Splatoon 3 Developer Interview: A deep dive into the Splatlands!

[@Angrysneezes]

I love that the interviewer was reserved most of the way through but then just had an avalanche of questions about Fred Crumbs. just absolutely stoked to ask about the little fried mackerel guy. Honestly, iconic behavior

[@asylucat]

fried crumbs forever 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@thirdwheel9938]

Asking the real questions here

[@Wallis_2001]

Bro has a comfort character and he’s not afraid to show it. We stan

[@ProChara]

Really cool to see this translated, amazing work and its good to hear from the devs.

[@thesavageone8685]

Even you watch rassicas?!

[@-Hamza]

@@thesavageone8685 Just because some people are more comp focused/have their own KZbin channels doesn’t mean they're completely disconnected from other people/aspects of Splatoon or don't have too much of an interest in other topics

[@watcherwhowatches6725]

red arashi

[@CR34T0R_]

red arashi

[@brbrbrbrbbrbrbrbr]

Hi chara im a huge fan

[@cosmo2590]

they didnt mention it on the interview but i love that deep cuts logo looks like 3 intertwined み

[@rassicas]

yeah! wishing i thought of putting this in the video since its a neat tidbit of info

[@Chroma10008]

According to google translate that character translates to “a body”, so I _really_ hope it got that wrong LMAO

[@phantasielle]

@@Chroma10008 it's just the letter 'mi', i don't think it really means anything in particular. i don't think みみみ means anything either

[@yggdrasilsaltar]

i love that nintendo devs are open to interviews especially splatoons, since it allows us outsiders to see somewhat what goes on behind the scenes and how they come up with certain decisions.

[@Kobalent]

42:07 rassicas has expressed their distaste with the idea of lil' Judd being a future main antagonist, so naturally, the Splatoon team is doing exactly that just to spite them like with Mr. Grizz /j

[@chairn_t]

real

[@thirdwheel9938]

Yeahhh.. To be honest the splatoon lore tends to be much more cooler than the actual in game story 💀

[@superlounging]

the idea that spyke finally made it big only to settle back down with the cephalopods in inkopolis is adorable

[@homogenouscountry597]

I like how they explained King Salmonids in the interview. Surviving many salmon runs results in them becoming alienated from Salmonid culture because they have lived through more than most which also explains why they don't guard golden eggs. When they said they lived very deep in the oceans that explains their large size (i'm referring to deep sea gigantism) also, literally being able to smell inklings at the bottom of the ocean explains why they have no pupils as their eyesight has deteriorated due to eyesight being useless in the deep.

[@Sqwivig]

Holy fuck that's actually terrifying! These monstrosities are cast out for being too violent even among the barbaric norms of Salmonid culture. Then they isolate in the deepest part of the sea, grow massively, and resurface every so often to terrorize inklings and octolings specifically!? THAT'S PRIME HORROR CONTENT! Nintendo should do a horror game about the Salmonids, it would slap so hard!

[@thirdwheel9938]

Based Salmon

[@manu_18_lr24]

Can we talk about how good the interviewer is? He mentions almost every problem that the comunity has with the game to see the point of view of the developers, for good and for bad: We won't see any new mode or update cycle change based on what the devs said, but at least we have a chance of map reworks

[@keynanmartinez]

The Splatoon franchise is barely 10 years old but it has truly changed our lives.

[@Glory2Snowstar]

It’s legitimately incredible. I’m in college for digital art stuff BECAUSE of the first game’s Miiverse functionality. Seeing this game provide so many opportunities for people is awesome!

[@keynanmartinez]

@@Glory2Snowstar I'm making a game inspired by Splatoons S+ Tier Character Designs.

[@Navi42714]

It’s only 8 years old…

[@JAM-3535]

Goat series 🐙

[@keynanmartinez]

@@JAM-3535 Correct

[@yulia4360]

Interesting to see it confirmed that the fuzzy Octarians are in a sort of middle-stage of ooze exposure. I do wish they'd touch on these things more since it's still very unclear if they get cured after the rotm (or if that's even possible), are still just the same or are actively getting worse (please god no) Also the vine boom during the salmonid segment fucking killed me

[@ruccsacc]

rassicas really doing gods work with all these amazing translations!!

[@loamjomes]

Loam jumpscare

[@tsu08761e]

i just wish they would consult a few people with some of these videos, quite a lot of cultural things kinda get lost especially those relating to fashion

[@squ1d_s0up]

Goddd the suspense at the side order part.. the music leading up to the question 'is that octoling agent 8?' And then the cool down with the answer was so cool...

