The Untold Story of Lifeless Moon's Epic Prequel: A Journey from 2014 to 2023

Lifeless Moon, the latest indie release from Serenity forge, is set in the same universe as the beloved Lifeless Planet. Drawing inspiration from sci-fi tales of the Space Race and Cold War, this game takes narrative storytelling to the forefront while expanding upon the features of its predecessor. Game Rant caught up with David Board, the developer of Lifeless Moon, to discuss the exciting elements of this new title and how it builds upon the legacy of Lifeless Planet. In this edited interview, Board shares how he hopes the personal story woven into the game will deeply resonate with players.

Please introduce yourself and discuss your role in the creation of Lifeless Moon.

GR: Lifeless Moon is described as being the “spiritual successor” to Lifeless Planet. How exactly are the two titles connected? What makes them different from one another?

Board: Lifeless Moon serves as a prequel to the previous game, featuring an entirely new setting and a fresh set of characters. However, both games exist within the same universe. Without revealing too much, they share themes related to peculiar phenomena. While Lifeless Planet was set in the near future, Lifeless Moon delves into an alternate history of one of the Apollo missions to the Moon during the early 1970s. Both games explore the Cold War and Space Race eras, drawing inspiration from classic science fiction narratives of that era.

GR: You mentioned that the initial concept for Lifeless Moon was discarded in favor of what eventually became Lifeless Planet. How has the game evolved and transformed from its original idea once you decided to revisit it?

GR: What lessons have you taken from Lifeless Planet and implemented in this new project?

Board: I believed I had discovered the perfect formula for managing game project development, but it turns out I was mistaken! However, this experience taught me the significance of listening to our fans and understanding the experiences they desire.

In this game, platforming still exists, but we have made it less frustrating and technical. Moreover, we have put much more emphasis on the storytelling aspect. I made sure that each level is more detailed and enticing to explore. So, while players will encounter vast and desolate locations, they will notice that the scenery changes swiftly, making navigation much simpler.

Could you provide us with an introduction to your characters? Who are they and how do they become involved in the narrative of Lifeless Moon? Without revealing too much of the story, similar to Aelita in Lifeless Planet, these characters possess an intriguing and enigmatic quality, particularly in the beginning. While I won't disclose the specific phenomenon, it profoundly affects the protagonist, yet the other characters have been engaging with it for an extended period, resulting in even more significant consequences.

GR: So we know the game takes place on an expedition to the moon, but what goes wrong on the journey? Can you describe the bizarre world the astronauts find themselves in?

Board: To maintain an air of mystery, our character initially questions whether the event that begins the story is a figment of their imagination. As viewers gather from the trailer, the astronauts lose communication with mission control and find themselves in a desert town that bears familiarity from Earth.

I enjoy creating these impactful moments and posing the question: How would one respond when faced with the impossible? The main astronaut is a logical and scientific individual, so how does he make sense of something so extraordinary? While my stories reside within the realm of hard science fiction, I delight in infusing them with the whimsy reminiscent of classic sci-fi. By striking a balance, we avoid taking ourselves too seriously and fully embrace the sense of adventure and possibility.

GR: How do puzzles impact the game and what types of puzzles can players anticipate?

Board: Puzzles play a significant role in the game by incorporating first-person sequences. While the game primarily focuses on third-person exploration, players will have the opportunity to enter rooms or buildings and engage with elements up close in a first-person perspective. These puzzles are integral to the mystery of Lifeless Moon and serve to diversify gameplay, allowing for a more immersive and interactive experience.

GR: What design elements have been implemented to promote exploration and discovery in the world? How do these aspects contrast with those found in Lifeless Planet?

Board: While Lifeless Planet predominantly followed a linear approach in its various settings, Lifeless Moon introduces more open environments. Moreover, there is a frequent occurrence of changes that give rise to unexpected moments, somewhat ironically contradicting the initial notion of lifelessness. Although I apologize for not divulging further details, I am mindful of avoiding excessive spoilers.

How has the utilization of the jetpack contributed to enhancing the sense of discovery? Has the inclusion of the jetpack facilitated more innovative level design? If so, in what aspects?

The primary advantage of incorporating the jetpack is its ability to enhance the overall scale. By equipping the character with a jetpack, the limitations and sluggishness experienced by Apollo astronauts are overcome, resulting in a transformation of the environments' scale and scope. Consequently, players can execute remarkable leaps and access areas that were previously deemed unattainable.

GR: Having released Lifeless Planet earlier, I am certain that there is already a devoted fanbase eagerly anticipating the arrival of Lifeless Moon. How have these fans responded to the game thus far? Is there a specific element that has captivated their interest among the features showcased?

Board: Wow, the fans truly are incredible! The sales of our first game exceeded all my expectations. I was initially hoping for a few thousand copies sold, but we have now reached hundreds of thousands, not to mention the millions of people who were exposed to it through the Epic Games Store promotion a couple of years ago. Additionally, the continuous support of our Kickstarter campaigns has resulted in countless emails from individuals expressing their love for the game.

What amazes me the most is how our game appeals to such a diverse range of players. It resonates with older individuals who have fond memories of the 70s and 80s, particularly the era of the Space Race. Yet, it also captivates younger players who crave a story-focused experience with a touch of cinematic elements. These games offer a more relaxed gameplay, but the thrill lies in the captivating narratives they deliver.

GR: What message do you wish players to derive from Lifeless Moon?

Board: Lifeless Moon delves deeply into the concept of loss and explores the transformative nature of life and death. During the development of the game, I incorporated numerous elements from my own childhood and the experiences shared with my dearest friend. However, tragedy struck when my friend tragically lost his life due to a drunk driver two years ago. This devastating event profoundly affected the themes of the game, making them deeply personal to me.

I'm particularly excited for players to connect with the story on a personal level. While it might be ambitious to expect this game to bring healing, it can still offer a meditative moment and an opportunity for players to broaden their perspective.

Board: As hinted before, the game contains several unexpected moments that will surprise players. While the trailers provide a glimpse into the direction of the game, I hope players will also appreciate the transformative nature of the environments in some of the more significant moments. This aspect required a considerable amount of time and effort, as each location has multiple layers. However, it was also the most fulfilling aspect to create and, in my opinion, the most intriguing part of the game.

GR: Here's a lighthearted question to conclude: If you're no longer residing in Alaska, where do you now seek inspiration for alien landscapes?

GR: Is there anything else you'd like to add that we haven't discussed yet?

Board: I want to express my gratitude to all the individuals who have provided assistance during the core game development process. Specifically, I received invaluable support from composer Rich Douglas, who created the outstanding soundtrack. Rich went above and beyond by collaborating with talented cellist Andrew Dunn, renowned for his contributions to games like God of War and Destiny 2, to record unique samples for the orchestral segments. It brings me joy to hear that many players consider the Lifeless Planet soundtrack as the highlight of the game, and I wholeheartedly embrace their sentiments. Rest assured, the music in Lifeless Moon will live up to expectations!

Lifeless Moon is available to play now on PC and will release on consoles sometime in the future.