Summary of Key Points
This article focuses on independent game developer Yu Ge (ID: E Liao De Yu) and his team, MyACG Studio, as well as their new game, "Ashes of the Kingdom." The game sold 100,000 copies in its Steam EA phase (early access) within two weeks and has now approached 200,000 copies. The key to its success lies in the exceptional execution of the action-packed "pet petting" gameplay mechanics, which provide a thrilling experience for players. Yu Ge also shares his rebellious views on the industry: he disapproves of traditional game planning roles, criticizes publishers for not understanding their products, and believes that there are no outstanding games in the domestic market. His team adopts a development approach without a dedicated planner, with flexible division of labor, aiming to create valuable games (both financially and in terms of recognition) while collaborating with talented individuals.
1. Why is "Ashes of the Kingdom" so popular? — Innovative pet petting gameplay
"Ashes of the Kingdom" is an action-packed pet petting game, but it offers a unique feature: players can customize their attack moves through a "combo editor." For example:
- The basic combo is 1234 + cross-cut, but a passive skill can change the initial stab into a cross-cut, remove intermediate actions, or add a knife throw;
- Combos and pet petting mechanics can be combined: the knife throw can deliver poison damage, and the cross-cut can activate a poison buff, allowing for a complete poison attack combo;
- Each character has a unique resource system: for instance, Xiao Huang uses bullets, enabling him to play a close-combat style with faster attacks as he runs out of bullets, or a "mindless" style where switching bullets triggers damage, and even building turrets to have his clones attack together (similar to Tobian in "Overwatch").
This design allows players to create different playing styles each time, providing an intense and enjoyable experience, which has led many YouTubers and players to actively recommend the game.
2. The team's unconventional approach: No dedicated planner, everyone is a versatile member
Yu Ge's team differs from traditional game companies:
- No clear planning role: For "Ashes of the Kingdom," Yu Ge created the animations and adjusted the skills himself; the programmer wrote the story and worked on art design; the artist understood gameplay principles—everyone was involved in the design process, without a planner telling others how to develop the game;
- Flexible division of labor: When hiring, they look for candidates based on self-control, intelligence, and willingness to learn, not just their field of study. There are no strict deadlines; if a task is planned for two days, it's acceptable to take five days as long as the work is done well;
- Working like friends: There are no hierarchical relationships within the team; Yu Ge believes that work is part of life and should be enjoyable, just like playing games. They work with people they enjoy.
This approach makes the team highly efficient and allows for quick experimentation—for example, a passive skill can be developed in five minutes, and if it doesn't work, it's discarded until it meets their standards after ten iterations.
3. Yu Ge's bold opinions: What issues does he highlight in the industry?
Yu Ge speaks his truth, and his views are quite rebellious, but they are well-founded:
- Small teams don't need dedicated planners: He believes that planners are a product of large-scale industrialization (like those needed by companies like MiHoYo), but small team members are often multi-talented, and traditional planners may only interfere;
- Publishers don't understand products: For example, they self-published "Jiang Yao San Ji" and sold 100,000 copies, while a major publisher predicted only 30,000; he thinks publishers underestimate the potential of games and fail to engage in long-term promotion;
- No outstanding games in the domestic market: He divides games into mainstream categories (those that improve players through gameplay and combat, like "Hades") and niche ones (like "Tai Wu Hui Juan" and "Gu Gu Ba Huang"), and he's disappointed by the lack of strong products in the mainstream category;
- People who make games out of passion may not understand serving the public: He believes that those who create games solely for love often ignore player needs and may not be highly skilled; games must serve the public to be successful and recognized.
4. Yu Ge's goals: Not just making games for love, but to create value and make valuable connections
Yu Ge's motivation is practical:
- Money and recognition: He views money as a measure of value, as it can bring power and respect; with 200,000 copies sold for "Ashes of the Kingdom," he wants players who enjoy this genre to recognize its quality;
- Making valuable connections: He had limited educational opportunities and didn't meet many intelligent people; many independent developers on Steam create games with poor gameplay. He aims to make high-quality games to meet talented individuals, but so far hasn't found them, which makes him feel frustrated;
- Rebellious yet practical: He avoids seeking investment (fearing it feels like asking for help), but he acknowledges that it could force him to network and make new friends.
5. Future challenges: Aiming for million-copy sales, but there are obstacles
"Ashes of the Kingdom" faces several challenges:
- Online functionality: Players want online mode, but Steam's online features may affect reviews and reduce the game's "standalone prestige";
- Official release and sales: Yu Ge believes the game could sell a million copies, but publishers are skeptical; the official version might be released by the end of the year or next year, with uncertain timelines;
- Team expansion: If they develop a mobile version, they'll need customer service, server maintenance, and process management, but the team prefers a collaborative approach, and no one wants to take on managerial roles.
Despite these challenges, Yu Ge is determined to pursue his goal of reaching new heights.
This article presents a real independent game developer who is ambitious and pragmatic. His rebellious stance and innovative approach may not suit everyone, but his team has created a popular game. The indie gaming community needs more people who speak the truth and innovate, as well as more games like "Ashes of the Kingdom" that offer unique and engaging experiences.