SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Jan. 17, 2025 – Get ready to blast off with ASTRO BOT! The charming, space-faring game that pays homage to PlayStation's legacy is landing at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025 in San Francisco. Studio Director Nicolas Doucet and key members of Team ASOBI will host four must-see talks, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the development of this award-winning title.
ASTRO BOT: A Celebration of PlayStation History
ASTRO BOT follows the adventures of a small robot on a mission to repair its broken PS5 mothership. Packed with appearances from iconic PlayStation characters, both classic and modern, Team ASOBI's creation has become a fan favorite and one of the most popular releases of 2024.
Exclusive Insights for GDC Passholders
These exclusive sessions are available to GDC Core and All-Access passholders. Don't miss out – secure your pass before early bird registration ends!
Unveiling the Magic: Four Sessions to Explore
Team ASOBI will lead four in-depth sessions, each focusing on a different aspect of ASTRO BOT's development:
1. The Making of 'ASTRO BOT'
- Speaker: Nicolas Doucet (Studio Director, Sony Interactive Entertainment)
- Track: Design, Production & Team Leadership
Nicolas Doucet, a 20+ year veteran of Sony Interactive Entertainment, will guide attendees through the creative journey behind ASTRO BOT. From the initial pitch and early prototypes to level design and ensuring the game's appeal to both gamers and families, this session offers a comprehensive overview of the game's development.
2. Advanced Physics in 'ASTRO BOT'
- Speaker: Takumi Yoshida (Senior Game Programmer, Sony Interactive Entertainment)
- Track: Design, Programming
Takumi Yoshida will delve into the advanced physics technology that powers ASTRO BOT's immersive world. Learn how the PS5's processing power brings to life elements like shimmering gems, flowing water, and deformable balloons, all enhanced by haptic feedback for a truly engaging experience.
3. Rapid and Creative Gameplay Prototyping in 'ASTRO BOT'
- Speaker: Masayuki Yamada (Principal Gameplay Programming Lead, Sony Interactive Entertainment)
- Track: Design, Programming
Masayuki Yamada will explore the unique prototyping techniques employed by Team ASOBI. Discover how they efficiently created and refined the game's diverse power-ups, gimmicks, enemies, and interactions, each enhanced by animations, effects, sounds, and haptics.
4. Flex and Fun: Graphics Magic in 'ASTRO BOT'
- Speaker: Tai Yamaguchi (Principal Graphics Programmer, Team ASOBI, Sony Interactive Entertainment)
- Track: Programming, Visual Arts
Tai Yamaguchi will showcase the key graphics deformation techniques that bring ASTRO BOT's world to life. Learn about fluid effects using signed distance fields, a deformable water surface system, and a versatile model deformation system, all while maintaining a smooth 60fps performance.
Don't Miss This Opportunity!
GDC 2025 takes place from March 17-21. Grab your pass today and get ready to explore the magic behind one of 2024's top family games! For more information, visit the GDC website and follow #GDC2025 on social media.