The Big Indie Pitch is a regular event run by the makers of Pocket Gamer and PC Games Insider. It sees indie developers engage in a speed-dating-styled pitching competition for fame and those sweet, sweet promotional packages.
The event gives indies five minutes to pitch their games to a panel of press, publishers and industry pundits. The judges then pick three winners and everybody gets valuable feedback.
The indie view
The Big Indie Pitch is getting bigger and bigger as we bring it to events all across the world. To give you an idea of what the event is like, who attends the events and the games on show, we've sat down with several past Big Indie Pitch contestants to offer their views.
Today, we're speaking to Bruno Cézar from Xnora Games / Parampará, who submitted Karen The Chicken to The Digital Big Indie Pitch in April 2022 and walked away as the third-place runner-up.
Sophia Aubrey Drake: Tell us a little about yourself and your indie studio - who is on the team, and what are their inspirations?
Bruno Cézar: Let me tell you a little about myself and our wacky indie studio. Since I was a wee lad, I dreamt of becoming a chicken, strutting around a farm without a care in the world, dodging the absurdities of life. Okay, okay, I'm just kidding with you. But let's face it, our world is already filled with plenty of nonsensical stuff. Maybe Karen The Chicken actually makes more sense than the senseless world we live in. Does that make any sense?
Actually, I've always been a die-hard fan of the finest comedy out there. From Monty Python's Flying Circus to Looney Tunes' zany antics and the genius of Leslie Nielsen's deadpan humour. During my college years, I met a hilarious partner in crime, Raphael Guizan, who shared my dream of developing games. We even released games on Steam and cracked up the audience at the Game Jam Plus in 2021. It was during that event that we stumbled upon Flavio Parah, an experienced advertising professional from Parampará Remarkable Games, who joined our team as the Creative Art Director. Flavio's unique creative direction brought a new level of ingenuity to the game's endings, connecting them in unexpected ways. His contribution extended beyond the game mechanics, shaping the conceptual foundation and infusing the pitch with a delightful sense of humour. Together with Jade Esteves, our mastermind 3D artist, we brought Karen The Chicken to life, hatching an excellent idea that will leave players clucking with laughter
Tell us about Karen The Chicken that you pitched at the competition.
Karen The Chicken is a comic adventure full of mysteries and twists. Players are introduced to Karen, a seemingly ordinary chicken who finds herself trapped on an isolated farm. However, as the story unfolds, we discover that Karen is much more than what she appears to be.
Throughout the game, players are involved in an intriguing narrative, in which Karen needs to unravel the mysteries behind her existence and the farm she is trapped on. As she explores the environment, Karen interacts with objects and other NPCs, solving challenging puzzles to progress the story. As she progresses, Karen has the opportunity to improve her skills. She can acquire the ability to fight karate, allowing her to reach previously inaccessible places by breaking down walls, and also the ability to throw a special pressure cooker that bounces back at you like a Legendary God throws an axe with precision (got the reference?).
What do you think are the most unique and interesting aspects of Karen The Chicken that gamers may never have seen before?
Ah, let me tell you about the most unique and interesting aspect of Karen The Chicken that will have gamers clucking with excitement. We've cooked up a crazy story that will leave you scratching your head in the best way possible. And get this, there are not just one or two, but a whopping 10 different endings. Now, you might be thinking, "Oh, alternative endings, that's nothing new." But hold your feathers, my friend, because in Karen, these endings are not just alternatives, they are all interconnected, creating a mind-bending web of intrigue. We're talking secret conspiracies, a chicken caught up in the chaos, and maybe, just maybe, a galaxy far, far away. Trust me, it's a rollercoaster of a tale that you won't want to miss.
What made you choose to make this type of game, and what do you think you bring that may not have been seen before?
Ah, Karen The Chicken, our beloved feathered superstar. Picture this: Karen, your seemingly ordinary chicken-next-door, but little do people know that she harbours a secret identity as a... well, let's just say she's out of this world. In this uproarious game, players accompany Karen on her daring escape from the farm by unravelling perplexing puzzles, engaging with delightfully eccentric characters, and unleashing her arsenal of unique talents. It's a comedic adventure filled to the brim with surprises and absolute absurdity. So, what do we bring to the table that may not have been seen before? We bring the perfect blend of comedy and gameplay, sprinkled with our own brand of wackiness. We've crafted a world where a chicken becomes a hero. It's a refreshing take on the genre, breaking away from the ordinary and venturing into the extraordinary. With Karen The Chicken, prepare to embark on an adventure that will make you laugh, challenge your wits, and leave you craving for more. It's comedy, it's chaos, and it's an experience like no other.
How did you come to choose the platforms that you would develop Karen The Chicken for?
We have decided to initially launch Karen The Chicken exclusively for PC. In fact, we already have our Steam page up and running, and we would be thrilled if you could add Karen to your wishlist. Your support means the world to us.
