that anymore is something I definitely struggled with in the beginning. But by exploring different ways, I think we can now address that somewhat, though not completely. However, I think this is one of the reasons why development takes longer.
The Fall of Babylon will be an action RPG focused on taking the loot. What are you doing to make sure it stands out and is memorable?
Sugiyama: It goes without saying that the main goal of a hack-and-slash game is perfecting your builds. While taking that into account, we then focused on how we could incorporate the action, which is where PlatinumGames’ true value lies, throughout. There are so many design and operation skills that we have placed first and foremost the design that the constructions can show their power by making the most of their manipulations through the control. of the player.
How influential are other PlatinumGames titles The Fall of Babylon?
Saito: We can take some inspiration from other PlatinumGames titles. For example, there are some controls similar to NieR: Automatabut the feeling of the action and the game design are completely different in The Fall of Babylon.
We also just announced that there will be a limited time NieR: Automata cooperation takes place in The Fall of Babylon in Season 1. We’re so excited for the fans of NieR series to check this out!
The Fall of Babylon use some property from FFXIV for budgeting purposes. How many items are shared between the two games? Are there any people in the game who give a nod to this regarding weapon lore?
Sugiyama: Not a lot, by all means. The FFXIV equipment is only substituted for our rarer equipment, such as common or uncommon. When you look at the overall lifespan of the game, you will only be able to use lower tier items for a short time. We only chose devices that feel universal and fit the medieval fantasy elements, so we don’t focus on them by explaining them in the game.
The Fall of Babylon will be a live service game. Aside from free content updates, what kind of paid additions can people expect?
Sugiyama: We’ll be offering what’s called a subscription-based battle pass and you’ll be able to get a lot of cosmetic-focused rewards by playing. However, considering the game will be purchased at full price, we plan to offer a free Premium Battle Pass for Season 1! We’ll also offer gameplay-based discounts on next season’s innings, and you’ll be able to purchase next season’s match tickets at up to half the price.
In addition, you will also be able to purchase various cosmetic items in the store.
There’s absolutely no critical element to purchasable game pass. We designed the game so that gameplay is the most important thing to become stronger.
How long will you support? The Fall of Babylon?
Junichi Ehara, Square Enix: As long as players continue to support it, of course!
Sugiyama: As long as we can, of course!
The Fall of Babylon will come to PS4, PS5 and PC on March 3, 2022. If people pre-order the Digital Deluxe Edition, they can start playing on February 28, 2022. Its demo will be available starting February 25, 2022.
