Concerto on White Devlog: A Symphony of Passion and Dreams
Hello to all music and game enthusiasts, Senk here. As the hype for Indie Spotlight launches, I wanted to pause and dive into the heartbeats and melodies that shaped this project.
Rethinking Rhythm Games
Lately, I've noticed many rhythm games narrowing down the vast world of music to just its beat. With my background deeply rooted in East Asian music, I've always held the melody in high regard. Watching the market streamline and simplify music this way felt off-key. So, back in 2016, an idea formed: a game that brings together rhythm and pitch, painting a full musical picture. Enter, Concerto on White. Instead of just tapping to the rhythm, you play the actual melody, mimicking the mechanics of a violin or guitar. For those familiar with rhythm games, this is pure melody immersion!
The Symphony of Characters and Narrative
Why introduce stories and personas? In the early days, Concerto on White aimed to simulate the joy of impromptu duets, with each partner introducing their unique instrument and style. With these musical maestros crafted, it seemed natural to spin a tale around them. While the dream of perfectly guiding players in spontaneous compositions proved challenging, we've integrated this concept into our roguelike boss encounters.
A World Where Melodies Resonate
Without giving away too much, in Concerto on White, you'll enroll as a gifted student in a renowned music academy. Your journey starts with a mysterious twist, leading you to collaborate with fellow musicians and uncover the hidden enigma. Rather than humanizing instruments, which felt overdone, characters in our story project the essence of instruments. This crafts a futuristic setting where individuals channel psychic energies to produce music – inspired by "A Certain Magical Index" and "From the New World".
Anticipating the Next Note
Concerto on White is now open for pre-registration on TapTap! Pre-register now for the game and stay tuned for our playtest in the upcoming Indie Spotlight event in October!
We're gearing up for a thrilling release in summer 2024. As we fine-tune every note and interaction, I'm eager to hear your thoughts, especially on any quirks or bugs you might encounter.
Embarking on this Concerto on White journey has been a blend of my music-driven soul, academic insights, and a dream to change rhythm games. I hope you find as much joy in playing as I found in crafting it.
To the melodies that unite us,
Senk from C11 Games.
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