RPGWatch - Jehanne Rousseau Interview

Couchpotato · February 20, 2015

Here is the second part of our new interview with Jehanne Rousseau, CEO and co-founder of Spiders. This time we talk about her writing style, and daily life.

Couchpotato: Can you give all of our members a brief introduction about about yourself, and what your daily job at Spiders is like?

Jehanne Rousseau: Sure, I'm Jehanne Rousseau, CEO and co-founder of Spiders. I began working in the industry in 1998 as 2D artist working on Gameboy games, then I worked for different companies as a game designer. Finally, I became a project manager for Monte Cristo where I met the team that became Spiders and worked on my first released RPG.

Today, as a CEO, my job is mainly to manage the development team and the studio itself, I usually play the creative director on our projects (alas I have to spend some time to do administrative tasks too) and I also often write parts of the scenario and dialogs for our games. I love to see a simple idea becoming a game, and being there with all the team, from the very beginning to the end. Even now, after more than 15 years in the industry it's still magic.

More information.

Couchpotato · February 20, 2015

Well enjoy the second interview with Jehanne Rousseau. and the final part will be published next week. I aslo have three other interviews done and ready.

rjshae · February 20, 2015

Thanks for the interview. It seems like I've seen non-US/UK groups go through the Kickstarter process. Did they all do it by partnering with another company?

Couchpotato · February 20, 2015

rjshae said:
Thanks for the interview. It seems like I've seen non-US/UK groups go through the Kickstarter process. Did they all do it by partnering with another company?

From what I've seen the developer usually partners with someone from an area that can legally use kickstarter. It doesn't happen often though as it has drawbacks.

Usually the partner gets a small percentage of the profits, and has to pay the fees & taxes. Because of this a few developers said they rather use Indiegogo instead :thinking:

Farflame · February 20, 2015

Yes. They have some partners or lawyers but it costs money.

Farflame · February 20, 2015

Im glad that Jehanne agreed to answer all questions. Its great read and the biggest interview here. You should thank her for that, Couch.

I like the answer about Marthas. They try to improve characters in every game and regularly work with writing specialists so their writing could be better and better.

In fact it seems that actually if you're not using a dark setting everyone will consider your game as a game for children.

Sad example of black/white logic in our society. Alrik wont be pleased if he notice that.

In fact we have not thought that much about creating new useful items. It's a good idea anyway; I'll keep it in mind for future games!

Hehe, I should mention RoA trilogy in this question. She could get more inspiration regarding this topic.

Lemonhead · February 20, 2015

Some really good questions and answers. Thanks for this.

Dean · February 21, 2015

Another very good interview Couch. I'm enjoying reading it. Looking forward to part 3.

Kudos to Jehanne, for taking the time to answer.

fatknacker50 · February 21, 2015

I became a project manager for Monte Cristo

I think i'd be keeping that one to myself.

Alrik Fassbauer · February 21, 2015

Spider ? Those with that Fairy RPG ? I still find it sad that it had no voiceacting ...

Couchpotato · February 21, 2015

fatknacker50 said:
I became a project manager for Monte Cristo

I think i'd be keeping that one to myself.

Well she was responsible for the Silverfall ARPG games at Monte Cristo, and I enjoyed playing both of them. I seem to recall we did an interview with her back in 2007.

Here is the link - http://www.rpgwatch.com/articles/silverfall-interview-27.html

So you see I don't find your comment funny.

Alrik Fassbauer said:
Spider ? Those with that Fairy RPG ? I still find it sad that it had no voiceacting …

That's because the game was given a very small budget for development.

fatknacker50 · February 22, 2015

I knew you'd throw Silverfall back at me Couch

Gorath · February 22, 2015

Interesting stuff. Thanks to Mrs. Rousseau for taking the time to do the interview.

Gilliatt · February 22, 2015

Really liked the interview. Thank you both.

RPGWatch - Jehanne Rousseau Interview

Couchpotato

Part-Time News-bot

Couchpotato

Part-Time News-bot

rjshae

Periapt vs Paronomasia

Couchpotato

Part-Time News-bot

Farflame

SasqWatch

Farflame

SasqWatch

Lemonhead

Keeper of the Watch

Dean

Sentinel

fatknacker50

Sentinel

Alrik Fassbauer

TL;DR

Couchpotato

Part-Time News-bot

fatknacker50

Sentinel

Gorath

Prime Evil

Gilliatt

Watchdog