This extensive interview delves into the mind of Christopher Ortiz, creator of the critically acclaimed VA-11 Hall-A, and offers a glimpse into the development of his upcoming title, .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND. Ortiz discusses the unexpected success of VA-11 Hall-A, its merchandise, and the challenges of managing a growing fanbase. He also shares insights into his creative process, inspirations (including a deep dive into his love for Suda51 and The Silver Case), and the evolution of Sukeban Games.

The interview covers a wide range of topics, including:

• The journey of VA-11 Hall-A: From its initial low sales expectations to its massive success and global merchandise presence, Ortiz reflects on the game's unexpected trajectory and the emotional impact of its reception in Japan. The abandoned iPad port is also addressed.

• Team dynamics and collaborations: Ortiz discusses the growth of Sukeban Games, highlighting key collaborators like MerengeDoll (artist) and Garoad (composer) and their contributions to the unique aesthetic and musical identity of VA-11 Hall-A.

• Merchandise and fan engagement: The interview explores Ortiz's involvement in merchandise creation and his aspirations for future VA-11 Hall-A and .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND merchandise.

• Inspirations and influences: Ortiz reveals the profound impact of artists like Gustavo Cerati and Meiko Kaji on his work, as well as the influence of games like Parasite Eve and The Silver Case. He also discusses his evolving approach to inspiration and his thoughts on cultural appropriation.

• .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND: The core of the interview focuses on Ortiz's new project, .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND. He details the game's development, its visual and gameplay inspirations (drawing parallels to Vagrant Story), and the team's approach to balancing accessibility and action-oriented gameplay. He also discusses the positive fan reception and the creation of the main character, Reila Mikazuchi.

• Future plans and outlook: Ortiz discusses Sukeban Games' future plans, including self-publishing on PC and seeking partnerships for console releases. He also shares his thoughts on the current state of indie games and his anticipation for upcoming titles.

Throughout the interview, Ortiz provides personal anecdotes, offering a candid and insightful perspective on the challenges and rewards of independent game development. The conversation concludes with a discussion of Ortiz's coffee preferences and a promise of a future interview focusing on The Silver Case.