Podcast Summary: 【強者我朋友】台灣為什麼比較少3A遊戲？台灣的遊戲產業到底強不強？「政治正確」浪潮，真的會影響遊戲開發嗎？ ft.赤燭遊戲創辦人 適維&小光｜EP 105｜志祺七七Podcast

Release Date: December 28, 2024
Host: 志祺七七
Guests: 適維 (Shih Tzetei) & 小光 (Xiao Guang), 創辦人 of 赤燭遊戲 (Red Candle Games)

Introduction

In Episode 105 of "強者我朋友 by 志祺七七," host 志祺七七 delves into the intricacies of Taiwan's gaming industry, specifically focusing on the scarcity of AAA (Triple-A) games produced locally. Joining him are 適維 and 小光, the visionary founders of 赤燭遊戲 (Red Candle Games), renowned for their critically acclaimed titles such as Detention and Devotion. The episode explores the strengths and challenges of Taiwan's game development scene, and investigates whether the current wave of political correctness is influencing the creative processes within the industry.

Taiwan's Game Industry Overview

志祺七七 opens the discussion by providing an overview of Taiwan's gaming landscape. Despite Taiwan's vibrant tech sector and educated workforce, the production of AAA games remains limited compared to regions like North America and Japan.

適維:
"Taiwan has incredible talent, but we often lack the resources and infrastructure to support large-scale game development."
[05:45]

小光:
"The market here is supportive of indie games, but AAA projects require substantial investment that is hard to come by."
[06:30]

Challenges in Developing AAA Games in Taiwan

The conversation shifts to the specific obstacles that Taiwanese developers face in creating AAA titles. These include limited funding, smaller domestic markets, and the high risk associated with large investments in game development.

志祺七七:
"What are the primary barriers that prevent Taiwanese studios from venturing into AAA game development?"
[10:15]

適維:
"Funding is a significant hurdle. Investors are hesitant to back projects that require hundreds of millions in budgets without guaranteed returns."
[11:00]

小光:
"Additionally, the market size in Taiwan doesn't always justify the massive investment needed for AAA games. We often aim for global audiences, but competing on that scale is challenging."
[12:20]

Is Taiwan’s Game Industry Strong?

Despite these challenges, the guests argue that Taiwan's game industry possesses inherent strengths, such as a passionate gaming community, cultural uniqueness, and a growing presence in the international market.

適維:
"Our games often incorporate Taiwanese folklore and unique storytelling elements that resonate globally, even if we're not producing AAA titles."
[18:50]

小光:
"The success of games like Detention showcases our ability to create compelling narratives without the massive budgets of AAA developers."
[19:30]

The Impact of Political Correctness on Game Development

A significant portion of the episode addresses the influence of political correctness on the creative freedom of game developers. The guests discuss whether societal pressures to adhere to certain norms are stifling innovation and expression within the industry.

志祺七七:
"There's a growing concern that the push for political correctness is limiting the themes and stories that developers feel comfortable exploring. Do you see this affecting your work?"
[25:10]

適維:
"While it's important to be respectful and inclusive, there are times when the fear of backlash can prevent us from tackling important or controversial subjects."
[26:00]

小光:
"However, we also believe that challenges can lead to more creative solutions. Navigating these sensitivities forces us to think deeper about our narratives and characters."
[27:45]

Insights from Red Candle Games Founders

適維 and 小光 share their experiences in the industry, offering valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in game development within Taiwan and beyond.

適維:
"Building a game studio here means fostering a strong team and staying committed to our vision, even when facing financial constraints."
[33:20]

小光:
"Collaboration is key. We've partnered with international publishers to help distribute our games globally, which has been instrumental in our success."
[34:10]

志祺七七:
"What advice would you give to aspiring game developers in Taiwan aiming to create impactful games?"
[35:00]

適維:
"Focus on storytelling and cultural authenticity. These elements can set your game apart on the international stage."
[35:45]

小光:
"Don't be afraid to start small. Indie projects can pave the way for larger successes and help build your reputation."
[36:30]

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a reflection on the future of Taiwan's gaming industry. Despite the hurdles, the passion and ingenuity of local developers like those at 赤燭遊戲 indicate a promising trajectory. The discussion emphasizes the importance of supporting local talent and fostering an environment where creative risks are encouraged.

志祺七七:
"Thank you, 適維 and 小光, for sharing your insights. It's clear that while challenges exist, Taiwan's game industry has the potential to grow and make a significant impact globally."
[44:10]

適維:
"Thank you for having us. We hope to inspire more developers to pursue their visions."
[44:45]

小光:
"Yes, let's continue to push the boundaries and showcase the unique stories Taiwan has to offer."
[45:20]

Key Takeaways

• Resource Constraints: Taiwan's game industry faces challenges in securing the necessary funding for AAA game development, limiting the production of high-budget titles.

• Cultural Strengths: Incorporating Taiwanese folklore and unique narratives can resonate globally, providing a competitive edge even without massive budgets.

• Political Correctness: While promoting respect and inclusivity is essential, excessive caution may hinder creative expression and the exploration of diverse themes.

• Global Collaboration: Partnering with international publishers and focusing on global distribution can help Taiwanese games reach wider audiences.

• Advice for Developers: Emphasize storytelling and cultural authenticity, and consider starting with indie projects to build reputation and experience.

This episode offers a comprehensive look into the current state and future prospects of Taiwan's gaming industry, enriched by the experiences and perspectives of 赤燭遊戲's founders. Listeners gain valuable insights into the balancing act between creative freedom and societal expectations, as well as practical advice for aspiring game developers in Taiwan.