Chengnan An, lead game designer on Honkai: Star Rail, has been with Mihoyo for over nine years, contributing to the design of the sci-fi RPG.
Character design takes precedence over combat design in Honkai: Star Rail, focusing on creating unique and interesting characters.
The design team constantly strives to make every character appealing and relatable to players, with a wide variety of personalities and abilities.
The lead designer emphasizes the importance of keeping players engaged over the long term to prevent burnout, offering new content and experiences regularly.
An discusses how the game draws inspiration from various sources, including daily life experiences and media like comics and movies.
Addressing power creep, the team plans to provide buffs for older characters and ensure a balance between new and existing mechanics.
The gacha mechanics in Honkai: Star Rail are crucial, but the game can still be enjoyed without spending money, with a focus on optimizing the free-to-play experience.
An mentions the importance of catering to different player preferences and habits worldwide, with a commitment to improving the game's popularity.
The interview with Chengnan An showcases insights into the design philosophy and ongoing development of Honkai: Star Rail.