Interview: BLUE ARCHIVE dev team on what fans can expect from Steam PC launch

The Blue Archive mobile game debuted in 2021. Since then, it has steadily built a reputation as one of the most fan-driven anime games in the mobile space, especially in Japan and Korea, where it frequently tops the app store charts and became the first anime-style game to host its own doujin event. Now, with the mobile game’s recent launch on Steam PC, Blue Archive is set to become more accessible to players worldwide, with full cross-platform compatibility for seamless play across devices.

“Blue Archive is a story about students who fight to protect their world, but also about relationships, trust, and personal growth,” reads the official press release. “Players assume the role of a teacher guiding students from various academies, each with distinct personalities and backstories that interweave into an expansive narrative.”

The Beat caught up with Blue Archive executive producer Yongha Kim and studio producer Gyeong Seop An over email to discuss upcoming updates to the popular mobile game, what kind of stories players can expect in the future, and how Blue Archive is growing as an IP.

Ollie Kaplan: With the PC launch, how will the PC version cater to both long-time fans of the Blue Archive mobile game (or 2024 anime) in addition to new fans?

Yongha Kim & Gyeong Seop An: We aim to provide the best possible experience on whichever platform you choose, so please feel free to enjoy the game on the platform that suits you best.

Ollie Kaplan: Can you share with our readers more information about any exciting upcoming content? E.g, new mobile game features? PC version exclusives? Etc.

Yongha Kim & Gyeong Seop An: There are still many more students and stories waiting to meet you in Blue Archive. Beyond that, we’re continually working on improvements and updates to ensure that teachers can enjoy the game more comfortably and engagingly.

Blue Archive is also growing beyond just a game. As an IP, we aim to reach you in new and diverse ways, and we hope you’ll continue to follow and look forward to what’s next in the future of Blue Archive.

Ollie Kaplan: Do you have any fun behind-the-scenes stories to share with our readers?

Yongha Kim & Gyeong Seop An: Every moment has been memorable, but if we had to pick one, it would be the launch day of Blue Archive. The moment we were able to share this world with everyone is something we will never forget.

Another memorable experience was during the creation of Miyu’s skill. Initially, we imagined her hiding under fallen leaves, but after working closely with the art team, the concept evolved and somehow even involved a trash can. Seeing players enjoy it and watching the many creative fan works that followed made us feel we had made the right choice.

Ollie Kaplan: Each student in Blue Archive feels like a complete character, not just a unit. How do the team’s writers, artists, and voice actors collaborate to bring these characters to life?

Yongha Kim & Gyeong Seop An: The story always comes first. We begin by deciding what kind of story we want to tell, which student appears in it, and how that student shapes the narrative. Once that’s in place, we move into character design.

Throughout this process, the scenario and character teams work closely together, sharing ideas to create students who are both appealing and memorable.

Ollie Kaplan: Are there any particular characters whose development surprised even the dev team — either in player popularity or how they evolved over time?

Yongha Kim & Gyeong Seop An: One thing that really stands out is how unexpectedly popular Miyu became in certain regions. That definitely left a lasting impression on us.

Ollie Kaplan: What core emotions or themes do you aim to evoke when developing Blue Archive? How have these developed over time as the game’s audience grows?

Yongha Kim & Gyeong Seop An: The Part 1 of Blue Archive places a strong emphasis on the theme of “responsibility as an adult.” We’ve received many messages from players who connected deeply with this message. Some fans have even told us that it inspired them to pursue careers in education or become teachers themselves.

As developers, hearing these stories is incredibly rewarding, and it motivates us to continue creating even better content.

Meanwhile, Blue Archive is a story about bright, everyday life, so we are careful not to let the themes become overly serious or heavy.

Ollie Kaplan: What informed Blue Archive’s gameplay design, and how has it evolved based on player feedback? Have there been moments where player reactions or fan creations (fanart, memes, videos) have impacted development direction or internal morale?

Yongha Kim & Gyeong Seop An: We listen carefully to the valuable feedback from teachers across all regions, regardless of territory, and use it to guide our development. We truly appreciate everyone who shares their thoughts with us.

The development team draws great strength from seeing the amazing fan creations made by so many players. These unexpected and diverse works inspire us and help us continue making the world of Blue Archive even more beautiful.

We hope to see even more creations in the future that bring joy to everyone.

Ollie Kaplan: Have player preferences or trends differed significantly between Japanese and global audiences? If so, how does that affect development?

Yongha Kim & Gyeong Seop An: We understand that there are many different tastes and trends around the world, but rather than trying to cater to all of them, we believe that creating what we love is the best way to make a game that everyone can appreciate.

Ollie Kaplan: What anime, games, or cultural works most influenced Blue Archive’s visual and storytelling style?

Yongha Kim & Gyeong Seop An: Rather than other games, Japanese anime and comics, especially school-themed series, have been our main references. It is not that we were influenced by one or two specific titles, but more by the genre as a whole.

Ollie Kaplan: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Gyeong Seop An: We are always grateful, but no matter how often we say it, it never feels enough. The love and support that Blue Archive receives is beyond what words can express, and our entire development team feels that love deeply, which makes us genuinely happy as we create the game. We will continue doing our best to deliver stories featuring even more charming students. We are always thankful and truly love our fans.

Yongha Kim: We want to share the charm of Blue Archive’s world, story, and characters with even more people. We will continue to provide steady updates, so please look forward to the game’s future growth.