Back in November, we speculated that Infinity Nikki could emerge as one of the standout games of 2024. It turns out we were right! This free-to-play, open-world adventure from Papergames and Infold Games has since made a significant impact, breaking records and attracting millions of players while consistently achieving remarkable milestones.
However, the journey to develop Infinity Nikki was not without its challenges, particularly during the pandemic. Although the creators of the series had a strong track record with successful mobile games, this marked their first foray into the PC and console market. Even a seasoned team like Papergames faced a formidable challenge ahead.
To gain insight into the game’s early conceptualization, the hurdles they encountered, and their future aspirations for fashionista Nikki and her cat-alien sidekick Momo, we spoke with key members of the Infinity Nikki project team: Ade, Yan Gui, Niao Niao, Hua Sheng, and Diu Diu.
Digital Trends: Can you share how the idea for Infinity Nikki was initially developed? Was there a particular moment when the team decided, “This is the right time to bring the Nikki series to PC and consoles?”
Ade: The idea for Infinity Nikki took shape during the pandemic, a period filled with uncertainty. We envisioned it as a journey of ‘reconciliation’ — both with oneself and with the world around us.
Gui: Our goal was to preserve the beloved dress-up system that fans adore while also introducing elements of open-world exploration and platforming. We imagined how players could guide Nikki as she navigates expansive landscapes, climbing mountains and crossing rivers, all while putting together the perfect outfit.
Digital Trends: How challenging was it to transition from developing mobile-only games to creating one for PCs and consoles? How did the team adapt to these changes?
Niao: Moving from mobile game development to PC and console platforms was quite a complex shift. It required us to adjust to the distinct features of each platform. We had to take into account the significant differences between mobile devices and PCs/consoles. Mobile platforms have limited hardware resources, which means we had to optimize our development to ensure everything runs smoothly. On the other hand, PC and console platforms come with more powerful hardware, but they also demand higher graphics quality and more intricate system designs. This meant our team had to learn new development tools and engines to meet the requirements of these platforms.
Sheng: We also had to think about player habits. Mobile gamers usually prefer quick, casual experiences that they can enjoy on the go, while PC and console players are looking for deeper, more immersive content. We needed to adjust our gameplay and design to cater to these different preferences while still keeping the core elements that made the series enjoyable.
Digital Trends: Given that Infinity Nikki features cross-platform functionality, was it challenging to balance the experience across different platforms?
Sheng: Absolutely. In the early stages of development, we invested a lot of time in research and experimentation focused on graphics rendering and performance optimization to ensure smooth gameplay across all platforms. We also had to consider the unique features of each device during the design phase, conducting numerous internal tests and player feedback sessions to make sure the game performed well everywhere.
Diu: We recognize that there are still some hurdles when it comes to mobile adaptation. Right now, our main focus is on enhancing controls and performance for mobile devices. We’re also working on improving game stability, touch control responsiveness, and optimizing the user interface (UI). The positive feedback we’ve received from our players really motivates us to keep pushing forward.
Digital Trends: During development, did you ever worry that players would compare Infinity Nikki to Genshin Impact or other free-to-play open-world games? Were you anticipating this comparison as a way to provide players with a sense of familiarity?
Ade: Considering the genre of Infinity Nikki and its high production values, we expected that it would inevitably be compared to other free-to-play open-world games, such as Genshin Impact. However, our primary focus has always been to highlight the distinctive features that make Infinity Nikki unique, rather than simply leaning on familiar elements that players might recognize. The gameplay experience in Infinity Nikki centers around leisurely exploration, engaging puzzle-solving, and meaningful interactions that stem from the abilities provided by various outfits, rather than emphasizing intense combat scenarios. Additionally, we aimed to convey themes of warmth and connection throughout the game, creating an inviting atmosphere for players to enjoy.
DT: Regarding combat, are there any plans to enhance the combat system or introduce more challenging encounters, or would such ideas contradict the fundamental principles of the game?
Ade: Reflecting on the theme of reconciliation during the pandemic years, we intentionally chose not to emphasize combat. Our focus has been on creating elegant aesthetics and intricate environmental details. This approach encourages players to discover peace and beauty through exploration.
Diu: Our upcoming updates will prioritize enriching the traits of monsters instead of complicating combat. We believe it is essential to preserve the relaxed atmosphere and core experience of the game. Any suggestions that might undermine this will be thoroughly evaluated. Our goal is to ensure that players feel joyful and satisfied while exploring the world, rather than anxious or stressed.
DT: Numerous free-to-play games seek methods to keep players engaged on a daily basis, often utilizing the concept of “fear of missing out” (FOMO). In contrast, Infinity Nikki adopts a more relaxed and cozy approach. How do you reconcile this idea with the desire for players to feel frequently engaged?
Niao: We intentionally chose to avoid mechanisms such as ‘fear of missing out’ (FOMO) that create pressure for players to log in. Our goal is for players to return because they truly enjoy the game. The principle of ‘playing at your own pace’ is fundamental to our design. We implement player-friendly mechanics to ensure that fans feel they won’t miss anything significant, whether they play for short sessions daily or engage in longer gameplay occasionally.
DT: Managing live-service games is quite challenging. What are your main guiding principles when developing new content for future updates?
Sheng: We have adopted what we refer to as the ‘Impression-Creation-Production’ design cycle, which focuses on enhancing the ‘happy moments’ that characterize the core experience. Our Feature Teams utilize an agile workflow that enables us to effectively integrate player feedback. Seasonal changes, variations in weather, and other ecological elements within the open world provide players with numerous reasons to return. Through consistent updates, we aim to delight our players each time they log in.
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