A Cinematic Collaboration with Studio Massket

Orbitals made an immediate splash during last year's Game Awards, captivating audiences with its striking anime art style and high-energy soundtrack. Developed by Shapefarm and published by Kepler Interactive—the powerhouse behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33—this co-op platformer adventure is aiming for something special.

To achieve an authentic anime atmosphere, the developers have collaborated with Studio Massket. The Japanese animation studio is renowned for its work on iconic series such as Attack on Titan, as well as titles like Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker and Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time.

By partnering with Massket to craft all of the in-game cutscenes, Orbitals successfully bridges the gap between animation and interactive media. After spending an hour with the title, it is clear that the game truly feels like a playable anime.

The Vision Behind Orbitals

The development of this new IP was driven by a desire to create original worlds inhabited by stunning anime characters. The project is built upon two primary design pillars:

  • Retro Anime Aesthetic: Capturing the specific look and storytelling of classic animation.
  • Co-op Gameplay: Utilizing asymmetrical design to test player coordination.

The team's goal extends beyond mere nostalgia; they want to evoke the feeling of sitting at home watching anime as a child. Creative director Marcos Ramos even joked about this streamlined focus, stating, "Other games have three pillars, we have two—more efficient."

Co-op Innovation and the Legacy of Hazelight Studios

The gameplay loop in Orbitals focuses heavily on communication and emergent, fun moments through asymmetrical design. This approach follows the rising trend of successful co-op-only titles like Hazelight Studios' It Takes Two and Split Fiction.

Game director Jakob Lungdren is well-versed in this genre, having previously served as a level designer for Hazelight Studios. His expertise helps ensure that the gameplay mechanics are as polished as the visual presentation. With such a pedigree behind its development, the path toward a standout co-op experience seems inevitable.