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The Verge
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Astro Bot's director on making a PlayStation icon
Astro Bot is filled with whimsy and silliness that makes you want to pay attention to the details. But in a presentation at this year's Game Developers Conference, director Nicolas Doucet shared one particular aspect of Astro the robot that I hadn't noticed but blew me away. Doucet talked about how Team Asobi worked hard to give the game a good tempo with things like enemy placement and how you can interact with Astro's spaceship with the DualSense's gyro controls on loading screens. One thing that kept the momentum going was Astro himself and how he shows his impatience. Doucet showed a video of one idle animation where Astro is hopping up and down on his feet and pointing forward, almost like a little kid that's demanding you go to the playground. It's adorable — and was added 'very, very late' in development, Doucet says when I chat with him a few weeks after the presentation. While a lot of games have characters simply breathing or looking left to right while they're idle, Team Asobi thought that it could do something a little more fun. Since the game is about rescuing characters, the team started to tie the animations to the idea of looking around, Doucet says. The team even reduced the amount of time it takes for the animations to show as a way to more quickly remind the player of the goal to find the bots. Doucet thinks of this as a subliminal way to put players in the mood to move faster. Astro actually originates from a 2013 PS4 pack-in game called The Playroom that used the PS4 camera. In that game, the robot is named Asobi, but he looks a lot like the charming Astro from Astro Bot: Asobi has big blue eyes and a cute, pudgy robot body. 'Back then, the design of the character came from two angles,' Doucet says. One was that the development team didn't have much time, so they went for a simple character design instead of a human that might require a lot of facial animations. But they also picked a robot because of where it would be making its debut: a preinstalled game on (at the time) new Sony hardware. When you think about Sony or PlayStation, Doucet says that there is an 'aspiration to the future' or something 'a little bit science fiction.' Team Asobi uses the term 'techno magic.' The robot's design came from that: 'we wanted the playful fun character, but also coupled with something really cool and futuristic.' The PS5 hardware and Astro might share a lot of similarities — white plastic with black parts and blue lights — but that's an accident, Doucet says. Instead, both the character designers and hardware team were following similar values. While it's flattering to hear that people treat Astro as PlayStation's mascot, Doucet says that wasn't the design team's original intention for the character. Instead, a mascot needs to be something that 'grows naturally' and something that the users decide or feel. That happens through repeated consistency and quality, Doucet believes. In retrospect, the awards for the game — including Game of the Year at The Game Awards — are well deserved, but the goal was primarily to put platformers and family-friendly games back on the map and release 'as good a game as we can.' Doucet used to look at renowned PlayStation studios like Naughty Dog (Uncharted, The Last of Us) and Santa Monica Studio (God of War), and think they knew some kind of 'black magic' that Team Asobi didn't. But following Astro Bot, the takeaway was that 'actually, it became the sum of lots of small things that are carefully made.' If the team keeps that consistency and makes sure that 'every bit' of the game is done as well as possible, then 'the sum of it ends up being high quality.' No wonder Astro is impatient to explore.
Engadget
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Engadget
Astro Bot is getting five new (and free) levels this July
Team Asobi is releasing five new levels for Astro Bot , and you can get all of them for free. The developer has announced that the brand new levels will drop on July 10 at 9AM Eastern time. Like the speedrun levels and the previous levels the developer released at no cost, the new ones will be part of the Vicious Void Galaxy. Four of the new levels are called Twin-Frog Trouble, Suck It Up, Handhold Havoc and High Inflation, but Team Asobi is keeping the last one a secret. Each one will come with its own Special Bot, including a "revengeful newcomer." The developer also hinted that finishing all five levels will lead to "something really cool." Astro Bot is a 3D platformer, wherein you control a small robot named Astro across levels set in different galaxies and planets. It features unique and creative uses of the DualSense controller, such as having to hold down the analog triggers and physically tilting the device in order to move Astro's spaceship. Team Asobi has released several free levels before these new ones since the game launched in late 2024, and so far, Astro Bot has over 90 levels that you can play. In addition to announcing the freebies at PlayStation State of Play, Team Asobi has also revealed that it's launching an updated version of the Astro Bot Limited Edition DualSense wireless controller later this year. The developer promised more details in the future, but for now, you can see that the controller will come with Astro's smiling eyes on its touchpad.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What to expect from Astro Bot upcoming massive update