[@_BubblGum_]

fr, i got chills when it happened!!

[@GetThatGlitchBandit]

On the topic of the Little Buddy being treated as a child and a pet, I always theorize that maybe the Salmonids are considered lower class of some kind compared to other creatures such as the jellyfish and other creatures, which explains the weird back and forth of Little Buddy being treated both a child and a pet. Honestly, this makes me wonder about the other species of the Splatoon world, like we’re always focusing on the Inklings and Octolings in the main game, while other creatures such as jellyfish are just the regular side npcs, at the exception of Sheldon and Big Man, who are important, but don’t have much focus on them compared to Inklings and Octolings characters. Like, I know that Inklings and Octolings are the advertisers/mascots of the game because they’re what the players are going to play as, but its something I wondered about. I just like to know about the stories and cultures of other species beyond just Inklings and Octolings like we have for Salmonids.

[@tisjustangie]

Tbh thats what I'd hope for in the DLC. Following off the hooks world tour would give us a lotta info on other species.

[@thirdwheel9938]

While jellyfish don't tend to have mayor roles within the game, they are FAR from being low class, many of them have the means to sponsor turf wars and the like, and while I'd understand inklings being ignorant about salmonids, I feel like neo 3 and little buddy are a missed opportunity to humanize a salmonid (esp since neo 3 can be an octo, a species that we know have a direct link to them through business) The main problem tho, as stated in the video, is that the developers themselves seem to view salmonids as pets 😔 (sorry if this got long and rambly, I just really, REALLY love splatoon 💙🧡)

[@GetThatGlitchBandit]

@@thirdwheel9938 you’re perfectly fine! I enjoy discussing these types of topics! I did not say that the jellies were low class, I just used them as an example of non-playable species being treated much differently compared to the Salmonids as Jellies are everywhere doing like every job and supporting turf wars and while its not common to see other non-jellies, Inklings, and Octolings in game, its clear that they’re treated fairly as well. Its only the Salmonids that are treated differently from everyone else. Is it due to ignorance? Yeah, I think that’s the canon answer to be honest. I just like to over think it deeply (lol), but I just thought that maybe there is a reason why Salmonids like Little Buddy is treated as a pet from in game and interviews. But yes, everything about the miss potential of Neo 3 and Little Buddy bothers me. It just feels so wrong to call them pets.

[@splatlandss]

im hoping and praying that the salmonid situation is just them being nerds and mega larping with the inklings, and when salmonids get justice they're like "oh we did more 'research' and salmonids are now treated as equals"

[@corgidude8604]

49:27 - 50:00 I think scrubbing gear and adding new abilities would be akin to laundering money. Murch does mention in Splatoon 2 when you scrub your gear that "These came out in the wash". It's seen as really cool and useful by kids but adults see it as really scummy and as cheating. Especially since scrubbing gear and adding abilities yourself would just be offered by an official service if it was a part of building gear normally.

[@AmapolaMystery]

WE MAKING IT OUT OF ALTERNA WITH THIS ONE 🔥🔥🔥🔥 But seriously- thank you so much for your work! I'm learning things I would have never even imagined otherwise thanks to your translations! I hope you have a great day :D

[@adrianoctavio]

My guess is that we're probably going to see both lil judd and marigold in the side order, considering we see the implication of the story being about cloning with the cloned protagonist image in the side order trailer, and both of them have a theme of cloning.

[@YouMayKnowMeAsNate]

30:34 that’s actually a really cool and subtle design detail. Love it

[@sandwichedtfout]

the interviewer going on such a long tangeant abt fred crumbs is rly funny

[@llewelynshingler2173]

Can you blame the guy?

[@deltaultra]

Holy shit, side order's actually confirmed to be a "what if team order won" story. I've been hoping for this exact thing since order lost the final fest so I'm stoked to find out that's 100% what it is

[@MagicalGirlFia]

51:30 I know that in the extremely rare situation that we ever get some localized splatband information the ENG fan base will probably mostly know Ikkan as Quinn but I refuse to translate or refer to him as such so every time I am reminded that that’s his localized name I get jumpscared.

[@roseaphile]

i hate calling him quinn he will always be ikkan to me 🤧

[@captaincaspian42]

Who's Quinn

[@NuiYabuko]

Jeez, people really take their "localisation issues" to another level.

