How to Make a Successful Game Parody – Using The Witness and The Looker as Examples

Contents:

• An example of an unsuccessful parody from the past
• Parody and satire
• What makes parody attractive
• What makes a parody unsuccessful
• Basic principles of a good parody
• Result

In 2016, game designer Jonathan Blow, known for the successful game Braid, released the puzzle game The Witness. This project received many positive reviews and gained recognition among players. Almost six years later, indie developer and programmer Bradley Lovell released a parody of The Witness, called The Looker, available on the Steam platform. Like the original, The Looker takes place on a mysterious island full of secrets. However, the parody offers not only unique puzzles but also a lot of jokes, including cheeky comic moments and intertextual references to the original game. The Looker attracts the attention of lovers of both puzzles and witty humor, making it an interesting addition to the genre.

After the successful release, Bradley reflected on why there are so few high-quality parodies in the video game industry. At GDC 2023, he presented a talk on the characteristics of parody games. In his presentation, he highlighted the key elements that can attract players or, conversely, lead to a project's failure. Skillbox Media's Gamedev editorial team shares the developer's key findings.

The American programmer began his professional career in the video game industry, focusing on the development and prototyping of unique game mechanics. His experience in this field allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of game design and create innovative solutions for various projects. Inspired by the ideas from renowned developers at GDC, Bradley Lovell decided to move on to a more ambitious project. As he worked on prototypes of various game mechanics, scaling issues related to level design, sound, and other important aspects of game development began to emerge. These complexities required careful analysis and optimization to ensure a high-quality gaming experience. Bradley changed his approach and began developing the most unexpected and comical concepts. Over time, their number increased, eventually leading to the creation of a new prototype. The result of these efforts was the parody puzzle game The Looker. The game was released on Steam in June 2022 and received 97% positive reviews from users.

An example of a failed parody from the past

Creating parodies can end in failure. In 1996, the game Pyst was released, a parody of the famous point-and-click puzzle game Myst. This game later had a significant influence on the development of The Witness. Pyst used elements of the original, but turned them into a joke, which led to mixed reviews from critics and players. Despite this, Myst retained its popularity and continues to inspire developers to create new projects in the puzzle genre.

At the time of its release, Pyst was distinguished by its high production costs. The project used live action filming in FMV (Full Motion Video) format, which added to the appeal and uniqueness of the game. The screenwriter was Peter Bergman, founder of the famous comedy troupe The Firesign Theatre. The famous actor John Goodman was invited to play the main character, which also contributed to the popularity of the project. Below are shots with his participation.

Upon its release, Pyst received mixed reviews from critics and players alike. A reviewer for Electric Playground noted that the original game had a calming atmosphere, while the new version relied on farce and ignorance. A reviewer for PC Gamer, on the other hand, identified two main problems with Pyst: first, if viewed as a parody of Myst, there was nothing in the original that would be laughable. Second, he emphasized that Pyst isn't a full-fledged game, but rather "just a series of rendered slides that follow one another." These opinions highlight the differences between the classic Myst experience and what Pyst offers, which may leave fans of the original disappointed.

How did a promising parody featuring a star-studded cast fail and be forgotten, while The Looker, a low-budget project developed by a single indie developer, received overwhelmingly positive reviews? Interestingly, the reason for this contrasting reception may be related to differences in content creation approaches, originality of concept, and depth of character development. While the parody, despite its ambitions, could have fallen short of audience expectations, The Looker attracted attention thanks to its unique concept and creative execution.

Pyst's main problem wasn't the budget, scripts, or actors, but a misunderstanding of the structure of a parody game. To understand this, it's important to consider the definitions of parody and satire in general. Parody is a work of fiction that distorts the style or content of another work in order to ridicule or criticize it. Satire, on the other hand, uses humor to condemn social, political, or cultural phenomena. Understanding these concepts can help better appreciate how to properly create parody projects and avoid common pitfalls.

Parody and Satire

In the context of the gaming industry, parody is a unique form of humor in which the script and content are specifically designed to interact with the player. The main idea of ​​parody is that it relies on the author's intent rather than gameplay mechanics. For example, the game QWOP, which uses ragdoll physics, creates comical situations through its gameplay, but it cannot be classified as a parody. Parodic elements in games often include ironic references to other games, cultural phenomena, or genres, which makes them appealing to a wide audience.

