Behind the Scenes: How Game Developers Create New Characters for Crossy Road
Crossy Road, developed by Hipster Whale, is a popular mobile game that has taken the world by storm with its simple yet addictive gameplay and charming characters. With over 200 playable characters, it’s no wonder players are always eager to unlock new faces to join their road-crossing crew. But have you ever wondered how these lovable characters come to life? In this article, we’ll take a behind-the-scenes look at the crossyroad-app.com game development process and explore how the team creates new characters for Crossy Road.
Concept and Inspiration
The first step in creating a new character is brainstorming ideas. The developers at Hipster Whale use a variety of sources for inspiration, including pop culture, history, and even their own personal interests. "We draw from a wide range of influences," says David Doyle, Creative Director at Hipster Whale. "Whether it’s a famous person, a fictional character, or something completely made-up, we’re always on the lookout for unique ideas."
When it comes to creating characters, the team often starts with a simple concept: what kind of character would be fun to play as? They might ask themselves questions like "What if I was a chicken crossing the road?" or "How would I want to experience the game from this new perspective?" This thought process helps them narrow down their ideas and create characters that are both humorous and relatable.
Designing the Character
Once they have a solid concept, the team begins designing the character. This involves creating a unique look and feel for the character, including their appearance, personality, and even quirks. "We want our characters to be instantly recognizable," says Doyle. "So we put a lot of thought into how each character will move, interact with other characters, and respond to different situations."
The design process typically involves several stages:
- Sketching : The team sketches out rough ideas for the character’s appearance, using traditional drawing methods or digital tools like Adobe Illustrator.
- Asset creation : They create 3D models of the character, which are used in the game to bring them to life.
- Animation : The character is then animated, with a focus on making their movements and interactions feel natural and engaging.
Bringing Characters to Life
One of the most critical aspects of creating new characters is capturing their personality and spirit. To achieve this, Hipster Whale’s developers often draw from real-life experiences or observations. "We take inspiration from people we meet in everyday life," says Doyle. "Their quirks, mannerisms, and personalities become the foundation for our characters."
To further develop a character’s personality, the team might create a backstory for them. This can involve writing up brief descriptions of their interests, motivations, or goals. For example, if they’re creating a character based on a musician, they might write about what kind of music they like to listen to or play.
Collaboration and Testing
Once a new character is created, it’s time for the team to collaborate and test its effectiveness in the game. They’ll gather feedback from both internal stakeholders and external players through online forums, social media, or even live events.
"We’re always looking for ways to improve our characters," says Doyle. "So we actively encourage player feedback and use that information to make changes and refine the experience."
The team also uses data analysis tools to monitor how players interact with new characters. This helps them identify trends and make informed decisions about which characters are working well and which need adjustments.
Releasing New Characters
When it’s time to release a new character, Hipster Whale typically creates a buzz around their launch through social media promotions, blog posts, or even YouTube videos. "We want to create excitement around our releases," says Doyle. "By building anticipation and sharing behind-the-scenes content, we can engage our community and make the experience feel more special."
In addition to releasing new characters as standalone updates, Hipster Whale often incorporates them into larger events or challenges within the game. This could involve character-themed tournaments, limited-time rewards, or even exclusive in-game items.
Why Characters Matter
So why do new characters matter so much for Crossy Road? According to Doyle, it’s all about variety and replayability. "We want players to feel like they’re always discovering something new," he says. "With over 200 playable characters, we’ve created a vast array of possibilities within the game."
By continually releasing new characters, Hipster Whale keeps the game fresh for returning players while also attracting new fans who are drawn in by the promise of new experiences and challenges.
Conclusion
Creating new characters for Crossy Road is an ongoing process that involves collaboration, creativity, and attention to detail. From brainstorming ideas to testing and iterating on designs, every step requires a deep understanding of what makes the game tick.
By looking behind the scenes at how Hipster Whale develops its iconic characters, we gain insight into the dedication and passion that goes into making Crossy Road one of the most beloved mobile games around.
And who knows? Maybe your next favorite character is just waiting to be born in a crowded office filled with sketchpads, keyboards, and creative minds ready to unleash their imagination.