[@thirdwheel9938]

1:04:58 I'm glad somebody said it bc I thought I was being paranoid but while I like the salmonids being inspired by indigenous cultures, resulting in a very elaborate and cool in-game species, I don't like how they are both overshadowed by the narrative (focusing on inklings instead) and treated as "wild". It leaves a very bitter taste in my mouth ngl :/ I wish small fry was treated as a child and not a pet... Kinda like in the Nausica ghibli movie where they treat these non-humanoid species with respect (I'd personally love to see more about the odd relationship octos and salmons have, but I admit that's more self indulgent) Thank you again for all your hard work, this video must've taken a lot of effort. This was very interesting information I couldn't have accessed otherwise!!!

[@alexcat6685]

You do know the games are in the inkling perpective right? And they aren't exactly saints due to being a reflection of humanity. So ofcourse a Hedonistic species with likely a corrupt goverment would be basically enslaving an indeniougus Group due to lack of information. This is great because yeah that would happen, ofcourse no inkling had a person humane relationship with a Salmonoid, with ontop of that being information they generally just decide to ingore partly because their goverment doesn't want them to know to keep power and also it doesn't seem Flash yor Fashony just sad which is not the style Inklings like working in. I'd say it's the oppisite it works really well in believing in it's world by workiny through perpectives, though I agree the information should be increased if your looking for it compared to the inklings who are not. I like that the Inklings are casual Racists becwuse ot makes sense for them as a culture, they generally are narrasitic in that way though at the same time it's not like they cannot care at all. It's just difficult to care about something you know little about. A video on "Splatoon's Story and what it means to be human" shows this point greatly: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpywmn6hg5pggsksi=vScfg2QW5dRkkcqi

[@alexcat6685]

But thats part of the point, Inklings are flawed as a species due to their biases so ofcourse they'd treat a sentient indegous Culture as a animals they don't know better and likely by their goverment's progoanda don't see a reason to. Comsic cloud's "Splatoon's story and what it means to be human" :kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpywmn6hg5pggsksi=vScfg2QW5dRkkcqi

[@skoobzkb]

Considering that the Eiffel Tower is in the Splatlands this must mean that the flooding at the end of man kind was probably way worse than we were imagining considering how far the building traveled. Since the area is around what used to be Japan.

[@animal_gal_adventures9885]

Oh my god I didn't even think about the flooding causing structures to move. I just thought it was funny and weird, But I can totally see something that big getting washed by the waves.

[@jello7601]

Thank you, ardnin, for the comedic one frame paragraph. Highly appreciated.

[@Sqwivig]

14:14 I love how Sato just openly admits that they don't think about the shape of the stages when creating them. Seems like a pretty massive oversight to me. His answer here reeks of corporate speak and to just avoid actually answering the question. I know it's an interview and not a debate, but I would have pushed him on that point specifically. I would bring up the fact that a lot of people are really unhappy with the lack of flank routs and horrible choke points. This is such a glaring issue in the game and it needs to change.

[@platy4700]

He wouldn’t listen, because he doesn’t give the slightest fuck about the state of the game. As long as he gets paid, he’s fine with this broken mess.

[@NuiYabuko]

​@@platy4700 Are you okay?

[@platy4700]

@@NuiYabuko I’ve spent nearly 300 hours in narrow hallways, do you THINK I’m okay?

[@ninckmane]

HUGE props to the interviewer for asking about people criticising the game and its online service. Even though the answers are kinda PR-ish, it's great to see these questions asked directly

[@Andriale]

So.. basically with the confirmed relative locations of Splatsville/Inkopolis on the map, the spot riddled with craters is where Central Tokyo used to be. Maybe other people understood this connection earlier but it just hit me now.

[@MizunoKetsuban]

I was always running under the assumption that Shelly and Donny would split up once Inkopolis Square became available, similar to how Timmy and Tommy often take up different sections of the store in Animal Crossing. I personally can't picture Eight running Ammo Knights, even if only because more than anything I'd just question how they'd get Sheldon's endless rambling out of someone who looks like they've never spoken a word in their life. All that said, I do hope they experiment more with asymmetric battle modes in the future. Even if they're altered versions of already existing ranked modes.

[@averageartistamberwilliams2776]

Honestly, the implications of the King Salmonids still being fully sapient is something I've been wondering for a while. Like, even if there's not much else about these guys, at least that's something we have an answer on.

