GameCity '07: Rare talks Viva Piñata

The UK-based development team behind the 360 game explain how they came up with the idea to feature piñatas, and who did all the animal noises...

NOTTINGHAM--Viva Piñata evolved into the colourful, visually striking game it is because it was originally going to be released as a mobile phone game, Rare told attendees at Nottingham's GameCity event. Concept artist Ryan Stevenson showed the audience the screens from the original version, and said that although they successfully did what Rare set out to do, it just didn't excite them much.

Stevenson also explained how he came to the idea of using piñatas in the game. He said, "I looked at a variety of different things, including aboriginal art--I really liked the patterns, cave paintings, African sculpture animals, and the Mexican day of the dead festival." When he looked at the original drawings based on these influences they reminded him of something--a piñata he'd seen in a Mexican restaurant in New York.

Stevenson thinks it's important to do things this way as a concept artist. He told the audience that he thinks it's best to start with a clean slate, and avoid being influenced by other games and versions. Otherwise artists will just end up with a watered-down version of what they're emulating.

He also revealed that the Rare team became rather obsessed with the game during development. He said, "At the time we had a list of 140 animals and one of the designers had a board up with all the names and how they linked like a mad underground map...We even concepted what the game disc was going to look like. That's how obsessed we became."

He also let slip how a lot of the sound effects were made in the game. He laughed, "A lot of the noises are members of the team being put in a studio and told to do things like quack like a duck. It was lots of fun."

Of course, that game was only the beginning for the Viva Piñata franchise. Stevenson said, "It's a big IP--and it's only just beginning for us. We think it's got legs." Merchandising will follow, with piñata-themed toys going on sale in the US and UK, a cartoon which is currently being shown on the 4Kids TV network in the States, Viva Piñata: Party Animals coming out on the Xbox 360 for the holiday season, and a Nintendo DS version of the original game in the works.

55 Comments

  • Genesis14

    Posted Dec 4, 2007 2:31 am PT

    yeh this was a cool little presentation on viva pinata I was there nere the back listening to the guy talk, It was a laugh some of the time and I am looking forward to the DS version of the game myself ^^

  • MasterKakashi

    Posted Nov 19, 2007 3:53 pm PT

    I've been a huge fan of the company since I was little, way back when the '64 and S. Nes had just begun hit the market, their innovative games stole my heart away. From the bird-totting Banjo to the banana junkie Donkey Kong...Rare is nothing short of amazing. All of their games hold true to the word 'fun'. I've never thought a Rare game will/would disappoint me. I will aways stay true and always believe in the company I can't live without...LONG LIVE RARE! Don't ever give up!

  • Zerosumgame

    Posted Oct 29, 2007 8:07 pm PT

    This game is overcute.

  • Devvy01

    Posted Oct 28, 2007 9:44 pm PT

    sounds like a fun game, where's my stick?

  • Nintendo_Man

    Posted Oct 28, 2007 4:47 pm PT

    I think it is vital for the game to sell on the DS, then you can call it a big IP.

  • V-Nine

    Posted Oct 28, 2007 12:37 pm PT

    This game can't be all that bad since it refuses to die...heck I even watch the cartoon (it refuses to die also).

  • Betaslayer

    Posted Oct 27, 2007 8:41 pm PT

    I still play viva pinata on 360 all the time, I just wish more ppl would understand colorful games can be for teens and adults. I mean this game would most likely overwhelm a small child when u rly think about.

  • Lanowar

    Posted Oct 27, 2007 3:42 pm PT

    Viva Pinata? More like Video Game crack! I remember putting it in my tray at like 8 PM Christmas day going "I'll just have a go" then realizing it was 2 AM in the morning . The game is nothing short of addictive.

