It’s been a year since I sat down with the design team behind PowerWash Simulator’s DLC packs to talk about the collaboration with Final Fantasy VII’s Midgar Special Pack. Since then, the game has seen numerous updates and new features, with exciting paid DLC packs hitting the market. Among them is the recent release of the PowerWash Simulator – Alice’s Adventures Special Pack, inspired by Alice in Wonderland. If you haven’t tried it out yet, make sure to check out Shaun’s review to get a glimpse of this whimsical journey. I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing some other DLC packs like Warhammer 40K, SpongeBob SquarePants, Back to the Future, and the Midgar Special Pack. I recently caught up with the talented team at FuturLab, including Alex Dawson, Dennis Morgovan, Antony (Ant) Lingard, Laura Fontaine, and Nick Peacock, to dive into the details of their newest DLC release, share insights from past projects, dream collaborations, and their coffee preferences.
TouchArcade (TA): Reflecting on the past year, how has the development team evolved at FuturLab since our last conversation?
Dennis: The team has significantly grown in size across all departments, enabling us to work on game development with more creative minds and resources.
TA: The unpredictability of the content in each DLC pack is one of the game’s highlights. How did the idea for PowerWash Simulator – Alice’s Adventures Special Pack come about, and how was the concept pitched to the license holder?
Laura: Some of us at the studio have a deep affection for Alice in Wonderland due to childhood memories of reading the book. This emotional connection inspired us to explore a unique interpretation of the beloved IP within the world of PowerWash Simulator.
TA: The positive reception to this DLC pack has been evident. What lessons from previous DLCs did you apply to ensure PowerWash Simulator – Alice’s Adventures Special Pack met expectations?
Ant: Understanding player preferences helped us refine our level design and streamline the gameplay experience. We aimed to create less frustrating elements while maintaining a good mix of challenge and enjoyment for players seeking a relaxing yet engaging experience.
Alex: We also enhanced the visual impact by emphasizing the contrast between dirty and clean surfaces, enhancing the satisfaction of achieving a pristine result.
TA: Did the development process for this DLC differ significantly from previous ones?
Nick: While previous packs focused on faithful recreations, the Alice’s Adventures Special Pack allowed for a more imaginative interpretation of the source material from the book.
Ant: Nick’s concepts laid the foundation for the 3D Art team to bring our interpretation of each location to life, encouraging creativity and personal touches throughout the development process.
TA: If there were no limitations, what movie and game IPs would you bring to PowerWash Simulator?
- Nick – Movie: Ghostbusters, Game: Rayman Origins.
- Dennis – Movie: Lego The Movie, Game: Warhammer Fantasy.
- Laura – Movie: Silent Hill, Game: Dofus.
- Alex – Movie: Jurassic Park, Game: Resident Evil.
- Ant – Movie: The Fifth Element, Game: Control
TA: Have there been recent optimization efforts for PowerWash Simulator on Switch and Steam Deck platforms?
Alex: Optimization remains a continuous focus as we tailor performance to meet the unique specifications of each platform. Our tools and artistic techniques have evolved alongside the game’s development.
TA: What games have you been enjoying lately, and what’s your top game of 2024 thus far?
- Nick – Game of 2024: Hades 2, Currently Playing: Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart.
- Dennis – Game of 2024: Elden Ring DLC, Currently Playing: Dread Delusion.
- Laura – Current Favorite: Once Human, Game of 2024: TBA.
- Alex – Game of 2024: Crow Country, Currently Playing: Stray.
- Ant – Game of 2024: Pacific Drive, Currently Playing: Parasite Eve 1.
TA: Idea: A Monster Hunter-themed DLC pack where players can clean life-size monster statues. Thoughts?
Dennis: We’re definitely on board with that idea! It resonates with many of us in the studio as well!
TA: And lastly, how do you take your coffee?
Ant: I prefer my coffee black, brewed in a cafetiere, to kickstart my mornings.
A special thanks to Alex Dawson, Dennis Morgovan, Antony (Ant) Lingard, Laura Fontaine, Nick Peacock, and Maddie Chase from fortyseven communications for their valuable insights and time. Stay tuned for more exciting interviews, and don’t miss out on our recent discussions with industry experts across various titles!
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