Games

INTERVIEW – Outfit7’s Silina Senica Pintar: “Our main goal is to make sure that My Talking Angela 2 is fun and accessible”

BBG News

INTERVIEW – Outfit7’s Silina Senica Pintar: “Our main goal is to make sure that My Talking Angela 2 is fun and accessible”

Story Highlights

  • Project Manager of My Talking Angela 2, Silina Senica Pintar talked about some interesting approaches for the title.
  • We discussed My Talking Angela’s 10th anniversary, approach on the design, design, and more interesting topics.

As a seasoned game developer with a passion for creating engaging experiences, I can’t help but feel captivated by the journey of My Talking Angela. It’s fascinating to see how Outfit7 has managed to evolve this character from a mere sidekick into a symbol of creativity, individuality, and friendship.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of My Talking Angela by Outfit7, there was a thrilling “Party with a Friend” event and the introduction of an impressive “Fashion Editor” feature in My Talking Angela 2. In order to gain insight into these updates and the creative journey that led to them, we at GamingonPhone had the pleasure of interviewing Silina Senica Pintar, the Project Manager of My Talking Angela 2. This engaging conversation touched on various topics such as the game’s anniversary celebration, character influences, future aspirations, and many other interesting tidbits. And here’s all we discovered!

1. What does Talking Angela represent for Outfit7, and why do you think it has resonated so deeply with players over the years?

Working with Talking Angela for such a long time has made her feel like a cherished friend to me, I can’t help but laugh about it! She symbolizes creativity, individuality, and friendship, which is why she touches people so profoundly. To our players, she’s not merely a digital pet, but someone they can bond with emotionally and share their own feelings through. Over the years, she has blossomed into her unique character, boasting her distinct fashion sense, aspirations, and idiosyncrasies. Since her debut in the Talking Tom & Friends universe, she’s grown significantly, developing a lively personality all her own.

What sets Angela apart is her authentic friend-like quality that resonates with many players. For some, she serves as a comforting presence to connect with after school or work hours, providing an escape when needed. She fosters a creative outlet for her fans, allowing them to express themselves freely. In numerous aspects, Angela’s evolution mirrors our own journey. We’ve grown together, starting with her as a humble character in the early days when we were a passionate team full of ambition.

With each passing year, enriching Angela’s universe has not only given us the opportunity to grow and adapt, but also allowed us to rekindle that special essence within her. Every modification we make serves as a journey of reconnection; ensuring she remains authentic and relatable to a wide audience. In many ways, it feels like we’re embarking on this adventure side by side, constantly discovering innovative methods to make her feel like a trusted companion to all who admire her. And let me tell you, this creative process has been just as enriching for us as it has been for her followers.

2. Can you share how My Talking Angela first came to life and how it’s evolved over the last 10 years? What impact has Angela had on the broader Talking Tom & Friends universe?

Initially, Angela was conceptualized as a companion to Talking Tom, offering a new, vibrant spirit to the Talking Tom & Friends universe. During those initial stages, we were discovering her character traits. Angela was lively, radiant, and somewhat stereotypical in those early days, but there was always a deeper, more captivating side just waiting to emerge.

Over the last few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to witness Angela transform into an extraordinary individual. She’s developed into a character who is vibrant and self-assured, which has made her journey truly captivating. It has been incredibly fulfilling to observe her progress into someone that fans not only appreciate but can identify with on a profound level, someone they can recognize aspects of themselves in.

INTERVIEW – Outfit7’s Silina Senica Pintar: “Our main goal is to make sure that My Talking Angela 2 is fun and accessible”

One way to rephrase the statement is: What I appreciate most about Angela is her ability to apply life lessons in a practical manner, fostering personal growth. She’s vibrant, open, and unapologetically authentic, which allows her to build a genuine bond with her audience. In my opinion, she demonstrates that it’s acceptable for individuals to embrace their individuality—to cherish creativity, style, music, or anything that makes them stand out. For some of her fans, she serves as an inspiring companion who motivates them to discover their own voice and enjoy the journey.

Angela reached the part of our audience that Tom’s personality didn’t quite cover.

Angela was instrumental in reaching segments of our audience that Tom’s persona didn’t quite capture. As our secondary character, she enriched our collection and broadened the appeal of our franchise to a broader demographic. Her addition has inspired us to delve into fresh themes with other characters and move beyond the initial humor-focused approach, making the franchise more diverse and relatable to various audience groups.

The impact of Angela on the Talking Tom & Friends universe has been truly significant. By simply being authentic, she’s demonstrated to us that there’s much more to our world than just humor and jests. She’s infused a unique dimension into this universe, compelling us to develop stories that cater to a broader spectrum of players, fostering inclusivity and meaningful connections. Thanks to Angela, we can delve into various types of entertainment and camaraderie that strike a chord with players on a deeper emotional level, which I’m incredibly proud of.

