It’s been quite a year for Secret 6, as we started with new beginnings, new adventures, new offices, and new projects, all with the same burning passion for the games we love. Join us as we look back on our journey in 2023.
Forging A New Chapter
We've always been passionate about propelling game development forward, and this year marked a remarkable leap on that front. In January, Secret 6 joined the Catalis Group, a dynamic global video game and entertainment conglomerate based in the UK. This partnership not only lets us tap into the extensive services, expertise, and global business networks of Catalis but also plays a part in bringing Catalis to expand their business to art production, having their first location in Madrid, and Manila as their first presence in Asia. Our collaboration led to the expansion of our QA services and the addition of new clients to the Secret 6 family. It's just the start of our journey with Catalis, and we're eagerly anticipating more great things ahead.
Following extensive planning and preparation, both the Manila and Madrid studios transitioned to new offices. These spaces are now furnished with updated workstations, high-end machines, meeting rooms, and various amenities.
Workstations from our Manila and Madrid offices
"Being in the office improves my focus and provides a space where I can minimize external distractions. Additionally, having my colleagues nearby makes it easier to ask questions and resolve issues more efficiently. Going to the office fosters a sense of integration within the team for me.”
“I like coming into the office for a change of scenery. Sometimes it’s hard to focus working from home for so long, being in the office a few days a week helps me pace myself.”
The new office spaces have significantly boosted our productivity, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment for our team, and ultimately enhancing our overall output.
Crafting Together
From 8-bit pixel games to lifelike 3D worlds of the modern era, the true constant in the game industry is the evolution of technology. We join our clients in pushing the boundaries of game development. To do that, we take the time to improve ourselves and plan timely training sessions to sharpen our skills and expand our repertoire.
A sneak peek at our art team's various training sessions involving concept and 3D art
Aside from cultivating our technical art skills, we also take time to nurture our creativity by hosting art jams. This year, we had 3 amazing art jams, each with unique twists.
In March we had the Mech Art Jam where our artist created unique humanoid and animalistic mobile suits.
“I was able to explore and improve my mecha design. It was also good illustration practice and I learned a lot on how to render the materials I wanted for my mech.”
We had the Lofi-July Art Jam in, you guessed it, July. Participants showcased their favorite cozy spaces in the rainy season with striking animations paired with their choice of music.
In October, we jumped in on the spirit of Halloween. This time, we added a bit more spice with an art jam titled Shop of Horrors. Here, we created strange and spooky items that they envisioned would be in a bizarre shop of knick-knacks.
In the final stretch of the year, our engineers organized a game jam utilizing the Godot engine. The chosen theme for this jam was "Classic With A Twist", which challenged the participants to reimagine classic games such as Doom, Metal Slug, and Contra. Each participant was assigned a classic game and tasked with infusing their own unique twist into it. This game jam proved to be an exciting opportunity for our engineers to showcase their talents and creativity in programming and game design.
Shots from the Godot Game Jam presentation
By dedicating time to training and conducting game and art jams, we are investing in our growth as individuals and as a creative community. These events provide us with a venue to come together as a team, collaborate, and pursue purposeful growth. Additionally, they provide opportunities for us to immerse ourselves in a supportive and inspiring environment, where ideas flow freely and creativity knows no bounds.
Our Evolving Portfolio
In 2023, our portfolio expanded with the addition of several exciting projects, each contributing to the diverse landscape of our game development expertise. As we delve into the highlights, we'll shine a spotlight on the key services that played pivotal roles in crafting some of our most high-profile games.
Visual Effects
In recent years, we've invested significant efforts in enhancing our VFX capabilities to reach AAA levels. This year, we proudly present our contributions to two exceptional games that vividly showcase our expertise.
Our first showcase is Lords of the Fallen, a dark fantasy rogue-like 3D action-RPG unfolding across two parallel worlds. We had the privilege of crafting numerous VFX, ranging from awe-inspiring spells to immersive environments and dynamic realtime effects for some of the game's most formidable and surreal bosses.
Secret 6 created VFX for the fights with The Congregator Of Flesh, Tancred and Reinhold, and Pieta among others
Up next, we have Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story by Tequila Works and Riot Forge, unveiled last November 1. Here, our expertise in crafting visual effects played a vital role in enhancing the experiences of the main characters, the endearing duo, Willump and Nunu, and key protagonists like Lissandra. Our commitment to realizing Riot Forge and Tequila Works' vision for top-tier visual experiences shone through, coupled with a crucial focus on optimization.
Striking the right balance between immersion and efficiency ensured an enjoyable gameplay experience across a diverse array of devices.
Remakes, Remasters, and Ports
We are no strangers to remasters and remakes of iconic games for modern audiences. Coming off from our work on last year’s remake of The Last of Us Part I, we added two new projects to our list of remastered games.
Starting off with Wizardry™: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord, the world's first-ever party-based RPG. We are honored to have been part of its transformation alongside Digital Eclipse. Our team crafted environment concepts, created and animated over 80 characters, and drew portraits for all character races, to set adventurers up for their quests.
