Nif Nif Interview: Blending Storybook Charm With Strategy

Hello, I’m Masha, the game director for Nif Nif. My role involves bringing the game’s vision to life, managing the team, and making sure everything runs smoothly.

So, I was playing Slay-The-Spire with my kids, and it was amazing to see them actually enjoying math! But the game was too tough for them. My son, who’s on the spectrum, was really upset by the violence in other games. That’s when my daughter and I had a brainstorm. We wanted to create a similar game that was accessible, engaging, and, most importantly, kind. Nif Nif was born from that idea – a game where you clean up instead of fight!

I’ve been a huge fan of strategy and turn-based games since the late 90s. Roguelikes are my jam! I wanted to share that kind of fun with my kids, but there wasn’t anything out there that fit. I love how you can really think things through in these games without the pressure of real-time action. It’s perfect for planning your next move and feeling that sense of accomplishment.

We wanted Nif Nif’s world to feel like a magical storybook, so we sought out artists with a background in children’s book illustrations. It was a bit of a gamble, but we found an incredible team who really captured the spirit we were looking for. It took a lot of back-and-forth, but the final result is something we’re incredibly proud of.

Players start with a basic deck and a powerful card to point them towards a specific playstyle. We wanted to make sure players get into the action quickly. Nif Nif focuses on simple mechanics like power, defense, and card draw, while the second character introduces more complex strategies. As you explore the forest, you’ll unlock new cards and abilities with helpful tutorials to guide you along the way.

While Nif Nif isn’t a story-driven game, we’ve packed it with fun little details for players to discover. We’ve sprinkled in plenty of geeky Easter eggs and references throughout the game, so there’s always something new to find. Each character has a unique backstory that you can explore on social media, and we’re working on in-game collectibles to give players a deeper connection with the world.

Turn-based games inherently offer a level of accessibility. Many modern games aimed at younger audiences are overly stimulating, posing challenges for players of different abilities. Nif Nif requires minimal hand-eye coordination and allows players ample time to strategize. We’ve conducted playtests with children and less experienced gamers to refine the experience.

While the core gameplay is approachable, we’ve layered in increasing complexity through card unlocks, character development, and evolving archetypes to cater to more skilled players. However, Nif Nif is primarily designed as an introduction to the genre for a wider audience.

We wanted Nif Nif to be a relaxing escape, so we designed short, bite-sized gameplay sessions. To enhance the cozy atmosphere, we’re adding features like gardening and cooking, allowing players to unwind and prepare for their next adventure. The chill soundtrack and overall aesthetic contribute to the game’s calming vibe.

Nif Nif has been in development for about a year. Our core team consists of a programmer, a designer, two artists, and me as the game director. We’ve also collaborated with a number of talented freelancers to bring the game to life.

Unlike many roguelikes that target hardcore gamers, Nif Nif is designed for a broader audience. We’ve focused on creating a relaxing and enjoyable experience where everyone can progress at their own pace. It’s less about intense competition and more about building your collection and mastering different playstyles.

Crafting an intuitive user interface has been our biggest hurdle. We wanted to minimize text while ensuring all information is accessible through visuals. Balancing clarity with aesthetic appeal has been a constant challenge, and we will keep working on it until the final release.

Integrating deckbuilding mechanics with our game’s unique theme presented a fascinating challenge. Visually representing the “cleaning” and “dirtying” actions was particularly complex, as it required us to rethink elements in traditional game mechanics like health bars, colors, and attack/defense dynamics without over-complexifying the information. Overcoming this asymmetry was crucial to creating an intuitive and engaging player experience.

I wish there was a secret sauce for that. For Nif, we created a game that we wanted and couldn’t find: a cozy roguelike accessible to a wider audience. Whether or not this will resonate with players remains to be seen.

Growing up immersed in the golden age of gaming, we’ve witnessed the industry’s evolution firsthand. As parents and industry insiders, we feel a responsibility to cultivate a love for indie games in the next generation. Recent industry shifts underscore the need for fresh, independent voices in children’s gaming. By supporting new studios and indie initiatives for children, we can foster a vibrant and diverse gaming landscape for future generations.