Satire is a sharp analogue of parody. Using humor, the author exposes the original or highlights its weaknesses. The main goal of satire is to make the reader or viewer aware of the shortcomings, vices, or absurdity of certain phenomena, people, or social institutions. A satirical work can serve as a powerful tool for heightening public awareness and provoking dialogue about important issues.

Parody and satire serve as tools for subverting player expectations. This effect is achieved through exaggeration or inversion, which allows for unexpected moments and challenges standard notions of genre or gameplay. Using these techniques in content not only entertains but also forces players to rethink familiar rules and stereotypes, bringing variety to the gaming experience.

Exaggeration enhances the unique qualities of the original source, creating a comic effect. Inversion utilizes the original's characteristics but reverses them. Exaggeration can serve as a more critical tool for subverting expectations than inversion. This allows for a more vivid expression of the original and the creation of unexpected contrasts, making it suitable for a variety of formats, including parody and satire.

Ultimately, what's wrong with a logically sound joke that evokes a smile even if the original context is unlaughable? By approaching parody from this perspective, we can change the way criticism and compliments are perceived. Through this lens, satire can be seen as a unique type of parody in which expectations are consistently exaggerated rather than diminished. This approach allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of various forms of humor and their impact on public perception.

The classification between parody and satire can be too strict and not always reliable. Bradley argues that the difference between the two genres lies in their purpose, which can be perceived differently. Defining the line between parody and satire can sometimes be difficult. According to Bradley, satire is humor aimed at commenting on certain phenomena, while parody is commentary created for humorous effect.

What is the appeal of parody

After the release of The Looker, the developers were surprised by the fact that the game attracted the attention of viewers, regardless of their opinion of The Witness. This raised questions, since critics usually did not miss an opportunity to express their criticism. Why did they not issue negative reviews this time? Why did fans of the original not condemn the author? Interestingly, The Looker managed to find its audience, which testifies to the diversity of perceptions of games and their meaning for different players. Importantly, such instances highlight the uniqueness of the gaming experience and allow us to understand how various aspects of the game can influence the user experience.

The main appeal of parody lies not so much in the positive or negative perception of the original, but in the fact that viewers are confronted with references to episodes that they themselves noted in the original source. This evokes positive emotions and leads to a sense of unity with the content. For example, when watching streams of his game, Bradley noticed how streamers react to jokes in The Looker, emphasizing how accurately details of the original were captured. This identification with the source material makes the parody particularly appealing to the audience and creates a collective experience.

Many of the comic moments in The Looker rely on elements that have been underappreciated or underdiscussed in the Witness community. In this parody, players are given the opportunity to rethink these aspects and realize that they are not the only ones wondering about them. This creates a unique experience, allowing for a deeper understanding of the original and its hidden nuances that might otherwise go unnoticed.

While analyzing feedback for The Witness, Bradley discovered that the original's calm atmosphere left players confused. Many believed the game contained a jump scare, even though it didn't actually exist. In response, Bradley decided to add such an element to one of the locations. Players visiting this location will be able to see a ghost and a room containing a jump scare, earning them an achievement. This decision not only enhances the game's atmosphere, but also satisfies the expectations of players looking for unexpected moments.

An example is the parable of the shipowner, which was not widely discussed among fans of The Witness. However, this audio message made a strong impression on Bradley. He wondered how a simplified version of this parable could sound, giving it new meaning. As a result, the story received a new interpretation in The Looker.

Parody is not limited to creating jokes, even if they seem absurd. Canadian stand-up comedian Norm Macdonald emphasized that making people laugh and making them smile are two different approaches. Parody can serve not only as a source of humor but also as a means of criticism, allowing authors to express their opinions on social and cultural phenomena. In this context, parodic works become not only entertaining but also profound, forcing viewers to consider more serious issues.

In The Looker, many jokes are based on the concept of pathos, or false pathos. This technique involves contrasting lofty and profound themes with banal and meaningless elements. This combination creates a comic effect, forcing viewers to rethink familiar norms and expectations. Bathos becomes a tool for creating irony, allowing creators to address pressing social issues in a light and accessible manner.

