Interview
Kevin Wu
Little Bear Studio, United States
Amidst the COVID pandemic, Kevin Wu, the brain behind Little Bear Studios and a product manager, decided to try out new hobbies. He took a shot at making a retro RPG game that took him back to his youth. This not only helped him turn past obstacles into a curious mindset but also lit a fire within him for continuing to create games.
1 Please provide us with a brief bio of yourself and your background.
I'm a product manager who during COVID decided to pick up some new hobbies. I learned to cut my hair, make pizza, and decide to make a video game. I didn't have any experience and I've tried coding in the past but could never get into it. Finally when I decided to make a retro RPG inspired by the ones from my youth, ever little roadblock from before suddenly turned into creative curiosity. I found something I'm passionate about and hope to keep making games!
2 What led you to become a Game Developer / Marketer?
Just got lucky! I took up a Udemy course and watched so many YouTube videos. Now that I've gotten a taste of development though I want to pursue it - eventually I'd love to turn this hobby into how I make a living. It's really great finding something you're truly inspired by.
3 What is your role in the company, and what traits should a game developer / marketing professional possess to be successful in their role?
I'm solo! Aside from a little bit of music and art from some talented folks I met along the way, I've done everything myself. I don't know if I'm a great person to answer this but I'll say that you shouldn't be afraid to put yourself out there and you shouldn't be afraid to fail.
4 Tell us more about your studio / company.
It's named after a character my brother and I played with as children, it's a call back to our time spent playing retro games. I hope to continue making games and to learn something new with each one.
5 What is your own definition of a great game?
Pick two out of the three: An amazing story A great mechanic/game loop Moments of ecstatic triumph If you have 2 out of 3 that's a great game
6 Describe the genres of the game(s) your studio / company specializes in, as well as its main characteristics.
I haven't really decided on a specialty but I plan to make a variety of genres, the next ones being arcade shooters and puzzle games and the later ones being horror and multiplayer. I just hope to keep making games, learn something new each time, and have someone out there really enjoy it.
7 Tell us more about your ideation process.
I need a mechanic and a name. Probably a bit unorthodox but I need to know what the main mechanic or loop will be, and then I need a name. The name will frame everything from music, art, story, style, etc.
8 Congratulations! As the winner of the NYX Game Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
I'm so excited and in shock! I'm just happy to be in the same list as some of these other games. I see these beautiful games, many of which I recognize, and then there's my little pixel art RPG on the same page. I think it's so incredible and just happy to be here.
9 How has winning an international award help promote your company and game?
I don't know yet but I can't wait to find out!
10 What are the challenges of developing / marketing your winning entry(ies)?
It always feels like you should have started yesterday and you are just hoping for the best. There will be times when something really doesn't resonate and then times when it hits the nail on the head. You just need to stay true to the vision, put yourself out there, and wish for the best.
11 How has the country, you are based in, helped during your ideation process?
My ideation is heavily inspired from my youth, specifically playing games with friends and family. Naturally our style and the games we liked were heavily influenced by what you talked about with peers or games you borrowed with each other. Those things have influenced me today, so if you were a 80s/90s kid living in America then thank you!
12 What are the current trends in the game industry that you are most excited about?
I really like that people are getting inspired by retro games and making modern homages to them. I hope we keep doing this! Games back then had different business models and thus were just made differently. It's nice to see them still inspiring people today!
13 What are the top THREE (3) favorite things about the gaming industry?
I love the innovation and pace of organized chaos I love how creative it is and how it's such a good outlet I love games and playing them
14 What resources would you recommend to someone who is searching to improve their game designs and development ideas / skills?
Play games, especially ones you haven't played before Watch videos, commentary, interviews, other opinions are always great Take a trip, some of my best inspiration was from going somewhere new and clearing my head
15 Where do you see the evolution of the gaming industry in the next 5-10 years?
VR/AR and more procedural generation to the point that characters and dialogue are different every time
16 Who inspired you in your life, and why?
Nintendo and my wife. Nintendo because I'm inspired by how simple and great gameplay can make such amazing games. My wife because she inspired me to follow my passion
17 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
I don't know if I'm successful but I'll just say you want to be like Dory in Finding Nemo - just keep swimming. Look if I can do it anyone can.
18 Do you have anything else, which we haven’t covered, that you would like to include in this interview?
I'm just so happy to be a part of this and thanks so much for hosting and supporting games both big and small!
