FALL OR NOTHING...
Meet one of the minds behind hit lockdown game
WE ALL need something to make us smile from time to time, especially during lockdown. In our house – and many others – that’s been a madcap game called Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout. Players choose a cute jelly bean-shaped character and compete over crazy, colourful obstacles for the crown.
A 21st century It’s a Knockout, if you will.
Joseph ‘JJ’ Juson is right on the front line of the Fall Guys action at Mediatonic.
Here he tells us all about his work as a level designer.
What inspired you to make this crazy game?
OUR initial inspirations were game shows like Total Wipeout and 50:50, but also playground games, sports and obstacle courses.
When you are designing a level, how do you decide on the obstacles?
THIS depends on the type of level we want to create. If it’s a race and players can respawn at checkpoints, we prefer to choose obstacles that will fling players off and send them flying!
However, if it’s more of an enclosed arena, we’ll choose obstacles that can knock players over and make it a little tougher for them to complete their goal.
Why are the characters jelly bean-shaped?
THE goal was to highlight that these little beans aren’t very athletic or special in any particular sporting way – they’re just creatures that love to compete and don’t mind getting bumped by a huge colourful hammer now and again!
We always want our beans to feel relatable – they’re not always the fastest or strongest, but they try their best anyway.
How did you get your job working on games?
I ALWAYS wanted to work on games, but as a kid I wasn’t very good at maths or art, so I didn’t think I could ever do it. When I was leaving college I learned about game design, which is more about being creative, having ideas and communicating these ideas to people in the team who have the other skills to actually make things work and look good.
As a level designer it’s really helpful to be able to sketch out parts of a level to show someone what it would look like, but this is also possible using Photoshop, Blender or even rough sketches on paper. As long as people can see what you’re imagining, it doesn’t matter how beautiful it is!
How does it feel to have made a game that millions play?
IT’S absolutely mind-blowing! It’s been amazing to see such a huge range of people playing, from kids to parents and everything in between. We’re really happy that we can bring a feeling of joy to so many people.
Do you think anyone will ever build a real life version of Fall Guys? Would you try it out?
I THINK some of the obstacle courses would be amazing in real life, though I’d definitely want to wear a Fall Guys costume before getting whacked by a giant spinning hammer!
■ Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout is available on Steam and Playstation.