The Witness is a mysterious game that immerses the player in a world of contemplation and exploration. Each time the player solves a puzzle or discovers new aspects of the plot, the game becomes even more intricate, prompting them to delve deeper into its meaning. Discussions around The Witness create an air of mystery, which is reinforced by abstract descriptions in popular video reviews such as "Unbearable" or "The Great Game You Shouldn't Play." Even the title—The Witness—is open to multiple interpretations, but none fully explains the game's events. This multi-layered structure makes The Witness a unique experience, attracting the attention of fans of puzzles and deep narratives.

The Looker is unlike other projects. The title has no deep meaning, and the on-screen actions are presented with a clear straightforwardness. It is this aspect that provides the game's main source of humor. Interestingly, this approach would be impossible without The Witness's uniqueness, which sets the tone and atmosphere. The Looker employs elements of parody, creating a comical effect through explicit depictions of events, making it distinct from other games in the genre. Many players appreciate The Witness for its ability to achieve unattainable heights, both in gameplay and in solving challenging puzzles. The game offers a unique experience, allowing players to immerse themselves in a world where every solution opens new horizons. In contrast, The Looker demonstrates its pointlessness, which can distract from the core gameplay and reduce interest. This contrast between the two games highlights how different approaches to design and gameplay mechanics influence player perception and their desire to explore game worlds.

What Makes a Parody Fail

There are many misconceptions about parodies that can lead to failure. One of the main myths is that a parody must be solely funny. In fact, a successful parody not only evokes laughter but also demonstrates a deep understanding of the original. Another common misconception is that parodies do not require originality. On the contrary, a quality parody requires a unique perspective on the source material to be engaging and relevant. It is also worth noting that many believe that parodies are intended solely for entertainment. In reality, they can serve as a means of criticism and social satire, allowing authors to express their opinions on various aspects of culture and society. Understanding these nuances will help you create more successful and memorable parodies.

• The belief that humor is the most important thing in parody. In fact, the author's main goal is not to make people laugh, but to establish a connection with the audience through the source material. And as a result of this process, humor arises on its own.
• The belief that parody is a form of humor that contains references to the source material. Parody is a creative approach to the source material, which already has a certain basis for jokes, even if at first glance the presentation seems serious. Alternatively, you can find something noteworthy in the genre itself or in the game, as noted above, and present this detail with humor.
• The belief that you should emphasize the superficial attributes of the source material instead of reflecting its essence.

At the end of Pyst, a glaring misconception is presented when Goodman performs the song I'm Pyst. This composition sounds like it was borrowed from a musical, which creates an interesting contrast with the overall style of the piece.

The lyrics contain references to the Myst game, but the main focus is on the negative emotions of John Goodman's character, who lists things that make him angry and irritated. These factors include a dead-end job and mass consumerism. During the conflict, even the character's girlfriend breaks a lamp, which emphasizes the tension in their relationship. The main idea of ​​Pyst is not to draw parallels with Myst, but to create burlesque and farce, accompanied by dynamic musical numbers. Similar elements can be found in cult films such as Blazing Saddles and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which adds depth and entertainment value to the work.

Pyst's screenwriter, Peter Bergman, had extensive experience producing theatrical comedy and understood the essence of parody well. However, the game's emphasis was placed more on show business elements than on gameplay. This approach became Pyst's main drawback, resulting in a lack of response from players.

The Basic Principles of Good Parody

In an interview, director Quentin Tarantino noted that when showing familiar elements to audiences, such as film genres or character designs, he strives to reinterpret them. While this approach may have lost its novelty over time, it remains relevant in the field of video game development. Rethinking familiar concepts allows for the creation of unique gaming experiences that attract and retain audience interest. Game developers can use this method to create original stories and characters, thereby enriching gameplay and opening new horizons for player interaction.

Bradley aimed to create The Looker not just as an entertaining game, but also as a unique puzzler, following Tarantino's principles. During development, he actively sought innovative gameplay ideas while respecting the limitations of game design. The Witness attracted players with its original approach to puzzles, and for The Looker, it was important to rethink the challenge mechanics. The goal was to convey the game's humor through the gameplay itself, not just through animation or scripted events. Thus, The Looker offers players not only entertainment, but also engaging challenges that make the gaming experience truly memorable.

Subverting expectations is a key element of parody. While it's easy to pull off at first, later attempts can prove more difficult. When a creator uses several jokes in a row, they lose their comic power over time. A successful joke requires creating a contrast that forces the viewer to react unexpectedly. Ideally, the player shouldn't have to guess when this unexpected turn will occur. Therefore, Bradley recommends maintaining an element of unpredictability to keep the player's expectations at their original level. This will maintain interest and make the parody more effective.