  • sidious

    Posted Oct 27, 2007 1:52 pm PT

    I am a huge fan of the original Viva Pinata game and it makes me sad that it didn't hit the market in a huge way. I'm glad they haven't given up on the IP yet, but I hope they don't deny the fans a true sequel eventually, even if they have to release it for the Wii as well to recoup some costs. I'd still by the 360 version of said sequel, especially if they enhance the online features (ala letting us visit each others gardens or co-op a garden...). It is cool to see the franchise spin off into party games, or racing games or whatever... just don't go to long without taking a chance on a true sequel. Yes, some improvements could be made to the formula, but the core experience is strong and the franchise could still grow with enough support.

  • okassar

    Posted Oct 27, 2007 1:13 pm PT

    Lol, Viva Pinata owns any "casual game" for the Wii.

  • ardandil

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 7:27 pm PT

    yo pienso que viva piñata rulea!!!

  • MasterChief725

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 5:42 pm PT

    Rare....is awesome...Viva Pinata...is awesome.....Banjo-Kazooie and Perfect Dark.....are REALLY awesome! Go Rare!

  • polsci1503

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 4:13 pm PT

    i'd like to see a proper sequel with different pinatas. It would be cool if you could wander past your own patch a bit and get close to the outer buildings.

  • lamprey263

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 1:40 pm PT

    @Akillathenun - plus, DS lovers may like Viva Pinata so much they'd be willing to pick up an X360, maybe

  • aka1986

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 1:17 pm PT

    they can't do 007 because i think activision has to rights to that now. but they should release banjo news and make a worthy PD sequel true to the n64 title.

  • Akillathenun

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 12:53 pm PT

    "I'm confused. How can Rare make games for the DS if they are owned by Microsoft?"

    Microsoft make money from each Rare game, and since they would make more money from 360 games being sold (licensing), than Wii/ PS3 games (no payment for making game disks, etc), but they have no handheld, so it makes sense for them to release where there is no competition to make 'some' money, rather than not getting any at all

  • the_monkey_god

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 12:22 pm PT

    Viva was good but it got old rather fast. They should go back a do a better perfect perfect dark game. Because Zero was horribly bad. A new conker would be great or even a new bond!

  • MrSickVisionz

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 12:20 pm PT

    I think they are only 2nd party with MS. With some IPs being partly owned by MS and others belonging to Rare.

    I remember when I bought my N64 solely because of Rare games and they were a company that always made really good games. Now they're just another developer... who makes mediocre titles or good games in genres i'm not interested in.

  • kavadias1981

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 12:14 pm PT

    I'm confused. How can Rare make games for the DS if they are owned by Microsoft? Someone answer please.

  • SmArTaLeC1321

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 12:14 pm PT

    Ya i rather have any other of their titles like a new Perfect Dark, Banjo, or Conker!!!!!!!!

  • LordGamer0001

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 11:45 am PT

    viva pinata has been attracting me with its bright colors and what not. maybe i should try it out.

  • arc_salvo

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 11:41 am PT

    I like what Rare is doing for Microsoft, and I'll admit that if I like any of the Big 3 game developers, it's Microsoft... but I still think that Rare would be better off as a Third Party able to develop for Nintendo or actually being owned by Nintendo itself. There's just too much good history between Rare and Nintendo to just dismiss out of hand.

  • GreasyFetus69

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 11:39 am PT

    I want a new CONKER!!!!!

  • darknferno12

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 11:36 am PT

    obsession isn't a good thing but for people making my games obsession (on a game) is great, it's nice to see the developers getting into the game so they'll actually make a good game and I never played Viva Pinata but now i think i'll buy it.

  • Generic_Dude

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 11:36 am PT

    We need DLC... more pinatas, buildings, goals and achievements, please!

  • Chris_Potter

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 11:31 am PT

    Where's my Pinata 2, Rare?!

  • zgreenwell

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 11:05 am PT

    Viva Pinata is a great game, and as much as I love it on the 360 the DS version is where this game really feels right. Being able to take it with you is a big enough advantage, but the touch controls would suit this game really well. I'm looking forward to it.

  • PlasmaBeam44

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 10:54 am PT

    Rare pretty much WAS my childhood. There games on the N64 are some of my favorites.

