How Symphonia’s Features Were Crafted Specifically for Speed Runners

Since its release for Xbox Series X|S on December 5, 2024, Symphonia has sparked interest in the gaming community, especially among speedrunners. With its captivating level design and precise platforming mechanics, it’s a game tailored for those looking to master both skill and speed. Let’s delve into what makes Symphonia a standout for speed enthusiasts and how players can shave seconds off their runs.

At its core, Symphonia was crafted to celebrate the intricacies of timing and control. While initially aimed at introducing players to the wonders of classical music, it became clear that its seamless mechanics were just the kind of challenge speedrunners thrive on. With hours dedicated to refining character movement, the game was sculpted to reward players who dive deep—whether they play at a leisurely pace or with relentless speed.

In Symphonia, challenges abound for those seeking them. Philemon, the protagonist, journeys across the serene yet slumbering world of Symphonia with his trusty violin bow. His mission? To reunite the scattered musical prodigies. The bow is an essential tool, doubling as a pogo stick, catapult, and grappling hook. Mastering the timing of its use transforms the gameplay experience from tricky to thrilling, making it perfect for those who love the edge-of-your-seat precision that speedrunning offers.

Some on our development team have personal ties to speedrunning, from avid spectators to those who’ve completed runs of games like Celeste and Katana Zero. Even during its early days as a student project in 2020, our team was already comparing completion times and secretly leveraging glitches they discovered. When we shared a simple demo online, the response was unprecedented—500,000 downloads and entries appearing on speedrun.net. Realizing our project had potential, we founded a studio post-university and embarked on the path to bring Symphonia to full release—a journey that took four years.

Symphonia aims to capture the essence of speedrunning not only with its precision mechanics but through its thoughtful level design. Small changes in object positioning can uncover new paths, inviting players to experiment creatively. Collectible music notes hidden in challenging spots serve as a reward for those who dare take risks, similar to Celeste’s strawberries. Completing all levels unveils Shadow Philemon, a rival character adding another layer of challenge. Players can also experiment with abilities such as double jumps and speed adjustments, initially designed for accessibility but now integral to the experience.

Since launch, the thriving speedrunning community has fueled ongoing discussions. Our community Discord serves as a hub for exchanging ideas and strategies, solidifying Symphonia’s place in the world of speedrunning. Speedrunning’s journey from a niche activity to a worldwide craze cannot be understated. With platforms like Twitch and YouTube at their disposal, speedrunners have captured the hearts of millions while contributing significantly to charity through events like Games Done Quick (GDQ).

When speaking with Queuety from GDQ, the dedication was evident. “Speedrunning turns any game into both a puzzle and a competitive performance,” he said, encapsulating the appeal that keeps enthusiasts coming back. Our publisher, sharing this passion, connected us with GDQ. Dieter Schoeller, the CEO, reminisces about his own speedrunning days and the personal battle it entailed—”the person to beat is no one but yourself.”

This shared vision led to our exciting participation in a GDQ Hotfix segment, a momentous occasion filled with live game runs and insightful commentary. Diving into speedrunning can be a rewarding, albeit fresh, experience. Whether you’re curious about setting records or simply wish to engage with developers and fellow runners, the door to this vibrant community is open.

Regardless of your stance on speedrunning, we invite you to explore the mesmerizing world of Symphonia at your own pace. Here, music breathes life back into a fading realm, offering a thrill that transcends conventional gaming experiences.