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Interview: Producing a perfect N.O.V.A. reboot

Posted on: April 6, 2017
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Gameloft’s classic sci-fi shooter N.O.V.A. is being reborn and remastered in the form of N.O.V.A. Legacy for Android. We had the opportunity to talk to Felix von Wolfersdorf, the game’s Producer.  So we quizzed him on the challenges of reimagining a classic mobile game for modern phones.

What were the challenges of remaking N.O.V.A.?



Felix: The first N.O.V.A. game was made a long time ago. Back then, it was designed as a console experience on a handheld device.

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Current mobile gaming has evolved into a very different thing. Now play sessions are much shorter, while games have to remain fresh and entertaining for longer (as games become more of a service). On this project this has meant that gameplay and level design have to be rethought, without diluting the essence of N.O.V.A.

Why a 20MB download?



Felix: During production we focused on a small download size to be able to reach as many markets and mobile phone types as we could. This small size was essential to ease distribution.



We faced an enormous challenge as we needed modern graphics, a variety of gameplay experiences, and online multiplayer, while also meeting the high expectations of modern gaming. All in 20MB.

Android only?



Felix: The primary target markets for N.O.V.A. Legacy were areas where Android devices make up the vast majority of the user base. Because of this we have started on Android, but - if there is big enough demand for the game on other platforms - the team could consider another version.

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As a Game Producer what is your role? 



Felix: A Game Producer’s role is to organize all the tasks needed to make a game materialize. As part of this I set a development calendar and separate tasks as needed between artists, designers, developers, and so on. This means I have to understand a team’s strengths and the game priorities.

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I am also responsible for communication within the team and with external stakeholders to streamline the information flow.

Can you describe life in Gameloft Madrid?



Felix: We has produced multiple successful titles for Gameloft, such as Asphalt Xtreme and Gods of Rome. We definitely have the know-how, which is spread between a great mix of young/enthusiastic go-getters and veteran talent. Each person is amazing in their field, with diverse skill-sets that allow us to tackle any project here in the Madrid studio.

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The atmosphere is casual and fun. We all have a sense of responsibility and ownership in our games, so we share pride in our projects. We are all passionate about games, art, technology, and pop culture. Everyone who joins the studio quickly finds friends.




N.O.V.A. Legacy is available now on the Google Play Store. Be sure to keep up-to-date with the all the game's news by following it on Facebook.
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