Now, while our focus is currently on the PC platform, we're definitely open to exploring opportunities with publishers who share our vision. If there's interest in bringing Karen to consoles, we would be more than happy to have a conversation and discuss the possibilities. After all, Karen would love to spread her wings and conquer the console world too. So, stay tuned for updates, and let's keep our fingers crossed for an exciting console adventure with Karen The Chicken in the future.
Looking at the studio a little more now. How hard is it to survive as an Indie developer?
Oh, surviving as an Indie developer is like being a chicken trying to cross the road—challenging, unpredictable, and sometimes downright hilarious. It takes a lot of determination, creativity, and a dash of luck to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the gaming industry. But let me tell you, the rewards are absolutely excellent. As an Indie studio, we have the freedom to bring our unique visions to life, and to create games that are truly a reflection of our wacky personalities. It's a rollercoaster ride filled with highs and lows, but we wouldn't have it any other way. So, while it may not be easy, it's definitely an adventure worth embarking on.
Are there any tips and advice you would give to independent developers who are just starting out?
Here are some tips:
- Don't expect to create the next Grand Theft Auto right off the bat. Start with smaller projects and gradually build up your experience and skills. Remember, even a chicken needs to learn how to walk before it can strut its stuff on the farm catwalk.
- Stick to the schedule, but don't be afraid to embrace the chaotic nature of game development. Just like a chicken trying to navigate a busy barnyard, you'll encounter unexpected obstacles and hilarious surprises along the way. Embrace the feathered frenzy and cluck your way through the challenges.
- Put Karen The Chicken on your wishlist ASAP. It's a crucial step in your gaming journey, right up there with training to become the ultimate "Cock-a-Doodle-Doo Master." Trust us, Karen will be eternally grateful, and you'll be one step closer to unlocking this prestigious achievement.
- Take part in game jams. It's like a turbo boost for your skills and creativity, kind of like feeding your chicken a diet of comedy and brain-boosting worm treats. Plus, it's a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow indie devs who share your passion for gaming and poultry.
So, to all the aspiring indie devs out there, remember that laughter, quirkiness, and a pinch of chicken madness are essential ingredients in the game development recipe. Embrace the feathers, cluck to the beat of your own drum, and watch your dreams take flight. May your games be egg-cellent and your journey be filled with endless joy and absurdity
How did you find your experience pitching as a part of the Big Indie Pitch?
Ah, let me set the record straight. We didn't present our pitch in the traditional way. Instead, we decided to shake things up and showcase our game through a hilarious video pitch. Picture this: Karen The Chicken strutting her stuff on screen, cracking jokes, and showcasing her egg-citing abilities. It was a cluck-tastic display of comedy and gameplay that left the judges and the audience in stitches.
Now, here's the fun part: even though we took a different approach, we still managed to soar high and secure third place. Can you believe it? It goes to show that when it comes to Karen The Chicken, laughter truly is the best prize. We're thrilled with the recognition and can't wait to keep spreading the joy with our feathered heroine.
What do you feel you have gained from the experience, and what do you still hope to gain?
Ah, the Big Indie Pitch. We took a unique approach with Karen The Chicken and unleashed our video pitch extravaganza. We wanted to give the judges an experience they'd never forget, and boy, did we succeed.
Who would have thought that a video pitch starring a comedic chicken could crack the top three? We guess our fowl charm and wit did the trick.
But enough with the humble brag. We're here to spread the word about Karen The Chicken's grand adventure. We've hatched a Steam page where you can witness Karen's feathered glory firsthand. So, lovely gamers, don't miss out on this egg-ceptional experience. Add Karen The Chicken to your wishlist on Steam and get ready for a clucking good time.
Big thanks to the Big Indie Pitch for giving us the chance to showcase our quirky creation. We're forever grateful for the opportunity to mingle with fellow developers and industry experts. Now, let's get those wishlists soaring and prepare for a chicken-filled comedy extravaganza like no other.
What are your hopes for this game in the future, and do you have any plans for any future projects?
Our plans and hopes for the future of Karen The Chicken are as ambitious as the imagination of a chicken dreaming to fly. We want to take the game to new horizons by expanding to other platforms and reaching an even larger fan base. We are open to partnerships with publishers who share our comedic vision and can help us bring Karen The Chicken to consoles, ensuring that more people can experience this hilarious adventure. Additionally, we have other projects in mind, including new games that promise to bring more laughter and fun to players. So, keep an eye on our chicken coop because we have plenty of funny surprises in store for the future. Remember, in the world of gaming, laughter is the best power-up. Thanks for the interview, and may the chickens be with you.
Want to show off your exciting new game? We host Big Indie Pitch events throughout the year, so be sure to keep an eye out on our events page for an event near you, or even our new Digital pitches.
All our upcoming pitches including how to enter can be found over on our upcoming events page on BigIndiePitch.com.
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