Luc Bernard on indies and Wiiware

Luc Bernard on indies and Wiiware

Feature

Indie game developers that actually get their game published are fairly rare, but the do exist. Luc Bernard is one of the few and we talk with him about surviving in the gaming industry.

With the upcoming launch of WiiWare in North America and Europe, the floodgates have been opened for indie developers. One such developer is 21-year-old Luc Bernard. In fact, he claims to be “indier than indie”, due to his limited project budget. But what he lacks in money, he makes up in ambition and imagination which makes his projects the perfect fit for WiiWare. Read on for an exclusive interview with the man himself.

Luc Bernard on indies and Wiiware
Hooked Gamers: Other than game design, do you do any art related things? Have they influenced your work as a game designer?

Luc: Well, I don’t do anything other than games. I see games as art and since they are what makes the most money right now, I feel that it’s the best way to put out my fairy tales.

Hooked Gamers: Do you think the game industry is ready for more in-depth games, with fairy tales as their basis? It seems like the industry is polluted with casual games lately.

Luc: I’m also sick of casual games. To be honest, some big producers have told me that they think my games will do well, while others say I will be lucky if Eternity’s Child sells. I won’t work with people that don’t believe in me. And I think this industry needs something new.

Luc Bernard on indies and Wiiware
Hooked Gamers: What do you consider the most important part of a game? Story, art style, gameplay, etc?

Luc: Everything actually, it’s what makes a good game. But I don’t plan to use any new kinds of gameplay in Eternity’s Child, but instead use gameplay that is tried and true; fun and good.

Hooked Gamers: How is Eternity’s Child going to utilize the Wii controller?

Luc: Well, as you can see from the new images, you control Angel [the main character] with the nunchuk while you aim with the winged heart [with the Wii controller]. You also have Angel’s female companion follow him which will allow him to attack. You will be able to see soon in the new videos to come. (Editor’s note: After this interview, Luc released a new video of Eternity’s Child showcasing the female companion’s unique abilities.)

Hooked Gamers: What prompted the change from Xbox Live Arcade to WiiWare?

Luc: Microsoft did not want Eternity’s Child, as simple as that. It just didn’t fit what they were looking for on XBLA. At the end of the day, though, the Wii is a more appropriate platform for the game. And besides, the Wii is actually a cooler machine. I liked the Xbox Live Arcade because of HD, but Eternity’s Child still looks as good on the Wii.