(Image via Team Asobi) Team Asobi has officially unveiled a significant free update to keep the hype alive for the acclaimed Astro Bot. Arriving July 10, 2025, the update's substantial content drop comes with a promise of exciting new features and fresh challenges, extending the beloved adventure of the platform beyond the initial launch. Completionists can anticipate some new ways for testing skills and collectibles to be discovered. Here is all we know about what's coming next month. Five new challenge levels to arrive with Astro Bot update Prepare for a serious skill check as the new update landing on July 10, 2025, will introduce the five new challenge levels. It will significantly expand the Astro Bot Vicious Void Galaxy of the game. The stages titled—Twin-Frog Trouble, Handhold Havoc, High Inflation, Suck It Up, and High Inflation will be released along with the fifth mysterious secret level. All the levels demand mastery over the diverse abilities of Astro. Their clever names hint at unique gameplay twists the players will get to have in each of the environments. Team Asobi designed all the levels to push the players towards requiring sharp reflexes and Astro's moveset clever use. The successful conquering of all challenges in the expanded Vicious Void Galaxy boasts 90 planets and strongly hints at unlocking something special with the completion. The substantial addition even offers some significant replay value for the dedicated fans. Early footage revealed chaotic obstacles like the Astro flinging between the moving platforms, apart from dodging the suction-based hazards. Special bots and a Controller refresh Alongside demanding new stages, players will discover the fresh Special Bots that are hidden in the challenges. While their identities remain under wraps for now, Atsu from Ghost of Yotei is one of the confirmed guests. Expect more new and unique characters for the rescue, continuing the charming tradition of Astro Bot and featuring some beloved PS icons. ASTROBOT - July DLC - Official Announcement + ASTROBOT Dual-Sense Controller Update Beyond the digital realm, a refreshed piece of hardware too is coming soon. Sony has confirmed the updated version of the Astro Bot Limited Edition DualSense wireless controller. It will launch later in 2025. While it keeps the iconic robot design alive, it would add a joyful twist to the touchpad. No more details are available yet, but if it's even similar to the first edition, fans can expect some vibrant colors, playful Astro-themed accents, and more. Also, the return of the controller suggests that the popularity of Astro Bot is not fading, while the free updates are fun. Free content aims to keep Astro Bot adventure alive Since the September 2024 launch of Astro Bot, the game has thrived on some free expansions. With the new update coming in soon, the trend continues. The new levels would drop on July 10, 2025, with more challenges and bots to be discovered. So, whether you are a completionist or a speedrunner, there is plenty to justify having another dive within the vibrant world of Astro. Grab the DualSense. It's time to jump back into Astro Bot.
Sky News
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News
BAFTA Games Awards: Astro Bot tops leaderboard - with psychological horror close behind
Astro Bot was the big winner at this year's BAFTA Games Awards, taking home five prizes, including the coveted best game. The 3D platformer, which was launched to critical acclaim in September to mark PlayStation's 30th anniversary, was nominated for eight gongs, while Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, led with 11 nods. But in the end, the critics - some of whom had dubbed Astro Bot a "perfect game" - were right as it dominated the awards at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall. BAFTAs for audio achievement, game design, animation, and best family game completed the set for developers Team Asobi, who designed multiple galaxies and dozens of levels for the titular Astro to journey through, retrieving spaceship parts and rescuing lost robots. "We're a team based in Japan, but we have over 12 nationalities. We really mix it up and get ideas from everyone," Nicolas Doucet, president of Team Asobi, told Sky News. "We do a lot of jokes in the game, but the joke has a different meaning depending on where you are in the world. So it's really, really nice to go around and ask everyone 'is that joke fine in your country?' And then together we come to a kind of universal playfulness." It's a very different atmosphere than that generated by British psychological horror Still Wakes the Deep, which won three awards for best new intellectual property and best supporting and leading roles. Compared to John Carpenter's 1980 sci-fi horror The Thing but on a Scottish oil rig, the game sees players take on the role of an electrician trapped on a damaged facility while being pursued by monsters. Developer The Chinese Room has been praised for using home-grown talent to voice the characters, including comedian and actress Karen Dunbar, who picked up best performer in a supporting role for voicing Finlay. "I've been nominated for quite a few BAFTAs in my time in Scotland, and I've never won one," said Dunbar. "It was such a great category, so many great performances. When they shouted my name, I think I started clapping for someone else!" Meanwhile, best multiplayer game went to Helldivers II - a satirical, sci-fi shooter that sees players fight bugs, aliens and robots with the gumption and gullibility of the characters in Paul Verhoeven's Starship Troopers. It has gained a cult following since launching in February 2024 with so much initial interest it created server problems. "Games for me are about connecting people and forging those bonds of friendship and the multiplayer award is exactly what it stands for," said Johan Pilestedt, chief executive of Arrowhead Game Studios. From outer space to a fictional Yorkshire town called Barnsworth. Thank Goodness You're Here, a cartoonish, comedy platformer, won Best British Game. Like Still Wakes the Deep, it has won praise for the authenticity of its actors and setting. " I think it's been a real privilege to be able to represent Barnsley on the silver screen," said Will Todd, who is from the town and one of two game designers behind the project. Co-creator James Carbutt added: "Me and Will wrote everything in our tone of voice, quite literally. The further along development we got, the more we lent into it. I think the voices from different parts of the UK and different voices in gaming are super important, and hopefully we're one of them." By the time the BAFTAs wrapped up, Senua's Saga: Hellblade II was only handed one of the 11 BAFTAs it was nominated for, technical achievement. But developers Ninja Theory are already adding this year's win to a tally of five BAFTAs they were awarded for the first game in the series, which created a protagonist with psychosis by drawing on clinical neuroscience and the experiences of people living with the condition.
