How Long Did it Take to Make Undertale?
Undertale, a groundbreaking indie role-playing game, was first released in 2015 by developer Toby Fox. The game’s unique story, characters, and gameplay mechanics captivated millions of players worldwide, earning it widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. But what was the development process like for this game? How long did it take to make Undertale? Let’s dive into the details.
Conception and Early Development
Toby Fox, the solo developer behind Undertale, has revealed that the game’s idea was born out of his experiences playing other RPGs. In an interview with IGN, he explained: "I was playing Earthbound and Paper Mario, and I was just really impressed by how much detail and care was put into those games. And I was like, ‘You know what? I want to make something that’s similar, but with a twist’." Fox started working on Undertale in late 2012, with the aim of creating a game that would challenge conventional RPG norms.
Game Development Timeline
2012-2013: Conception and Early Prototyping
Fox spent the first year creating a rough prototype, exploring different game mechanics and storylines. He has stated that during this period, he was still "figuring out what the game is" and "experimenting" with different ideas.
2013-2014: Refining the Concept
In 2013, Fox honed in on the game’s core mechanics, including the "puzzle- battle" system and the ability to control the story through player choices. This period saw significant progress, but it was still a "slow, slow process."
2014-2015: Polishing and Bug-Fixing
As the game’s launch approached, Fox focused on refining the experience, fixing bugs, and adding new features. This period was marked by intense game development, with Fox working upwards of 12 hours a day, 6 days a week.
**Release and Post-Launch
Undertale was finally released on September 24, 2015. Despite being an indie game, Undertale received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its original storytelling, lovable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game has since sold over 2 million copies across various platforms.
Development Statistics
- Total Development Time: Approximately 3 years and 6 months from start to finish.
- Development Hours: An estimated 50,000-70,000 hours spent on the game by Toby Fox.
- Game Script: The game’s script is 200,000 words long, rivaling the length of some novels.
Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
Fox has spoken publicly about the challenges he faced during development, including burnout, bug fixing, and self-doubt. In an interview with Game Informer, he discussed the struggles he faced: "It was really hard, especially towards the end. I was like, ‘I’ve been working on this for so long, what if it’s just not good enough?’" Despite these challenges, Fox persevered, determined to create a game that would resonate with players.
Conclusion
Undertale’s development was a labor of love for Toby Fox, spanning over 3 years and countless hours of dedication. Despite the challenges he faced, Fox remained committed to his vision, crafting a game that would leave a lasting impact on the gaming world. As a testament to his hard work and perseverance, Undertale has become a beloved classic, inspiring a community of fans and inspiring developers around the world. So, how long did it take to make Undertale? Approximately 3 years and 6 months, a remarkable achievement for a solo developer with a vision to create something truly special.
Additional Facts and Figures:
- Platforms: Undertale was initially released on PC, but later ported to PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5.
- Music: The game’s soundtrack, composed by Toby Fox, features 101 tracks, with a total playtime of over 6 hours.
- Sequels and Spin-Offs: Although there is currently no official sequel, Fox has announced plans for a sequel, currently titled Deltarune, with a release window TBD.