One of the best things about the gaming industry right now is the proliferation of smaller, more creative and nimble studios. These teams are not restricted by having to release the next big AAA game that will make its way into every living room. Nor are they stuck with stock characters who have to make a yearly reappearance to keep the studio financially viable.
Instead these new development studios are able to let their imaginations take hold. They may implement tried and tested formula or they may come up with entirely new game mechanics but in either case what they inject into the industry is a healthy dose of free fall creativity that isn’t always evident anywhere else.
Just look at Thatgamecompany for completely thinking out of the box. Look at Playdead for clever, subtle subversion. There are thousands of new game studios who may be the next big thing and certainly more are cropping up every day. So it’s worth keeping an eye on the up and coming talent in the world, especially those with important Curriculum Vitae’s and broad horizons.
One of those people is Adam Saltsman, one half of game studio Finji. His previous work includes modern, essential-cult icons like adrenaline pumping Canabalt, mind bending Hundreds, and cute but complex Fez. Work on any one of those games could guarantee Saltsman’s entry into the great pantheon of game makers but rather than resting on his laurels he seems determined to forge ahead.
Finji, based in Austin, Texas, is the result of Adam and Rebekah Saltsman’s efforts. Along with those listed above they’ve worked on franchise titles like Girl on Fire and Old Spice Saves the World. However, what’s more exciting is what they’ve got planned ahead. Not only are the pair supporting and presenting new, interesting looking games like Infinite Fall’s Night in The Woods and Ramalla & Kanaga’s Panoramical, but their own new title looks pretty exciting.
While it’s early days and details are pretty scanty Overland looks to have the basic ingredients for another Finji success. Adam’s own comments paint a picture of a horror type game where the emphasis has been shifted onto the more human developments that a plot like that might entaild. Currently the gameplay is said to be tactical and squad based but it is elements like that which may very well change.
Whatever the final result, with Finji’s proven track record the game will certainly be one to keep an eye out for.