BBC News
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bafta Games Awards 2025: Astro Bot wins top prize
Astro Bot has been named best game at this year's Bafta Games 3D platformer, starring the PlayStation mascot character, won five awards in total at the prestigious ceremony in director Nicolas Doucet dedicated the biggest prize of the night to developers who "had "inspired others to join the industry"."They give us the energy, the passion and the will to become magicians," said the head of Sony-owned studio Team Asobi. It was a good night overall for Sony as its other big 2024 hit, Helldivers 2, picked up two awards for best multiplayer and squad-based shooter was a surprise hit when it was released, and its makers had to race to boost server capacity to meet early demand. Accepting the multiplayer award, Johan Pilestedt, chief creative officer at developer Arrowhead, said players had reached out to him to say Helldivers 2 had reconnected them with gamer friends from 10 to 15 years ago. "That's such an honour," he told the crowd at Queen Elizabeth Hall on London's South Bank. Thank Goodness You're Here! - a comedy cartoon game made by two friends from Yorkshire - won the award for best British is set in the fictional northern town of Barnsworth, heavily inspired by developers Will Todd and James Carbutt's home town of Barnsley in South quirky title features voice performances from the pair, as well as actor Matt the prize, the two friends said: "We hope this inspires you to tell your own story in your own voice without compromise." The Bafta Games Awards, which launched 21 years ago, have earned a reputation as causing major 2023, Vampire Survivors, a game made by a tiny British team, beat Sony's big-budget blockbuster God of War: Ragnarok to bag the best game had tipped Balatro - the poker-inspired card game made by an anonymous, lone developer known as LocalThunk - to pip Astro Bot to the award this it was Astro Bot's night, with the game winning best animation, audio achievement, family game and game design - as well as best game. Balatro did, however, win best Ben Starr, accepting the award on the developer's behalf, approached the stage in make-up and a jester's hat - an outfit inspired by the game's character the speech, he joked that developer LocalThunk was "really rich now" and urged the audience to "play more independent games... they are the lifeblood of this industry". Legendary composer Yoko Shimomura accepted the Bafta fellowship in recognition of her contribution to best known for her work on the Kingdom Hearts series, from Japanese publisher Square Enix, she recalled how she had "felt like giving up" on her work many times."The fact I am standing here at all is no thanks to my own efforts, but to the people who have supported me," she said in her acceptance speech."I feel if the music I have made has resonated with one person and touched their hearts in one way, it was worth it." Meanwhile, Still Wakes the Deep - a horror game set on a Scottish oil rig in the 1970s - swept the lead and supporting performance categories, and was also named best new intellectual Abubakar Salim, known for performances in Assassin's Creed and HBO's House of the Dragon, gave an emotional speech as he collected the games beyond entertainment award.A keen gamer, he set up his own development company and its debut release, Tales of Kenzera: Zau, was inspired by the grief he felt at the loss of his Saga: Hellblade II, which went into the ceremony with 11 nominations, went home with just one award: technical achievement. Bafta Games Awards 2025 - the winners in full: Animation: Astro BotArtistic achievement: NevaAudio achievement: Astro BotBafta fellowship: Yoko Shimomura (composer)Best game: Astro BotBritish Game: Thank Goodness You're Here!Debut game: BalatroEvolving game: Vampire SurvivorsFamily game: Astro BotGame beyond entertainment: Tales of Kenzera: ZAUGame design: Astro BotMultiplayer: Helldivers 2Music: Helldivers 2Narrative: Metaphor: ReFantazioNew intellectual property: Still Wakes the DeepLeading performance: Alec Newman as Caz in Still Wakes the DeepBest supporting actor: Karen Dunbar as Finlay in Still Wakes the DeepTechnical achievement: Senua's Saga: Hellblade II
