During the live stream, AOKAKI developers Amaro and Arleand shared details about the creative process behind the game. The inspiration for the protagonist, a ronin isopod, came from Arleand's passion for insects and Kamen Rider, combined with gameplay inspired by Castlevania. The idea started as a college project in 2020, but three years later, it evolved into the demo we are seeing today.
The developers discussed the challenges faced in the development of the demo, with time being the biggest one, as balancing personal and professional life proved difficult. AOKAKI's demo has been in development for a year, and the team is aiming for a full game release by the end of 2025.
Tools like Godot, Git, and Aseprite have been essential in creating the demo, and the team mentioned the valuable support from the Godot community. In terms of level design, Amaro's experience as a player has guided the balance between fun and challenge, with inspiration drawn from games like Celeste and Shovel Knight.
The development team, named Concha Indigo, consists of Arleand and Amaro, with support from publisher Minicactus Games, which helps financially and provides valuable feedback.
Influences from Castlevania, Megaman, and Kamen Rider permeate both the gameplay and visual style of AOKAKI, with the demo serving as a tribute to these franchises. Despite the development taking longer than expected, the developers remain committed to maintaining the level of quality they have set for themselves.