  • 3KindgomsRandy

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 10:51 am PT

    You know what'd be really great? If Rare made a new Perfect Dark game that was worth a damn. The first one was, as the name implies, perfect (well almost).

    That aside, I love Viva Pinata and hope there is a sequel in the future.

  • zeecorner

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 10:48 am PT

    Game was amazing, too bad not that many people played it...
    Sometimes I wonder whether Rare was a good fit for Microsoft, probably should have spent that money on Bioware or Irrational or something...

  • caybeirwouleyfe

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 10:48 am PT

    thrashunreal, I think Rare would have left MS to become a third paty (just for the sake of making nintendo games) a long time ago if they couldn't make DS games. Deep down inside I think they miss nintendo and they want to make a Wii game.

  • thrashunreal

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 10:23 am PT

    "Thsi game screams Wii, MS needs to let Rare do it."

    I've been thinking that all along. My god. It'd be beautiful on the Wii.

    But seriously. I wish Rare would stop talking Viva Pinata and start talking Banjo-Threeie... or talk signing off of MS and signing back with Nintendo. That'd be great. NINTENDO NEEDS A NEW GOOD DONKEY KONG GAME!!

  • aisufi

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 9:37 am PT

    this game really is a cool game. really

  • kori911

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 9:31 am PT

    Thsi game screams Wii, MS needs to let Rare do it.

  • Maxdriva

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 9:27 am PT

    viva pinata + DS = $$$$$

  • Warfust

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 9:26 am PT

    I may pick up the DS version when it comes out.

  • drangel_jam

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 8:42 am PT

    The whole thing has quality, even the anime series, however, it lack a little bit of charisma, maybe it's because I'm not into children's cartoons.

  • xxxWigginsxxx

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 8:35 am PT

    I really enjoyed this game as well. I'm 23 and found this game to be very addicing. It's one of those games that didn't really sell well and make a mainstream splash, but is actually a really good game.

  • EXxile

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 8:24 am PT

    This game was actually a great game. Indeed, I did feel a little wierd when i first started playing it, but I adapted. Its a shame alot of people didn't get to realize that due to their "its a kids game" ideal. In my eyes, Its too complex to be a child's game, and the graphics are beautiful.

  • Pfilosophy

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 7:44 am PT

    Bring on boatloads of VP, I don't mind one bit!

  • ebookerd1

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 7:39 am PT

    I have an appreciation for this game I really enjoyed it a lot personally. It just allows the 360 to reach more people and that is what really counts. better games for everyone. I want this franchise to go on for a long while. Like Mario.

  • pigfish2

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 6:49 am PT

    i see it as a good franchise for all ages but the game could be to hard for kids so I wouldn't call it kiddy

  • FlashCharge

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 6:46 am PT

    It is a very kid friendly game and could be a great educational game if taken in the right direction. Parents would be more willing to go this video game route and it is a direction that xbox should pursue. it would expand their market.

  • carljohnson3456

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 6:28 am PT

    Viva Pinata was ok. I didnt like it like I thought I would.

  • club-sandwich

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 5:42 am PT

    damn, I want some Banjo 3 news

  • sprsnc24

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 4:56 am PT

    I love Viva Pinata, and I'm glad that Rare is finally starting to regain the recognition they had back in the N64 days, but I want some more Banjo-Threeie news, dammit!

  • Lord_Artix

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 4:43 am PT

    It's cool that the 360 got a title that's family friendly, but imo this game really would have fit better on a Nintendo system. The DS outing should do good things for this franchise.

  • JustWiicredible

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 4:15 am PT

    Nice to see orginal family IPs on the 360. Gamers don't just want play FPS and Driving games.

  • Sagacious_Tien

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 4:05 am PT

    I love this game - and I sincerly hope more is on the way.

  • SpigleyMcCheese

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 3:56 am PT

    You have to love a game which can make you say the word "Bunnycomb" without feeling like a prat.

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