OlliOlli Interview: How The Classic Skateboarding Video Game Is Making Its Way To PC And Consoles

OlliOlli is a skateboarding video game that was originally released earlier this year for the PlayStation Vita. The game will now be making its way to PC, MAC and Linux platforms next week followed by the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 versions in mid August. GamingBolt got in touch with Simon Bennett who is the owner of Roll7 Ltd, the developers of OlliOlli. We were able to ask Simon a variety of questions ranging from the lack of Xbox One version to an unannounced project they are working on. Check out Simon’s response below.

Rashid Sayed: OlliOlli will release or is already available on all major platforms. Is there a specific reason why you guys are skipping the Xbox One for now?

Simon Bennett: Never say never I guess! TBH it just wasn’t a priority, Sony have supported us on VITA then again on PS4 so we have been busy getting those working super tight before thinking about anything else. Now they are finished though – definitely watch this space!

Rashid Sayed: OlliOlli is almost synonymous with PlayStation. What is it about Sony that appeals to you or rather any popular indie developer these days?

Simon Bennett: I think that their approach has been so open and honest – we were given time in front of Shahid Ahmad when we had the most basic prototype on IOS. The support and terms they are offering are with a view to creating an eco system of ‘Sony first content’, I think we will see a number of studios that go on to be industry leaders as a result of early support from their strategic content teams in SCEE and SCEA.

With the PS4 they made a commitment to gaming, as opposed to other entertainment media – that really resonates with indies. Their Vita and PS4 consoles are amazing gaming devices first and foremost, throw in Vita TV and PlayStation Now and you pretty much have gaming covered!

"Both PS3 and PS4 versions are straight ports, the team have been working on fixing a fatal bug that existed in the Vita version – plus adding leaderboards."

Rashid Sayed: How will the PS4 version of OlliOlli differ from the PS3 SKU?

Simon Bennett: Both PS3 and PS4 versions are straight ports, the team have been working on fixing a fatal bug that existed in the Vita version – plus adding leaderboards. The rest of the Roll7 team have been working on an as yet unannounced project – it has been quite hard to keep a lid on it, everyone is SO hyped.

Rashid Sayed: Are you guys going to support cross save and cross buy?

Simon Bennett: Both Cross Save and Cross Buy – yep! Everyone that went out and bought the Vita version (which was tens of thousands more than expected btw) deserves to play it for free on their home console – it really does feel amazing on the Dual Shock 4.

Rashid Sayed: As someone who has worked across PCs and PlayStations, what is the one unique feature about that the PlayStation 4 that you appreciate the most?

Simon Bennett: This gen is all about sharing, we are super excited about the share button, and the difference that will make to score attack games like OlliOlli. We are really hoping to take advantage of this for our next title!

Rashid Sayed: What can you tell us about the release date of the PlayStation 4?

Simon Bennett: PS4 version we are hoping for a Mid August release, we are currently in submission – so a lot depends on this running smoothly!

"The PC ports to PC, Mac and Linux are FINISHED - the game is hitting steam on Tuesday 22nd July (my Birthday!). We worked with General Arcade based in Singapore – they have done an amazing job – above and beyond!"

Rashid Sayed: What are your thoughts about the PS4 API? Do you think it will improve during the console cycle?

Simon Bennett: I think its fair to say that the API is pretty strong, its far more straight forward than the Vita version – which is nice. Sony have been super forthcoming with developers around the API and implementation. I guess their biggest push was to get Unity and GameMaker integrated, which will be a big hand to smaller studios. We are actually using PhyreEngine on an unannounced title at the moment – with Sony’s direct support – it is great!

Rashid Sayed: How is the PC port coming along?

Simon Bennett: The PC ports to PC, Mac and Linux are FINISHED – the game is hitting steam on Tuesday 22nd July (my Birthday!). We worked with General Arcade based in Singapore – they have done an amazing job – above and beyond!

Rashid Sayed: What can you tell us about the PS4’s GPU? Is it powerful enough to last an entire generation, especially when PC GPUs are growing at a ridiculously fast rate?

Simon Bennett: I guess that all depends on how hard Developers are willing to push GPUs over the generation. It’s a pretty beasty processor – I reckon it will hold its own.

Rashid Sayed: What are your thoughts on the current resolution and frame rate debate? What do you personally prefer…a solid frame rate or a higher resolution?

Simon Bennett: Always start with a Solid frame rate, gameplay is king! Then push for resolution second. To be honest if you tested people on this kind of stuff – 99% of people would probably not spot the difference! Like MP3s / CD / Super Audio CDs.

Rashid Sayed: Furthermore, will OlliOlii run at 1080p and 60fps on the PS4?

Simon Bennett: Indeed it will! OlliOlli doesn’t really push the PS4 – but it does look gorgeous on a massive screen.

Rashid Sayed: Is there anything else you want to tell us about OlliOlli before we take off?

Simon Bennett: OlliOlli will be hitting Steam on the 22nd July 2014, then PS3 and PS4 mid August. For Vita owners, we finally bring you what you asked for – Leaderboard patch is coming in a couple of weeks! Keep an eye on www.roll7.co.uk and follow us @roll_7 for the latest news on OlliOlli and our latest title Not A Hero.

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