From Hotel Lobby Jokes to Game Development: The Unlikely Birth of "Clickolding"
In the heart of a San Francisco hotel, amidst the hum of industry events and the buzz of caffeine, a group of game developers found themselves engaged in an exchange that would later blossom into a surreal and unexpected journey: the creation of a game titled "Clickolding." This article delves into the fascinating origins of "Clickolding," exploring how a seemingly casual joke evolved into a full-fledged game, showcasing the power of unexpected inspiration and the collaborative spirit in game development.
The story begins with a group of developers, including Xalavier Nelson Jr. (Strange Scaffold), Dan "Tan" Tran (Outersloth), and Gary "Porter" Kaman (Aggro Crab), gathered in the hotel lobby after a long day at the Game Developers Conference (GDC). The developers, all prominent figures within the indie game development scene, were discussing their projects and indulging in the usual "post-GDC" revelry.
As the conversation flowed, Nelson Jr. proposed a thought experiment: "What would it be like if someone forced you to click a tally counter, but they wanted you to watch you doing it?" This seemingly ridiculous idea, born from the playful banter of creatives, sparked a chain reaction.
The "Clickolding" Concept Emerges
Tan, a prominent figure at Outersloth, playfully remarked, "There’s something unnerving about that thought, like a power dynamic that’s unsettling." This sentiment resonated with the others, pushing the concept further.
Nelson Jr., known for his creative vision, seized the opportunity. He explained, "The idea is about a very specific type of violation – the act of being made to interact with something, but also forced to watch yourself engage in that interaction." This chilling sentiment laid the groundwork for the unsettling core of "Clickolding".
As the discussion continued, the developers explored the potential mechanics of the game. Kaman, a developer with a penchant for the absurd, suggested, "Why not make it so the tally counter is in a specific place? Like, on your own body, maybe on your chest?" This absurd addition further solidified the concept’s unsettling and humorous nature.
From Inspiration to Creation
The group’s impromptu brainstorming session, fueled by the late-night atmosphere and the camaraderie of fellow developers, had birthed a unique and unsettling concept. The idea of "Clickolding," initially born as a joke, had taken root, becoming a potent seed of creative potential.
The Developers Embrace the Concept
Intrigued by the idea, Nelson Jr. took a photo of Tan, cropping it to focus on his upper body and blurring the face. This photo, captured in the throes of creative inspiration, served as a crucial reference point when Strange Scaffold, Nelson Jr.’s studio, began developing the game.
The developers’ reaction to the birth of "Clickolding" was one of both amusement and intrigue. Kaman, who frequently played with absurdist concepts, felt a sense of "I can’t believe you actually did this, but you’re a madman and I love it." Tan, initially stunned by the unexpected development, expressed his disbelief, exclaiming, "I can’t believe you actually used my outfit for this!"
The Birth of Clickolding: A Game Born from Unexpected Inspiration
The team at Strange Scaffold, spurred by the intriguing concept and their late-night conversation, embraced the "Clickolding" idea wholeheartedly. They partnered with Outersloth, Tan’s studio, and began to flesh out the game.
The development process was as unconventional as its origin story. Nelson Jr., true to form, leaned into the unsettling and darkly humorous aspects of the concept. He created a narrative that explored the themes of power dynamics, control, and the unsettling nature of being observed. The visual aesthetic of the game mirrored the unsettling concept, featuring a minimalist visual style that emphasized the uncomfortable nature of the interaction.
The Developers’ Reflection on "Clickolding"
As the game neared completion, the developers reflected on the unique journey that led to its creation. Tan, who found himself both a subject of inspiration and an observer of the game’s development, expressed his feelings succinctly: "While it started off as a lighthearted joke, the game is definitely no joke." He recognized the disturbing potential for exploitation that the game embodied, a sentiment echoed by his fellow developers.
Tran, the initial source of inspiration for the concept, felt a sense of awe at the culmination of the idea. He stated, "It was really cool to see all the things we talked about come together. It felt real, amazing." This remark highlights the power of collaborative creativity, how seemingly random brainstorming sessions can lead to unexpected masterpieces.
The Impact of "Clickolding"
"Clickolding," a game born from a casual conversation in a hotel lobby, has since become a unique and unsettling exploration of power and control. The developers, having experienced the journey from casual discussion to game development firsthand, have found a sense of validation in the realization of their unorthodox inspiration.
The "Clickolding" story is a testament to the power of creative collaboration and the unexpected nature of inspiration. It highlights the potential for game development to challenge conventional boundaries and explore uncomfortable themes, showcasing the transformative power of shared ideas and the inherent creativity of the gaming world.
