The Evolution of Promise Mascot Agency: From Concept to Reality
From Management Sim to Open-World Adventure
The early idea for Promise Mascot Agency was vastly different from the open-world detective adventure game it is today. Art director Rachel Noy wanted to create a management sim akin to Kairosoft’s management games, such as Game Dev Story, presented in pixel art. However, the team knew they wanted to do something bigger than a 2D game.
The Addition of a Mysterious Mascot Agency
Studio co-founder and game director Oli Clarke Smith added the idea of a mascot agency, played by Takaya Kuroda, the voice of legendary ex-yakuza Kazuma Kiryu from Sega’s Yakuza series, as an afterthought. Smith admits he added this character and vague premise to the pitch document, thinking they would change it later.
The Influence of Ikumi Nakamura
The game’s direction changed when the team received an email from Ikumi Nakamura, former creative director of Ghostwire: Tokyo, who was forming her own game studio, Unseen. Nakamura’s role was to provide a concept director, giving her free rein to come up with unusual designs that resulted in what could be described as an "art bible" for the game.
The Birth of Kasomachi
Nakamura’s influences on the game are evident in the main location, Kasomachi, an open-world town with a focus on the supernatural and urban exploration. Smith explains that the team originally expected to set the game in a city environment but Nakamura suggested a rundown, deserted town on the coast of Fukuoka. This change in setting informed the story, which is now about reviving a dying town and creating a world that can help people achieve their dreams.
The Mascots: Creepy and Grotesque
The mascots, inspired by yokai entities, are a crucial part of the game. They are not traditional, cute mascots but rather creepy and grotesque creatures, such as a severed tiny finger and a tofu that can’t stop crying. Smith notes that the team was drawn to the more unusual designs, which added to the game’s unique charm.
3D Models and Physical Comedy
The team decided to render the characters in 3D to showcase their physical comedy, which was essential for the game. Smith explains that they "needed to do 3D because the physical comedy of the mascots demanded it. We need to show mascots stuck in doors and falling down stairs."
Release Date and Demo
Promise Mascot Agency is set to release on PC, Switch, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on April 10, 2025. A demo is available now on Steam.
FAQs
Q: What is the premise of Promise Mascot Agency?
A: The game is an open-world detective adventure where you manage a mascot agency in a dying town, helping people achieve their dreams.
Q: What inspired the game’s setting?
A: The team was influenced by Ikumi Nakamura, who suggested a rundown, deserted town on the coast of Fukuoka, which changed the game’s direction.
Q: What kind of mascots can we expect to see in the game?
A: The mascots are inspired by yokai entities and are creepy and grotesque, such as a severed tiny finger and a tofu that can’t stop crying.
Q: Why did the team decide to render the characters in 3D?
A: The team needed to showcase the physical comedy of the mascots, which was essential for the game.
