Red Kiss is a tactical narrative RPG set in a fictional 1980s Berlin, where players guide vampire agents through a fractured city. Inspired by interactive theatre and powered by motion capture technology used by VTubers, the game emphasizes character-driven storytelling.
Story and Setting
Players begin as a human inhabitant of cold war Berlin, struggling to endure the conflict outside. When offered a new life of power and purpose as a vampire, they accept. The game explores themes of justice in an unjust world, with narrative designer Roy van der Schilden noting, 'I think a lot of people who create vampire games feel the anguish and the melancholy of the genre.'
Gameplay Mechanics
Players dispatch vampire agents to gather clues, build reputation with city factions, and manage their bloodthirst. A skillcheck system tied to six character skills determines success. Players must maintain agents' energy, money, and blood supply while choosing the best vampire for each mission.
Character Development
Each vampire has a unique backstory revealed through personal missions. Players guide their stories, enacting change and sharing purpose. The cast is brought to life with hand-drawn portraits, voice acting, and motion capture animation using Live2D, a tool common among VTubers.
Technical Approach
The team used an iPhone to experiment with motion capture, but adapted Live2D with custom tools. Art director Aïda de Ridder explained: 'With a mocap character for 3D, you usually can move your entire head. We have a static phone, so we have to make their performance more centred.' Performers exaggerate facial features to convey emotion, a technique familiar from the team's background in interactive theatre.
Queer and Dark Themes
Van der Schilden said: 'We like queer media, but we, as a team, always felt that a lot of the media was very pink rainbows, happy-go-lucky. We wanted to make a really dark, queer, diverse game. And I think Red Kiss is that.' Red Kiss is in development for PC, with a release date to be announced.