Bradley emphasizes that comedy projects have recently been losing their uniqueness. On forums, he has seen discussions where experienced developers advise newcomers to create funny games with cartoonish graphics and simple but fun gameplay. There is also an alternative approach to comedy games that intentionally uses poorly drawn or absurd elements to enhance the trolling effect. However, even if the content is humorous or created with minimal effort, it still requires contrast to achieve maximum impact.

Looker is also perceived as an example of trolling. However, the presence of controversial elements can be justified if they are structurally complemented by elements that create contrast. For example, The Witness features elegant and minimalist puzzle design that enhances the overall experience and draws the player in.

In The Looker, the player draws pixel strokes on panels, similar to Microsoft Paint. To solve the puzzle, like in children's educational magazines, the player must draw a line on a maze diagram, marking the path from the start to the finish. This mechanic creates a unique interaction with the gameplay, allowing players to be creative in solving problems and enjoy the atmosphere of the game.

Despite their unremarkable appearance, these boards immerse the player in the atmosphere of The Witness. Vibrant, low-poly stylized locations evoke nostalgia for the original work, and player expectations are once again raised to their original levels.

Value the player's time by offering a variety of rewards. This can take various forms, such as jokes, opportunities to explore locations, or thought-provoking content. It's important to create an atmosphere in which players feel their time is not only valued but also used effectively. This approach contributes to a better user experience and maintains interest in the game.

This rule is important not only in parodies, but it is precisely in this genre that it is most easily violated. This often happens when the author tries to emphasize a particular point or convey a certain mood. This can lead to a distortion of the essence and a loss of originality. It's important to remember that a parody must maintain a balance between humor and respect for the original to maintain its appeal and meaning. Using this principle correctly helps create high-quality content and avoid misunderstandings.

The Witness features hidden laser structures located in cubes that activate slowly. Bradley adapted this idea in his project The Looker, adding several new elements. Although the laser activation speed was also slow, the game managed to maintain player interest thanks to multiple activation stages, replacing the monotonous ninety-minute animation. This animated approach in The Looker creates the illusion that the player's time is being wasted, thereby enriching the gameplay and engaging the user in a unique experience.

It's important to consider player motivation. If a game engages a user, they will not only strive to complete it, but also to avoid missing important details. This encourages them to explore every corner of the virtual world, which makes the gameplay more engaging and rich.

In an interview with Game Developer magazine, game designer Soren Johnson, known for his work on Spore and the third and fourth parts of the Civilization series, noted that giving players a guaranteed chance of success leads to them "optimizing" for enjoyment, removing the fun from the gameplay. This means that if a game has a strategy that ensures quick completion or improved stats, but reduces the level of enjoyment, players will still use it. This behavior highlights the importance of balancing efficiency and enjoyment in game design, which can significantly impact the overall experience.

Game developers often face the assertion that the presence of interesting content is key to player engagement. If a game designer can convince players that they can find this content anywhere in the game world, they will begin to thoroughly explore each location. However, if players spend significant time searching without achieving satisfactory results, the responsibility falls on the game designer's shoulders. Introducing one-time mechanics can create a false impression of content, which ultimately leads to user frustration. It is important for game designers to consider this aspect and skillfully balance player expectations with the actual content of the game to avoid negative experiences and maintain interest in the product.

When creating parody, a game designer may be tempted to subvert player expectations. However, this can negatively impact the overall structure of the game, disrupting key principles of interaction with the game environment. It is important to maintain a balance between humor and playfulness to maintain audience interest and engagement. Proper use of parodic elements can enrich the gaming experience, giving it a unique feel, but it is important to keep the integrity of the gameplay in mind.

When developing the mechanics of The Looker, Bradley considered introducing hidden interactivity for some objects. Clicking on them with the mouse would disrupt the traditional perception of interactivity, where active elements are limited to those objects near which user interface elements are located. The introduction of such a mechanic would also be a nod to the point-and-click genre, adding an element of irony and humor to the game. This interaction would allow players to experience the game world in a new way and expand their understanding of game mechanics.

