Polychroma Games is set to release their highly anticipated story game, Until Then, on June 25. As part of our AAPI Month coverage, we had the opportunity to interview Mickole Klein Nulud, the founder of Polychroma Games and the game director of Until Then, to discuss their upcoming release and the significance of Filipino culture in the game.
Even in its demo phase, Until Then resonated with Filipino-Americans, evoking memories of summers spent in Manila. From the vibrant portrayal of Filipino culture to the playful characterization and mini-games, Until Then captured the essence of the Filipino experience. Nulud and his team aimed to create a game that represents the Philippines and shares the unique experiences of growing up in the country. The decision to set the game in Manila was non-negotiable, as they wanted to showcase the richness of the Filipino culture.
Polychroma Games strived to strike a balance between creating a universally relatable story and incorporating Filipino references. The team wanted to ensure that the game would be accessible to a global audience while still resonating with Filipinos. By sprinkling in Filipino references and integrating them into the gameplay and settings, Polychroma Games successfully captured the essence of the Philippines without overwhelming players unfamiliar with the culture.
In addition to its cultural significance, Until Then is also a significant example of Filipino representation in the gaming industry. While previous examples of Filipino representation in games are limited, Until Then offers a fully fleshed-out representation of Filipino culture and experiences.
The game serves as a time capsule, showcasing elements of Filipino life and society. From the depiction of Manila’s train stations and trash-littered streets to the integration of social media platforms like Facebook, Until Then encapsulates the Filipino experience. The game immerses players in the unique aspects of Filipino culture while still maintaining a universal appeal.
Inspired by narrative adventure games like Night in the Woods, Until Then presents a cinematic experience with interactive elements. The game goes beyond traditional visual novels by allowing players to interact with the world and immerse themselves in the story. Nulud and his team aimed to push the boundaries of storytelling in games and create an immersive experience that resonates with players on an emotional level.
Until Then stands as a testament to the team’s dedication to telling a compelling story and providing 100% Filipino representation. The game offers a unique and relatable experience for players, both Filipino and non-Filipino alike. By capturing the essence of the human condition and incorporating elements of Filipino culture, Until Then aims to strike a chord with players and create a lasting impact.
As the release of Until Then approaches, Nulud and his team hope that players will connect with the emotional story they have crafted. While the game serves as a portal to Filipino culture, the universal themes and relatable characters make it a game that resonates with players from all backgrounds. Polychroma Games invites players to embark on a journey that transcends borders and explore the depths of human understanding.
Until Then will be available on PC and PlayStation 5, and players can experience a demo of the game on Steam. As we eagerly await the release of Until Then, we celebrate the representation of Filipino culture in gaming and look forward to the impact this game will have on players around the world.
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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