[@emilianoaventura5295]

I was thinking that "wow, I do know all of the things they are talking about" until I did recognize I already had read the interview when you shared it on tumblr. Thank you for not only translating it, but also making a whole hour long video reading it, I sure appreciated when it was translated, and I appreciate it being on video form...

[@DekuGamer]

I'm so looking forward to watching this. It's really fascinating to learn the thought process behind a lot of these things from the dev's perspective. Thank you for all the great work you do rassicas. And thank you for bringing ardnin on as well!

[@YouMayKnowMeAsNate]

Glad to see you’re still kickin’! Hope you’re doing well!

[@DekuGamer]

@@YouMayKnowMeAsNate Thanks Nate! Hope you're doing well too. Happy to see you're still interested in Splatoon and it's lore

[@phoenixmorphix]

21:32 says "Hey all, ardnin here. Now you may think that I accidentally mispronounced 'motif' as 'motive' here, however in reality you just fell into my trap of purposefully making an error so I can waste your time by inserting this one frame joke during the pronunciation error for you to rewind and pause the video 50 times to catch the frame, only to then read a needlessly inflated comedic paragraph about how I planned this all along and I definitely didn't make this pronunciation error because I'm a non native speaker." Took 2 tries, bud. 😼

[@phoenixmorphix]

Btw, you forgot to capitalize your name.

[@sheebitz]

I am so happy that this exists, thank you for taking the time to translate and tell us about this interview! So many of the criticisms given are actually talked about and considered by the devs and I'm so glad to see they're trying to listen to their fans and base the game off of the Splatoon lore as much as possible. I am so excited to see what's in store for Side Order and future updates.

[@BrownCharlie1]

8 possibly becoming the weapon shop owner in the plaza is enough to make a grown mad cry. I love Agent 8 so much

[@SicklySeraph]

I have to give props to the interviewer for asking a lot of great questions especially the ones regarding balance and map design. Since i dont speak Japanese im unsure how vocal the players are about the map design as opposed to how we are in the west, so its interesting to see it being brought up

[@omegaSomeone]

Thank you so much for what you do and have done for the Splatoon lore community. Splatoon lore is my Special interest and getting to know more about this world is one of the best feelings I’ve ever had (seriously though, I think I’ve read nearly every page on Inkipedia at least once). If you weren’t there, I would probably never have even gotten a Splatoon game, as my first contact with the series (aside from the Inkling being in SSBU) was your Salmonid lore video that popped up in my recommendations.

[@ElToland]

I had already read the translated interview, but you explained a lot of japanese things that were "lost" in the translation and that's why I really love watching your videos. Thank you so much!!!

[@SilliestSteve]

2:03 This bit alone already gives me so much hope for Splatoon in the future, saying that the first three games is a first step forwards is insane. The way they're talking about the IP as a whole is very exciting, and it really shows that they aren't ready to stop making stuff for Splatoon just yet.

[@BEANZ926]

35:25 reminded me of a fact that I heard which is that the squid sisters song, city of color, is called,”high color evolution” in some places.

[@TheEccentricJester]

For the splatoon hair thing, I interpreted it as something that doesn't hurt but can hurt if not done correctly or done too short. Which makes the most sense I suppose.

[@superlimeapple]

16:42 "Hammerhead bridge is such a place, isn't it?" Yes. Yes it is.

[@desmondruhling]

Honestly, I completely forgot about this interview, thank you so much for putting it into video form!

[@Glory2Snowstar]

OH MY GOODNESS I DID NOT EXPECT SUCH A BOMBSHELL TODAY Cannot wait to hear the thought process of the devs for this game, OG Splatoon has some of the most interesting beta content from any piece of media and I’d love to see what 3 has in store within those files and sketchbooks. Hoping for an abomination on the level of Blender Tartar! Thank you so much for providing the community with all this wonderful in-universe and IRL lore Rassicas!

[@1cbear745]

1:04:57 ive definitely thought about that connection a few times, as someone who grew up in the pacific northwest

[@akawoomy_]

ok that thing about alterna being in mount fuji is the coolest thing ive ever seen

[@j.corbygaming]

21:33 Bruh. Also, great interview! Glad you are back Rassicas! Edit: Holy Fuck Kamabo Co is not dead! The lore here could be crazy if TarTar somehow lived!

[@idkman5647]

I clicked on this video so fast. Like it literally said uploaded 18 seconds ago. That's a record for me.

