Why Blue Prince Devs Integrated Exploration and Strategy into Their Puzzle Game

Scheduled for release on April 10, the latest puzzle game from Raw Fury is making waves, as this launch marks a significant moment for both the publisher and the game’s creator, Dogubomb. After spending eight years developing Blue Prince, this indie studio is eager to showcase its debut game. What might initially seem like a straightforward puzzle journey quickly reveals a dynamic depth that sets it apart.

Blue Prince invites players into the mysterious Mt. Holly estate, where exploration intertwines with riddles and puzzles. The challenge is more than just arriving at Room 46; each day’s unique blueprint and reset of the estate’s layout mean you’re constantly adapting and strategizing. As Dogubomb’s director, Tonda Ros explained in an interview with Game Rant, this isn’t just a typical puzzle experience.

The beauty of Blue Prince lies in its unique progression reset system. Ros identified a common issue with traditional puzzles: players can often hit roadblocks that stymie their progress. “It’s a binary check,” Ros says, highlighting how Blue Prince encourages continuous exploration. Should you find yourself stuck, you can start fresh the next day with a whole new set of rooms, ensuring you’re never truly out of options.

Transporting players into the Mt. Holly mansion, Blue Prince challenges them to find Room 46. When faced with closed doors, players choose which room to explore from three options—each with its own potential advantages or obstacles. For instance, a pantry could fill your pockets with coins, while a closet might offer useful items. As they navigate this sprawling mansion, players map out their progress in a 5×9 grid, attempting to avoid dead ends and track their path to Room 46.

With every room entered, a step is counted. Run out of steps, and you’ll have to reset the blueprint, akin to roguelike gameplay. This element requires players to thoughtfully consider each step while using resets strategically to maneuver puzzles better. Permanent bonuses can be discovered, though they’re not easily found, adding another layer of depth to exploration.

For Ros, crafting an experience that blends strategy with puzzles was vital. He emphasized how the game is designed for both meticulous strategists and puzzle lovers alike. With no single solution path, players can unleash their creativity and discover alternative routes to puzzle completion. Ros remarked, “Puzzle difficulty is in the player’s hands; you can take your time until you feel equipped to solve them.”

Since 2020, Blue Prince has been through rigorous playtesting. Watching countless hours of gameplay has allowed Dogubomb to fine-tune the experience. The positive reception of its demo thrilled Ros, and he’s eager to see which puzzles capture players’ imaginations once the full game hits the shelves. With only a four-day playthrough provided in the demo, the complete game promises even more engaging challenges.