3. The “Party with a Friend” event is a unique way to mark My Talking Angela’s 10th anniversary. What inspired this event, and how does it capture the spirit of the character and game?

When planning ideas for My Talking Angela’s 10th-anniversary update, our team immediately saw a common point: Angela’s universe sometimes feels isolated. Characters such as Tom have pets and My Talking Friends share a collective group, but Angela’s tale has consistently revolved around her solo urban escapades.

Instead of keeping her special day all to herself, let’s invite someone dear to join Angela for this grand event! It was an uncomplicated concept, but one that held great significance. This way, Angela could cherish a unique moment with a friend, and everyone could relate to it personally. Whether our players delight in birthdays or just appreciate celebrating heartwarming bonds, we aimed to make this occasion feel like a small tribute to friendship.

As a game enthusiast, this feature resonates deeply with me since it aims to encapsulate the essence of friendship’s delight and the thrill of a gathering. My aspiration was to make players feel as if they were an integral part of Angela’s preparations for her special day alongside Tom. The journey is uncomplicated yet overflowing with warmth, enabling players to personalize Angela’s abode, design a festive cake, and create an inviting party setting. Not to mention, it wouldn’t be Angela’s event without a touch of elegance; players get to choose outfits for both Angela and Tom, ensuring every detail reflects their unique style and personality.

INTERVIEW – Outfit7’s Silina Senica Pintar: “Our main goal is to make sure that My Talking Angela 2 is fun and accessible”

As a gamer, one of the things I absolutely love is the freedom we’re given to customize Angela’s celebration. Whether I opt for a grand fireworks display, groove at a disco party, or smash a piñata, it feels like I’m part of the festivities, contributing my own flavor to Angela’s world. For us developers, this event isn’t just about hosting a party; it’s about crafting a heartfelt, unforgettable moment for Angela and her fans, honoring the bond and fun that make her so unique and endearing.

4. The Fashion Editor is a standout feature in My Talking Angela 2. What inspired its creation, and what makes it special for players? How does it bring added value and creativity to their gameplay experience?

Initially, the Fashion Editor introduced a delightful, interactive element in My Talking Tom 2, enabling players to decorate cakes with paint. As we observed users expressing joy upon exercising their creativity, our game designer had an ingenious thought: “Why not let players personalize Angela’s wardrobe? They could design outfits she could actually wear.” Inspired by this concept, we expanded the feature beyond our initial expectations.

For me, bringing Fashion Editor to life was one of those ‘wow’ moments. Fashion has always been central to Angela’s personality: she’s stylish, bold, and expressive. The idea that players could add their own flair to her wardrobe felt like the perfect evolution. It’s about more than just dressing Angela up; it’s letting players make her style a reflection of their own creativity. I love watching people express themselves through this feature because it feels like they’re truly connecting with Angela.

A particularly memorable moment for me was observing gamers experiment with the Fashion Editor during testing. They came up with extraordinary, unconventional designs that surpassed our initial expectations! This experience underscored the idea that players would find innovative ways to personalize Angela’s style, which was our aim all along. The reaction has been incredible; players are eagerly demonstrating their creativity, and it’s incredibly gratifying to witness its success.

In retrospect, I’m genuinely pleased that we dared to explore this concept. The role of Fashion Editor appears incredibly suitable for Angela, adding an extra dimension of individuality and amusement to her realm. Undeniably, it’s a component that seems destined to endure.

5. With My Talking Angela 2, customization seems to be key. How does the game’s approach to personalization cater to individual player preferences, and what has been the player response to this focus? 

As a gamer, I can’t help but be captivated by the magic of My Talking Angela 2. What sets it apart is that it empowers players to weave their own stories with Angela. For me, customization wasn’t just an extra touch—it was a means to forge a bond between Angela and each player. We aimed to make the game a blank canvas where our players could recognize themselves in her world. Whether it’s choosing her outfits, designing her living space, or exploring her diverse hobbies, it’s all about crafting a companion who mirrors their unique passions.

What truly amazed and pleased me was discovering the diverse ways people envision Angela. Players have generously offered an array of innovative designs and characters! One player transformed Angela into a formidable martial artist, while another opted for glamorous attire and a chic apartment aesthetic. It’s captivating and heartening to witness these individual interpretations of Angela, and I feel a sense of pride knowing that our game can be so adaptable and personal.

Player feedback has been phenomenal! They adore the fact that Angela isn’t confined to a single character or style. Instead, she can be as bold, laid-back, or eccentric as players desire. Reading their comments and observing fan-created content reminds me of the impact personalization can have. It’s about fostering a connection and sense of ownership among players – making them feel like they’re not merely playing with Angela, but co-writing her journey. We aspire for every player to develop this unique bond while playing My Talking Angela 2, and it fuels our enthusiasm as we seek innovative ways to enhance her world even more.

