Talent Digital Art (TDA), a fresh game developer hailing from South Africa, is set to release a new live-service fighting game titled Super Dragon Punch Force 3 on April 26. This game, despite being labeled as the third installment, marks the debut playable entry in this indie series. Serving as a direct sequel to the fictional game Super Dragon Punch Force 2, which plays a pivotal role in the upcoming movie Boy Kills World, SDPF3 holds its own unique identity.

Instead of merely serving as a marketing tool for Boy Kills World, TDA views the game's connection to the film as a mutually beneficial form of cross-promotion for two separate intellectual properties. In a recent interview with Game Rant, TDA's CEO Tanya Brits and creative director Judd Fitzjohn shed light on the inspirations behind the new fighting game and its ties to Boy Kills World.

A Fresh Take on Promotion (Animated Trailer for SDPF3)

In Boy Kills World, the protagonist (portrayed by Skarsgard) undergoes a life-altering event that renders him mute, leading to the development of an internal voice inspired by his favorite game, Super Dragon Punch Force 2. Tanya Brit mentioned that TDA saw this narrative element as an opportunity to kickstart a brand-new yet interconnected intellectual property.

Finding innovative promotional angles that grant developers ample creative liberty is a strategic move. Unlike many movie-based video games that end up as lackluster tie-ins, titles that expand on a franchise's universe while preserving their artistic essence often resonate better with both movie enthusiasts and gamers.

Drawing Inspiration from Diverse Sources

While SDPF3 proudly embraces a comic book and manga aesthetic, as evident in its animated trailer, Fitzjohn highlighted that TDA drew inspiration from the comic medium as a whole rather than specific titles:

Despite not directly following the movie's narrative, SDPF3 and its source material share thematic similarities. Both narratives feature extravagant battles while using fiction and games as coping mechanisms for adversity. When crafting the characters, Fitzjohn emphasized that TDA steered clear of data-driven approaches, opting instead to infuse their characters with the essence of potential comic book protagonists.

The game also pays homage to classic arcade fighting games like Street Fighter 2, Tekken, and Mortal Kombat. Brit and Fitzjohn expressed their admiration for fighting games and their integration within the fighting game community. Fitzjohn particularly stressed the importance of meeting the discerning expectations of fighting game enthusiasts who appreciate the intricate details involved in game development.

An Inclusive Game Launch

The success of fighting games heavily relies on the appeal of their character roster, and SDPF3 launches with eight unique characters. Two characters are sourced from the movie, two from the 'real' universe of Boy Kills World, and the remaining four are original creations by TDA, each bringing distinct fighting styles to the game.

While SDPF3 offers technical depth for players interested in in-depth gameplay analysis, TDA prioritized accessibility during the game's design phase. Brits explained that opting for a mobile-first, live-service model aimed to make the game more approachable to new players. Additionally, TDA chose to initiate an open beta phase to engage with the gaming community, allowing for collaborative development based on player feedback.

Super Dragon Punch Force 3 will be available for open beta testing on mobile and PC starting April 26.