Next year, we’re also excited to add the upcoming iOS port of the multi-awarded title, Hades, to our portfolio. It is a pleasure collaborating with Supergiant Games in bringing this well-loved roguelike action RPG to mobile.
Other Recent Releases
In addition to the contributions we’ve mentioned, we proudly supported more projects that launched this year such as Diablo IV, SILENT HILL: Ascension, Total War: Pharaoh, and For the King II, among others. Our partners' trust in us is a testament to our unwavering integrity and commitment. We're excited for everyone to see more of our thrilling projects on the horizon.
Awards
One of our joys in this industry is to see our projects get recognized and awarded for their impact that leaves a lasting mark on those who played whether that be in visuals, gameplay, or a heartfelt story. This year we saw two of our games get acknowledged for that impact.
A decade ago, Naughty Dog unveiled The Last Of Us (2013), a game we were privileged to have contributed to. This iconic masterpiece has endured the years, evolving with a stellar sequel, a contemporary remake, and a live-action series adaptation.
“We are grateful to have awesome partners we can count on.”
In May 2023, its rich legacy was not just acknowledged but exalted as it rightfully claimed its spot in the prestigious Video Game Hall of Fame. This momentous year not only celebrates the tenth anniversary of this gaming gem but also signifies a profound chapter in our enduring 10-year partnership with the illustrious Naughty Dog studio, which continues to thrive and flourish.
In July of 2022, INTERIOR/NIGHT released their original interactive drama, As Dusk Falls. Through our collaboration, we contributed to this highly acclaimed title by creating characters and key interior settings. Our team meticulously hand-painted over 12,000 frames, employing a distinctive and unprecedented painterly graphic style.
“We had a great time working with the team –and they did such a great job for us.”
Following its success last year with a win in the Games For Impact category at the 2022 Game Awards, As Dusk Falls continued its triumph in 2023, securing recognition at the 2023 MCV/Develop Awards for Narrative Innovation of the Year and Accessibility Innovation of the Year.
Our collaboration with INTERIOR/NIGHT on this captivating interactive drama has been a remarkable journey, further elevating our commitment to delivering top-notch quality.
Nurturing Our Community
In the aftermath of the COVID lockdowns, we have discovered a newfound appreciation for connection and relaxation, as we strive to create a sense of camaraderie that extends beyond the confines of our regular work environments. Despite our busy schedules and numerous projects, we remain committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
We understand the importance of setting aside time for enjoyable moments with friends and colleagues, as well as indulging in our hobbies. By embracing these opportunities, we not only unwind and recharge but also strengthen our bonds with those around us.
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“My co-workers are really fun to be with. They make bad days feel a little better.”
“The moments in which we strengthen our team relationships and plan events help make the office atmosphere more welcoming.”
We're fortunate to work with people we like and respect. These moments contribute to a vibrant and active atmosphere, fostering strong connections within our teams.
Connecting Beyond Screens
After years in the pandemic, it's invigorating to once again attend events and reconnect with aspiring game developers.
Secret 6 participating in the very first Philippine GameDev Expo (PGDX)
“The whole event was really enjoyable. Our booth provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with people interested in our company.”
Our participation in the 1st Philippine GameDev Expo last August allowed us to connect with fellow leaders in the gaming industry. During this event, we had the opportunity to meet the next generation of game developers. Additionally, we got to participate in the main stage program, hosted a talk titled Introduction to VFX, led by our visual effects lead, Daryll Española. Our production operations manager, Tess Mendoza, also joined a panel discussion where she shared insights on the Philippines being an outsourcing destination for international studios, alongside an esteemed panel of representatives from local studios in the Philippines.
Secret 6 together with Testronic at the External Development Summit (XDS) 2023 as gold sponsors
In September, we attended the External Development Summit (XDS) alongside our sister company, Testronic, and got to connect with fellow game developers and publishers from across the globe.
Throughout the year, we had the privilege of visiting esteemed academic institutions such as De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, and the University of the Philippines Cebu. We actively participated in providing talks and workshops featuring our key contributors such as Xiao Supapo our Design Manager, Christopher Tayao our Senior UX Design Lead, Janyl Tanoy our Game Producer, and Joshua Fenix our Senior VFX Artist.
As we push the boundaries of game development, our commitment to share knowledge is fueled by the passion of students, inspiring us to reach more aspiring talents.
We continue our commitment to fostering the growth of aspiring game developers and enhancing their skills to gain opportunities in the game industry.
Wrapping Up
2023 has been a year of tremendous growth and learning for us in Secret 6. We have had the privilege of collaborating with incredibly talented individuals who not only share our passion for game development but also bring their unique perspectives and skills to the table. Together, we have worked on projects that we are genuinely proud of, pushing beyond what is possible in the gaming industry.
Our partnerships with schools, industry professionals, and each other have not only enriched our work but also made this year truly meaningful.
As we approach 2024, our determination to evolve and innovate remains unwavering. We are excited to continue pursuing our passion for creating games and supporting our clients in crafting unforgettable gaming experiences. The future is bright, and we can't wait to see what lies ahead for Secret 6 in the coming year.
