Polychroma Games is set to release their highly anticipated story game, Until Then, on June 25. As part of AAPI Month coverage, IGN had the opportunity to interview Mickole Klein Nulud, the founder of Polychroma Games and game director of Until Then, to discuss the game’s unique approach in becoming a portal to Filipino culture for players around the world.
Even in its demo, Until Then resonated with Filipino-American players, evoking a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. The game captures the essence of Filipino culture, from the vibrant setting to the playful characterization and mini-games. Nulud and his team aimed to create an immersive experience that reflects the experiences of growing up in the Philippines.
One of the key decisions in developing Until Then was the choice to set the game in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. The team believed that representing the Philippines was integral to the story they wanted to tell, and they were determined to showcase the unique experiences of growing up in the country. While there were initial concerns about the global audience’s relatability to the setting, the developers quickly realized that the universal themes and relatable characters would resonate with players worldwide.
Until Then strikes a balance between incorporating Filipino references and creating a universally relatable story. The game features elements of Filipino culture, such as the streets littered with trash and stray dogs, while also gamifying these experiences through interactive gameplay. The developers aimed to provide a glimpse into Filipino life without overwhelming players with unfamiliarity.
In addition to capturing the essence of Filipino culture, Until Then represents a significant step forward 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. Nulud emphasized that the game is not just an element of Filipino representation but a genuine reflection of the culture, making it a groundbreaking achievement.
The team drew inspiration from narrative adventure games like Night in the Woods, which presented stories in an immersive and exploratory manner. Until Then strives to push the boundaries of storytelling in games, offering players a cinematic experience with interactive elements. By incorporating elements of Filipino culture and creating a relatable story, the team hopes to strike a chord with players and evoke emotions that transcend cultural backgrounds.
Until Then also serves as a time capsule, capturing the essence of Manila and the Philippines during a specific period. The game features familiar settings like train stations and references to social media platforms like Facebook, reflecting the technological landscape of 2014. These details add depth to the game’s world-building and provide players with a nostalgic experience.
Ultimately, Nulud hopes that players connect with the emotional story that Until Then aims to convey. While the game offers a glimpse into Filipino culture, the most important aspect is the universal themes and relatable characters that resonate with players on a deeper level. Whether players are familiar with Filipino culture or not, the team hopes that the emotional journey of Until Then will leave a lasting impact.
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 looks forward to sharing their unique creation with players worldwide.
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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