Finding the right tone in a creative process is always a delicate step. In the case of Hopper and Spadebeard’s Treasure, the challenge was even more complex, since the game is set in an already established universe – including comic books and films – which had already defined the characters, their backgrounds, personalities and voices. And it’s easy to fall into the trap of repeating familiar patterns. “We didn’t want to imitate the film, but we did want to respect its spirit,” explains Vincenzo Bianca, CEO of N-ZONE.
So, how do you do it? How to preserve the charm, humor, and optimism that define the familiar characters from the films? Three pillars: rhythm, tone, and interactions. “We adopted a tone that blends adventure, humor, self-discovery, and tenderness — elements from the film — while integrating specific characteristics of video games, such as a faster pace and more interactions.”
Because, unlike a film that is passively watched, a game requires player involvement and engagement. Ways must be found to integrate this active participation into the game’s rhythm. This implies that dialogues must be more entertaining, more intense, and more engaging — because, beyond their classic narrative function, lines in a game also fulfill other roles: informing, guiding, encouraging, and framing the player’s experience.
“ Every line was designed to add a nuance, appeal to fans, or advance the game. We had the freedom to create an original story while remaining faithful to the characters’ personalities and relationships, and this balance was achieved through the open exchanges we had with nWave. These discussions allowed us to imagine new worlds and new dynamics, while maintaining that same playful, curious, and slightly chaotic spirit ” adds Vincenzo Bianca. All of this, while ensuring the game remains accessible to both seasoned players and young adventurers.
It was in finding this unique recipe that Hopper and Spadebeard’s Treasure was born – both an homage and an original story within Hopper’s universe.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes news on the development of Hopper and the Treasure of Spadebeard !
