Polychroma Games is set to release their highly anticipated story game, Until Then, on June 25. This unique game aims to become a portal to Filipino culture for players around the world. In an interview with Mickole Klein Nulud, the founder of Polychroma Games and game director of Until Then, he discussed the inspiration behind the game and the importance of representing the Philippines.
Until Then captures the essence of Filipino culture through its immersive storytelling and gameplay. The game follows the story of Mark Borja, a Filipino high schooler navigating through the ups and downs of daily life. As the game progresses, magical realism elements are introduced, adding depth and emotional complexity to the narrative.
One of the standout features of Until Then is its setting in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Polychroma Games made it a priority to authentically portray the Filipino experience and showcase the country’s unique culture. While there were initial concerns about the global audience relating to the setting, the team quickly realized that the story they wanted to tell could only be fully realized in the Philippines. They aimed to strike a balance between making the game universally relatable while incorporating Filipino references to enhance the immersion.
The game serves as a time capsule, offering glimpses of everyday life in the Philippines. From the bustling streets to the social media culture centered around Facebook, Until Then recreates the nuances of Filipino society. The developers found creative ways to gamify these experiences through mini-games and interactive elements, adding a layer of fun and engagement for players.
Until Then also represents a significant milestone in Filipino representation in the gaming industry. While previous examples of Filipino representation have been limited, Until Then offers a fully fleshed out and authentic portrayal of Filipino culture. The game encompasses 100% Filipino representation, making it a groundbreaking achievement in the industry.
The team drew inspiration from narrative adventure games like Night in the Woods, which presented stories in an immersive and exploratory manner. Until Then aims to push the boundaries of storytelling in games, offering players a cinematic experience with interactive elements. The game invites players to connect with the emotional journey of its characters and explore the complexities of human understanding.
Nulud hopes that players, regardless of their background, will find resonance in the story of Until Then. The game’s universal themes and relatable characters make it accessible to a global audience. While it celebrates Filipino culture, the heart of the game lies in its emotional storytelling.
Until Then will be available on PC and PlayStation 5, and players can experience a demo of the game on Steam. As the release date approaches, Polychroma Games eagerly anticipates the impact the game will have on players, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of Filipino culture.
Source:
IGN. “Until Then Wants to Become a Portal to Filipino Culture For Everyone.” URL: https://www.ign.com/articles/until-then-wants-to-become-a-portal-to-filipino-culture-for-everyone
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