However, “Chaos Agents” introduces a unique twist to the conventional auto battler formula. Unlike the typical one-on-one engagements, “Chaos Agents” features a continuous match, with players facing off against numerous bespoke characters. Jonathan Bankard elaborated, “One of the big innovations for us in the battling phase is that it’s one continuous match. It’s not a series of one-v-one battles like you would see in a traditional auto battler.”
The integration of the battle royale element aligns with Popularium’s intention to leverage the format’s social and accessible nature. By facilitating battles among a multitude of different combatants, “Chaos Agents” aims to create an environment where players feel comfortable experimenting and embracing the occasional failure. Arka Ray emphasized, “You don’t expect to be number one; that immediately relieves a lot of pressure and makes the game more social.”
Furthermore, the introduction of the auto battler element serves to enhance the realm of social interaction and community building. During the “lean back” time, players can spectate, converse, and engage in banter, a feature not often feasible when players are constantly clicking buttons and monitoring interactions.
In “Chaos Agents,” the objective extends beyond players acting as mere “coaches” to their AI-controlled characters. It empowers players to become spectators and actively participate in the game’s downtime phases, which may include minigames around betting and the usual taunting and chatting.
As for the procedurally generated characters in “Chaos Agents,” the game employs a distinctive approach to their creation. Each character possesses a unique skill tree that gradually unlocks throughout a match, reminiscent of MOBAs like “DOTA 2.” These skill trees draw from three of the game’s “colors of mana,” providing a glimpse into each character’s strengths and weaknesses.
