The Evolution of N: A New Chapter in Multiplayer Gaming
Back in 2015, Metanet, a dedicated two-person game studio, launched N++, a pivotal entry in the 2D platformer genre that had taken a full decade to develop. This game built upon its predecessor, the freeware Flash title N, establishing a legacy of intricate and challenging gameplay. At the time, co-founder Raigan Burns famously remarked, “We hope it’s not another 10 years before we come up with a game.” Now, more than a decade later, the studio has announced a new sequel, returning to their roots, but this time with a focus on multiplayer experiences.
Introducing N Plus Infinity Times Two
The upcoming game is titled N Plus Infinity Times Two. While N++ aimed to deliver the ultimate single-player platforming experience, this latest entry is touted as “the ultimate virtual couch party game with a low skill floor and no skill ceiling.” This indicates a commitment to keeping the signature slick, acrobatic platforming and striking design while also facilitating both competitive and cooperative play among friends. Scheduled for release on the PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, and PC in 2027, anticipation is already building around this title.
Over the past 11 years, the Metanet team has been involved in multiple projects, including relocating from Toronto to Montreal. They’ve also been prototyping different ideas for potential larger-scale projects. Last year saw them release a 10-year anniversary update for N++, which reignited their passion for the franchise. “We started getting the ‘let’s take another crack at it’ bug in 2022,” shares Burns with The Verge.
A Unique Development Philosophy
What sets Metanet apart in the gaming industry is their approach to development. Despite the success of N+ and N++, they have chosen not to scale up but instead focus on a methodical and iterative process for creating games. Burns elaborates, “It simply takes a lot of time to find a game idea that’s worth pursuing as a commercial project.” This dedication to maintaining their creative integrity is underscored by their reluctance to compromise their ability to innovate.
Cofounder Mare Sheppard adds to this sentiment, stating, “It’s important to feel that magic. That’s what’s compelling about making games.” Their philosophy mirrors that of musicians in a band, preferring collaboration and creativity over excessive meetings or management tasks. This approach seems especially wise in an industry where unsustainable practices are becoming increasingly common.
Innovating Through Multiplayer Experiences
With the development of N Plus Infinity Times Two, Burns and Sheppard were inspired by the dynamic interactions of younger players who often blend solo and multiplayer gaming experiences. Observations revealed that many players converse with friends via phone even while playing alone, transforming traditional gameplay into a more communal activity. The duo aims to meld this modern sensibility with the couch co-op experiences they cherished growing up, thereby evolving the core principles of the N franchise.
Reflecting on the arduous task of playtesting levels for N++, Burns relays that part of the excitement for their new project lies in exploring familiar mechanics in fresh ways. “This one really feels like we’re having fun,” he notes. “We’re really fluent in this one instrument. So now the fun challenge becomes playing new styles of music we’ve never played before.”
Image: Metanet Software
Unique Creations in a Homogenous Industry
As creative fields like gaming and film become increasingly similar, Burns emphasizes the importance of distinguishing one’s work. Revisiting previous ideas, as seen in the evolution of N, can lead to innovation rather than stagnation. He draws parallels to titles like Hades II and Silksong, which both refresh core concepts but through unique perspectives. “Being yourself is more fun and exciting anyways,” Burns asserts. “But I honestly think it’s more commercially viable to do something only you can do, because then you have no competition.”
Looking Ahead
While the specifics about what comes next after N Plus Infinity Times Two remain under wraps, there are discussions of larger 3D game concepts circulating within the studio. However, this would require scaling operations in a way they have previously avoided. Interestingly, neither Burns nor Sheppard dismisses the notion of returning to the N series in the future.
“If we can do something that expresses something new, or lets us see things in a different way, or we get a different perspective on what this game is or how to play it, that’s exciting,” Sheppard concludes. “We’ve abandoned the idea that this is definitively going to be the last one.”
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Image Credit: www.theverge.com