All of these benefits may be minor compared to the potential damage to the game's structure. If a player discovers such a secret, they will suspect that there are other clickable objects in the game world. Fearing missing out, they may begin to examine every object, wasting time. Similarly, if a game contains a fake wall with a hidden Easter egg, the player will intentionally check every wall in search of new content. This behavior can lead to frustration and a decrease in overall engagement. Therefore, it is important to consider the balance between secrets and the integrity of the game experience.

It is important to maintain certain player expectations regarding the outcome of actions. After performing an action, the player expects a cue that indicates the transition to the next step. If this does not happen, the player feels as if they have missed something. Instead of moving forward, he continues to explore the area in search of missing pieces. The Looker strives to provide such cues, but in one episode, this rule was broken. This highlights the importance of clear gameplay feedback to maintain player engagement and satisfaction.

In the labyrinth area, there is a book containing numerous puzzles. Solving all the puzzles will earn the "Student" achievement, but this will not lead to further events. The main purpose of this book is to teach and explain the logic behind the puzzles. After successfully completing all the tests, the player has the opportunity to go through them again at will.

This approach deprives the player of the usual feedback they expect from gameplay. Local mechanics have previously trained players to expect that solving a puzzle unlocks new boards or passages to the next area. As a result, some users kept resolving puzzles in the book in the hopes of activating something new. They would typically check to see if anything had changed after replaying the first few pages and, frustrated, would leave to explore other locations. This highlights the importance of feedback in games and the need to create mechanics that encourage deeper interaction with the game world.

Conclusion

Effective parody relies on several key elements. Important components include irony, exaggeration, and wordplay. These elements help create a comical and memorable plot that captures the audience's attention. A successful parody not only entertains but also offers a new perspective on the original material, highlighting its flaws or absurdities. Understanding these structural components helps authors create high-quality parodies that will be relevant and engaging to a wide audience.

The joke in a parody is formed through interaction with key references to the original source. This interaction is the foundation of humor, and a joke cannot arise on its own without using these references to justify it. Understanding the context of the original allows for the creation of a comic effect, which is what makes a parody recognizable and funny.

A parody emphasizes key aspects of the original game or genre while simultaneously satisfying the needs and expectations of players. It uses elements of recognition, which helps create a humorous context that maintains interest in the gameplay. It is important that a parody not only ridicules the original but also preserves its core mechanics, which makes it appealing to a wide audience.

A parody should retain an element of surprise. Avoid overusing jokes in your text, as this can diminish their comic impact. Include elements that contrast with the original to make the humor more vivid and unexpected. Understanding the balance between jokes and the main theme will make your parody more engaging and memorable.

In a state of enthusiasm, it's easy to disrupt the core structure of the gameplay, which can lead to users wasting time searching for unnecessary content. It's important to avoid overusing hidden mechanics and Easter eggs to avoid complicating the gaming experience. Focus on creating a clear and understandable structure that allows players to easily navigate the game and enjoy its content.

Finally, here are some personal recommendations from Bradley. These tips will help you better navigate current trends and make informed decisions. Pay attention to key aspects such as your target audience and the relevance of your content. Keep an eye on emerging trends in your field and adapt your strategies to stay competitive. Remember that constant self-education and analysis of results play a key role in achieving success.

• Choose a project that initially made a strong impression on you as a primary source.
• You yourself should like the gameplay of your future game.
• Come up with jokes that will make you laugh too.
• Make a game not for those who are simply chasing trends, but for those who enjoy the source material as much as you do.

If people appreciated the joke that Bradley worked on for 10 months, then it was worth it.

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Film language in game cutscenes: how video games are becoming like movies

Film language in game cutscenes plays an important role in creating an immersive experience for players. Using various techniques such as camera angles, editing, lighting, and musical score, the developers convey emotional depth and narrative nuances, making gameplay moments as expressive and immersive as possible.

One of the key aspects of film language is the creation of dynamic and realistic scenes that resemble films. This is achieved through carefully crafted set designs and detailed characters. Furthermore, professional screenwriting helps build tension and develop the plot, making cutscenes an integral part of the gameplay.

The parallels between film and video games are reinforced by the use of voice actors, adding depth to their characters. Musical themes chosen for cutscenes also contribute to the creation of the desired atmosphere and emotional background, similar to how this is done in film.

Thus, the cinematic language in video game cutscenes not only enriches the visual and audio perception, but also promotes deeper player involvement in the plot and world of the game. This makes the gaming process more engaging and memorable, bringing video games closer to the level of cinematic art.