Deceit 2 Interview – How World Makers Launched Its First Console Game

James Thompson: Thanks. We’re delighted to have finally launched Deceit 2 on consoles with cross-play functionality. For this console release, our top priority is ensuring a consistent experience across all platforms.

Whether you’re on PC,  Xbox, or PlayStation, you’ll be receiving fresh new seasons dropping every couple of months with substantial updates. As this is our first foray into bringing a game to consoles, we’re still exploring ways to fully utilize console-specific features.

Things like haptic feedback in the controllers and proper surround sound implementation are on our roadmap to truly optimize the experience for our console audience. However, for now, the focus is on ensuring a smooth cross-platform experience where all players can enjoy the chaos of Deceit 2 together.

James Thompson: We did encounter a last-minute hurdle that led to a slight delay in Deceit 2’s launch on Xbox platforms, but I’m pleased to say we’ve resolved that issue, and the game is now available.

As a new studio bringing our first title to consoles, we faced some unexpected challenges around platform certification requirements for day-one patches and updates. Each platform has its own set of stipulations publishers must adhere to for testing and releasing game updates.

While frustrating that we had to delay getting the game into player’s hands, it was a valuable learning experience that will better prepare us for future console launches.

James Thompson: Absolutely. Microsoft has been supportive throughout the porting process. We maintained an open line of communication, which allowed us to resolve the issue causing the launch delay fairly promptly.

Their guidance and assistance were invaluable as we navigated the unique requirements and hurdles of bringing Deceit 2 to their platforms for the first time.

James Thompson: Yes. Cross-play is out now. People are clearly enjoying playing with their friends across platforms.

James Thompson: Broadly speaking, the decision to transition Deceit 2 to a free-to-play model was popular with our players. We’ve witnessed a significant upswing in player numbers and received largely positive feedback from the community following the switch.

Our approach mirrors the one we employed successfully with the previous Deceit title. Once Deceit 2 had reached a stage where we felt confident opening it up to a wider audience, moving to a free-to-play model allowed us to remove barriers to entry.

At the end of the day, our goal is to craft an engaging experience that as many people as possible can easily dive into and enjoy. The recent numbers and reception indicate we’re on the right track.

James Thompson: Our current monetization approach for Deceit 2 revolves around a seasonal pass model, cosmetic microtransactions, and potential future DLC expansions. However, we understand that monetization strategies require continual evolution.

As we move forward, we intend to carefully evaluate player feedback and behaviors to refine our model accordingly. The ultimate goal is to craft an engaging experience that players find rewarding while implementing fair monetization practices.

We’re committed to striking that balance through an iterative process of listening to our community and making adjustments where necessary.

James Thompson: We’re thrilled to see the surge in player interest for Deceit 2. To sustain and build on this momentum, we are actively expanding the game’s content and engaging with our community.

Our plans include rolling out new DLCs that introduce fresh terrors, an exciting new map, and innovative cursed roles, ensuring that the gameplay remains engaging and varied.

Moreover, we’re continuing with our season pass strategy, which offers players a clear roadmap of what they can expect in the months to come. This not only keeps the community informed but also excited about future updates.

Community feedback is vital to our development process. We’re committed to listening to our players and integrating their insights to refine and enhance the game experience continuously. This collaborative approach helps maintain and broaden the game appeal of the game.

James Thompson: The success of games like Among Us certainly highlights the widespread appeal and potential of the social deduction genre. As a precursor to Among Us, Deceit laid much of the groundwork for this genre, and we’re proud to see how these concepts have evolved and expanded over time.

We are particularly excited to bring a new twist on the social deduction game to console platforms, where there’s still a notable gap in the market. By introducing Deceit 2 to consoles, we aim to provide a unique, engaging experience that leverages the social dynamics and tension inherent in these games, making them accessible to an even broader audience.

James Thompson: Looking ahead, we have some thrilling developments in store for Deceit 2. Our next DLC is set to captivate our players with a vampire theme, introducing a brand new terror that promises to add a fresh layer of challenge and excitement to the gameplay.

Alongside this, we’re excited to unveil a completely new map that will offer new strategies and dynamics for our players to explore. We’re currently in the early stages of playtesting both the new terror and the map, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

It’s great fun seeing how these elements are coming together to enhance the player experience. As always, our future plans will be heavily influenced by our community. We actively listen to their feedback to guide the development of new content and features.

This collaborative approach ensures that Deceit 2 continues to evolve in ways that resonate with and excite our players.

James Thompson: On behalf of the whole studio, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the players who have embraced Deceit 2 and taken the time to provide us with valuable feedback. Your insights and suggestions are crucial to the ongoing development and improvement of the game.

If you’re interested in becoming more involved, I encourage you to join our Discord community. It’s a great space to discuss, share, and directly contribute to the game’s evolution. Being part of this conversation means you can help shape the future of Deceit 2.

We’re genuinely excited about growing and evolving the game with your help, and we look forward to seeing where our collective efforts will take us next.