Less is More: A Northern Game Studio's Serendipitous Journey
In the realm of game development, chance encounters can lead to extraordinary ventures. Such is the case with Less is More, a new studio in Boden that emerged from an unexpected twist of fate. It all began with a simple inquiry about internship opportunities at a Stockholm-based studio. Little did anyone know that this query would lead to the birth of a fresh game dev studio up north close to the Arctic Circle.
With hardly any time to spare, the idea of Less is More was presented in a classroom in Boden. The vision was ambitious yet straightforward – create small games that could be developed during an internship period, transforming participating students into skilled game developers rather than mere students.
Traditionally, interns are often relegated to minor roles within massive projects, toiling away on a small cog in a vast machinery. At Less is More, however, every student is a vital cog in a finely tuned mechanism.
The impromptu presentation struck a chord and demanded an encore the following day when another class clamored to hear about the plans. It was then up to the students to express their interest and passion for the venture.
A Journey with 10 Bright Minds
The studio's hope was for 2-3 passionate souls to join the endeavor, each bringing unique skills to the table. Initially, 11 individuals expressed interest, but one later stepped back, leaving an enthusiastic team of 10 students. With such talented minds, developing just one game wouldn't suffice. The decision was swiftly made to embark on two game projects.
The first game, reminiscent of the classic Pong, revolved around basketball. The second featured a side-scrolling racing game where players controlled a ball. Both projects had their own distinct ideas while sharing a common theme of physics centered around the ball.
The Power of Dynamic Presentations
The student team was presented with straightforward concepts through sketches on a whiteboard. Even though the drawings resembled a child's handiwork, they perfectly aligned with the studio's philosophy of simplicity. Guided by these basic outlines, the students were given the freedom to solve challenges in their own way. Whenever they encountered roadblocks, seasoned developers were available to provide guidance and support.
The students eagerly set up shop in the studio and began crafting the two games. Divided into two teams, they seamlessly moved between projects, gaining invaluable experience in both. This hands-on approach would undoubtedly earn them a well-deserved spot in the credits.
LiM Beyond One-on-One Basketball: A Futuristic Slam Dunk
The basketball game, initially set to be the first to launch, was aptly named LiM Beyond One-on-One Basketball. It perfectly encapsulated the essence of the game, a futuristic one-on-one basketball match. The title's inclusion of LiM (Less is More) might seem audacious, but as Disney has proven, ambitious ventures can yield remarkable results.
July 27, 2023 – Launching Towards Success
Although the basketball game was completed in June, the team exercised caution and polished it further. Launching during Steam's major sale was avoided, as it might have overshadowed their hard work. Instead, the game debuted on July 27, providing ample time for planning exciting activities.
The second game, still nameless, is currently in development. More details will be unveiled in August if all proceeds according to plan.
A Triumph of Goals
Less is More had a clear and resolute objective: release the games before the students' internship period ended, empowering them with a valuable addition to their resumes. They could proudly claim the title of published game developers, no longer mere game development students.
An Adventure of Growth
Throughout this journey, the students learned invaluable lessons in teamwork, responsibility, and tenacity. They crossed the finish line, armed with newfound skills and fond memories.
You, the Player
We invite you to wishlist our game and await the first sale. Rest assured, it will be a 90% OFF sale, for we won't engage in a race to the bottom. At Less is More, we start at the bottom and stand our ground...
Thanks for reading.