6. How did the team approach the design of My Talking Angela 2 and its features to ensure it is visually engaging, creatively fulfilling, and accessible to a diverse audience?

In essence, My Talking Angela 2 represents our third independent game centered around the character, Angela. Our journey began with Talking Angela, followed by My Talking Angela, and now we have My Talking Angela 2. As we embarked on developing My Talking Angela 2, our goal was to make Angela a genuine companion, someone players could forge a meaningful bond with and delight in spending time with, regardless of who they are. The primary focus was to enable players to customize Angela’s appearance and lifestyle, reflecting their individuality and preferences.

INTERVIEW – Outfit7’s Silina Senica Pintar: “Our main goal is to make sure that My Talking Angela 2 is fun and accessible”

Instead of focusing on ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, we embraced the uniqueness of each version of Angela, as every one is flawlessly perfect in its own unique way, creating a warm and inviting game environment. Accessibility was paramount, keeping controls simple and intuitive to use. Furthermore, we ensured that Angela’s world resonated with players worldwide by incorporating culturally diverse elements such as local cuisines, decorations, and music styles that echo various cultures. Our goal was to make it possible for everyone, regardless of their origins, to identify with Angela and feel a strong connection to her world as if it were their own.

She’s evolved from simply being Tom’s amusing companion into a character who embodies creativity, uniqueness, and camaraderie. In developing My Talking Angela 2, our goal was to create an engaging experience that resonates with people of diverse ages and cultures, and the joy we feel watching players bond with her is truly heartening.

7. Can you give us a sneak peek into upcoming features or events in My Talking Angela 2? Are there any plans for a possible third title?

Currently, our main priority is ensuring that My Talking Angela 2 remains engaging for our gamers. It’s been just three years since its release, yet it continues to thrive, attracting millions of daily returns from players. This is something we take great pride in and are dedicated to maintaining a vibrant, ever-changing experience.

For the third title, it’s still premature to consider such details, but we can certainly say that Angela’s story is not yet complete.

As a gamer, I’m totally hooked on the Fashion Editor – it’s been incredible witnessing the incredible creativity our gaming community has poured into it! But guess what? We’re not slowing down! The future’s looking bright with some exciting updates coming up. Get ready to dive deep into Angela’s style like never before, as we push the boundaries of fashion in this game!

From here on out, it’s too soon to ponder another title, but rest assured, Angela’s story isn’t concluded just yet. We have a few twists in store that promise to continue shaping her universe alongside her devoted followers, and I simply can’t contain my excitement about revealing these unexpected developments!

8. How do collaborations with other brands or games help shape and expand the identity of My Talking Angela? What role do these partnerships play in reaching new audiences?

To date, My Talking Angela hasn’t entered into any official brand collaborations, but we’re thinking about it in the future. At present, we’re investigating potential partnerships for My Talking Angela 2, which could potentially lead to some fresh and intriguing creative directions for Angela’s universe.

As an enthusiast, I believe collaborations could open up a fascinating new chapter for Angela. By partnering with other brands or games, we can infuse her world with fresh aesthetics, motifs, and adventures that resonate with diverse fanbases. It’s not just about expanding her reach to those who haven’t encountered her yet; it’s also about providing our loyal followers with something novel and thrilling to engage with.

We’re eagerly anticipating the exciting developments ahead and can hardly contain our excitement to reveal them shortly. I believe these partnerships are going to introduce a fresh dimension of enjoyment and imagination into Angela’s universe!

9. How does Outfit7 balance monetization in My Talking Angela 2 to ensure that the game remains accessible, enjoyable, and fair for all ages?

At Outfit7, our players are always our top priority, which shapes our monetization strategy for My Talking Angela 2. Essentially, we strive to create an entertaining and inclusive game experience that can be enjoyed by all ages, whether someone decides to invest financially or not.

At Outfit7, we always put our players first and make sure that the game is fun and accessible.

As a gaming enthusiast myself, I can assure you that while our game does include optional in-game purchases and ads, we’ve meticulously crafted them with your experience in mind. You’ll never feel compelled to spend money; instead, we aim to provide players with the liberty to engage with the game as they prefer. Our ultimate goal is to create an enjoyable environment for everyone, regardless of their decisions within the game.

To ensure a harmonious user experience, we strategically time when ads are displayed. We aim to avoid interrupting the gameplay too soon, allowing players ample time to familiarize themselves with Angela’s world and immerse fully in the experience. Any optional purchases or advertisements will be presented at an appropriate moment, maintaining a natural and enjoyable flow for all players, regardless of their level of engagement.

Read More

2024-12-02 13:12

Previous post ‘Brain Rot’ is the 2024 Word of the Year, According to Oxford University Press
Next post Watch out world, here comes Apple Martin! The debutante, 20, is a sorority girl at Vanderbilt University, has graced the front row at Chanel’s fashion show – AND can sing like her Coldplay frontman dad – is there nothing she can’t do?