Sukeban Games 2024 Interview: Christopher Ortiz AKA kiririn51 Talks .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND, Inspirations, Fan Reactions, VA-11 Hall-A, The Silver Case, and Much More

This extensive interview delves into the mind of Christopher Ortiz, creator of the acclaimed indie game VA-11 Hall-A, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the development of his upcoming project, .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND. Ortiz discusses his journey from solo developer to leading a small team at Sukeban Games, the unexpected success of VA-11 Hall-A, and the inspirations behind his unique visual and narrative styles.

The interview covers a wide range of topics, including:

• The overwhelming success of VA-11 Hall-A: Ortiz reveals his initial low expectations for the game's sales and reflects on the unexpected scale of its popularity, including the extensive merchandise and fan reception in Japan.

• The development of VA-11 Hall-A and .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND: He details the collaborative process with his team, including composer Garoad and artist MerengeDoll, and shares insights into the game's design and inspirations, drawing parallels to classic games like Parasite Eve and Vagrant Story.

• Influences and inspirations: Ortiz openly discusses his admiration for Suda51 and The Silver Case, highlighting the impact of its unique visual style and narrative structure on his own work. He also reveals the influence of various cities, films, and musical artists on the aesthetic of .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND.

• The design and character of Reila Mikazuchi: A deep dive into the creation of the main character in .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND, including the inspiration behind her design and the iterative process involved in bringing her to life.

• The future of Sukeban Games: Ortiz discusses the team's plans for .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND, including self-publishing on PC and exploring partnerships for console releases. He also touches on the possibility of future projects and collaborations.

The interview concludes with Ortiz sharing his coffee preferences and offering a glimpse into his daily life and thoughts on the current state of indie game development. He expresses excitement for upcoming titles and reiterates his passion for creating unique and engaging gaming experiences.