At Gatsby Games, our titles begin long before the first line of code. We start with conviction and a set of design values that shape every world we build. Whether you’re exploring our early prototypes or just getting to know us, these pillars define what it means to make a “Gatsby Game.”
These aren’t just guidelines, they’re a manifesto in motion.
Narrative-First Thinking
Story isn’t the wrapper, it’s the whole dang architecture.
We don’t layer stories on top of mechanics. It’s something we build from the ground up. Narrative informs everything. The world, the systems, the way players move through space and time. Meaning comes first.
Genre Fusion by Design
New gameplay emerges when old rules collide.
We don’t want to replicate what’s come before. We fuse genres intentionally. We blend strategy with chaos. Elegance with grit. We aim to create gameplay that feels both familiar and uncanny.
Systems that Empower Players
We build for agency, not obedience.
Player agency isn’t a feature. It’s a foundation. Whether through choice-driven progression or open-ended exploration, we build systems that trust players to lead, not follow.
Worlds with Intent
Every game begins with a question worth answering.
We don’t make games in a vacuum. Every Gatsby Game is born from a central idea; a question, a challenge, a cultural thread. Our goal is to leave players thinking long after the credits roll.
Looking Ahead
Our in-development concept, WOA: War of Art, explores a world where creative expression becomes revolution. While early in its journey, it already serves as a proving ground for the design principles outlined here, principles we’ll continue to evolve with each project.
In future posts, we’ll explore how these pillars manifest across our titles, from early concept notes to playable prototypes.
Join the Conversation
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