Interview with PAX Aus showcase winner Rita’s developer Martin Stradling

By Drawza

Rita by SporkTank is a charming word-based puzzle adventure where crossword puzzles and cozy rpg worlds collide. Players will explore, collect, solve, converse and platform their way as loveable chicklet, Rita.

—————

Drawza: What is your background?

Martin Stradling: I studied Computer Science at University, and then worked as a software developer and data analyst for 12+ years before turning to game development.

What made you decide to journey down the path of game development?

I've always loved games, and in fact that was the reason I started learning programming as a child. I tried and failed many times over the years, firstly as an eager-eyed teenager with dreams too big, then as a more reality-based adult who was very time poor. Eventually I got myself into a position where I could spend the majority of my working time on game development. So I just went for it! A few years ago now, learning so much, but still so much to learn!

How many PAX Aus events have you attended?

Pretty sure my first year was 2019 - I just walked past not knowing it even existed, so just went for a single day. I think we missed a year there due to the pandemic, but other than that I've been going 2-3 days every year since then.

How does it feel being announced as a winner for PAX Aus 2024 Indie Showcase?

It's a very humbling moment. I feel very grateful to PAX for this amazing opportunity to showcase my game. It definitely helps mitigate some of the imposter syndrome as well!

What is Rita about?

Rita is a cosy/casual puzzle adventure game. You play as a chicklet named Rita and make your way through the world primarily by solving word puzzles in the newspaper, as well as some light platforming and character interactions. The Steam short description is a little more succinct: "Explore, collect, solve, converse, and platform your way as loveable chicklet Rita through this charming word-based puzzle adventure game!"

How long have you been working on Rita?

I started in October 2023, right after leaving PAX feeling very motivated.

What are the core concepts?

The game loop is an interplay between two modes. First, you will explore the world, meet characters, do some platforming, and very importantly pick up letters (of the alphabet). You'll probably find yourself stuck at some point. Then you will open the newspaper to find crosswords and other word puzzles which are unsolved - solve them using the letters you have found to make changes in the world and progress the story. So it's got metroidvania elements to it, but at it's core I'd say it's a puzzle game.

What were your inspirations?

I suppose inspiration depends on which part of the game we are talking about. For instance, the visuals are very inspired by Wind Waker and Tunic. The vibe by A Short Hike. The puzzle mechanic.. it's hard to pinpoint, but lots of games I've played over the years where you get a nice a-ha moment. And lastly, the story is very much inspired by, and a tribute to my late-grandmother.

Looking at the steam page video, it reminds me of the platformer late 90s early 2000s games (Croc came to mind first) but with the word puzzle element, looking at SporkTank’s other game A Symmetric Escape, what does this time period of gaming mean to you?

As a 90s child I grew up in the era of video games where 3D graphics were just emerging. We had an Amiga (for those old enough to know what that is!), then later a PC where I first learned to program. But really my love for games started with the N64 - Super Mario 64, Banjo-Kazooie, and Ocarina of Time are still probably my most treasured games. I still remember the first time I saw Super Mario 64, through a crowd of other kids gathered around the TV at a local video games store. I could see the Mario character in the middle of the screen, some trees and grass and flowers and Peach's Castle around him. Then the camera panned around. Everything rotated smoothly and looked believable. It was a little 3D world right there on the screen. I was blown away - I must figure out how this is done and do it myself!

Have you had any mentors in the gaming industry?

Not specific people that I have met, as I've only just started to network recently (a big mistake in hindsight). But there is a long list of successful indie games.

What previous games have you created/worked on?

For what I would call full games, A Symmetric Escape and Rita are the only ones.

I have quite a few gamejam games on my Itch page (https://sporktank.itch.io), and these ones are probably the pick of those.

What advice have you received that you have held on to throughout your journey?

Stick at it. Enjoy the process. You'll get there. Don't be so hard on yourself.

What advice have you got for upcoming game developers?

There is the usual advice like, do something small, don't over scope, etc. Which is definitely good advice! You need to know your limits and try to go just beyond them in my opinion. One other thing I like to advise people is to (within reason) finish what you start. So I don't mean that you shouldn't prototype, test and throw away (bad) ideas, but I do mean that when you think you have something plausible, do your best to finish it. Finishing what you start is an important habit just like any other. That's my 2c anyway.

Check Out the Steam pages for Rita and A Symmetric Escape

Be sure to check out Rita and other PAX Aus showcase winners here

https://aus.paxsite.com/en-us/features/indie-showcase.html

And make sure you check out all the indie games that will be on display during PAX Aus 2024 in October.