[@multigrandmarquis]

A little disappointed that we didn't get to see what happened to dedf1sh. One of her songs was apparently used in Alterna, and a lot of people think that means she's been fuzzified.

[@booyahboogie3350]

I was in second grade when Splatoon first came out. I am in highschool now, and its one of my favorite series! still wish i could've played the first game, though haha. its awesome to see the evolution of this wonderful game and the thought behind it!

[@VaskoGames]

Can we talk about how Australia looks like a Cat on the splatoon 3 map?!

[@RegiArt7]

The new salmon run stage has waterfalls coming from a statue of a salmon head that could represent horrorboros. Maybe that’s the waterfall the salmon swim up?

[@pearlthecryptid3836]

Thank you soooooooooo much for translating the interviews. This information would have been so out of reach otherwise. Thank you Rass. You a real one. Your translator's notes are absolutely amazing too. Thank you again!

[@cassiusdna]

OMGGGG THIS WAS SO WORTH THE WAIT THANK YOU RASSICAS

[@FloorBeastie]

53:21 the way to music syncs up with the question and answer is awesome

[@Placeholder501]

I just realised Catch ya later is punny because you catch fish.

[@BIGBLUBLUR]

"What the Smallfry doin'?" -Splatoon developers

[@potatojuiceultra]

10:12 THATS what it is, whenever I see S2 footage now it just looks a lot worse, but I couldn't tell exactly why. 17:40 So basically, Shifty Stations are going to be in Side Order, but not the same maps in S2. If that isn't what Sato was implying, then I don't understand why he would describe it like that. Also it is so funny how much the interviewer cares about about Fred Crumbs.

[@tillllttt372]

1:04:47 They said they started off with a dog but didnt say it was actually based off on it and they said its agent 3s Partner not pet

[@Glacier_Nester]

that wii fit bit at the end had me chuckling, AND there's some super neat lore information in here! great stuff, hopefully your editing program stops a sploding soon.

[@tikitak7672]

21:33 YOU LITTLE- well played.

[@willoesd2449]

Now I just want a single player only spin off

[@hermit_the_fog]

With them being so into the number 3, I wonder if a 3rd new weapon class would be possible.

[@Mario64iscool2]

I got the funny one-frame on my first rewind!

[@KaossClown]

51:33 This is probably the most halarious shit I’ve ever read and laughed at I love this sm

[@hallowlitten1018]

21:33 hilarious paragraph hidden in that one frame, I would totally rewind and try to read it again if I were you

[@koiyune]

jokes on ardin, i am an english native and it only took me 2 tries to stop the frame ;)

[@airconditionin]

also, the new world map appears to follow (at least slightly) current tectonic plate movements - e.g. africa moving north into southern europe, the himalayas being pushed north and appearing even higher, warping around the us west coast. shows some nice attention to detail if this was on purpose!

[@timeimp]

This was a fantastic suggestion by the algorithm! Thanks to both of you for doing this for the community!

[@recon0503]

>Every game mode is somebody’s favorite You gotta be a certified creature if your favorite mode is Clam Blitz

[@cactoos9793]

I was thinking ROTM was a hint of "what if order had won" seeing everything futuristic and empty. But after reading the Alterna logs and the devs talking about how the place was supposed to feel safe and nostalgic, I feel those disprove that.

[@NuiYabuko]

If anything Side Order seems to be that.

[@-Vanova-]

Thank you for translating! I think it’s interesting to hear things from the devs perspective.

[@Wanwood2]

21:33 Yes ardnin, you've got me.

[@xenonlemon561]

Loved the Lotus Focus joke at the end, amazing video!

[@AlwayzGeekedUp]

very interessting thanks for this! i was supose to sleep an hour ago but coulndt stop watching.

[@Oranngey]

I heard that whenever you can see the 7 rings you can also hear faint whistle notes echoing across the sea

[@martini1426]

I always liked your dedication to the design to your videos and how much i formation you're gathering throughout the months! Keep going with your good work!

[@landensplatoon]

Agent 8 as a shop keeper would be so cool

[@RyleyPetell]

Tf is with this interviewers obsession of Fred

[@MaggieMay3922]

HOLY SHIT NEW RASSICAS VID, GOTTA DROP EVERYTHING TO WATCH.

[@alias_hallow]

your attention to detail in this video is flawless... "#notclickbait" and then clickbait plays for one second

[@TheEmraldz]

I feel like there were definitely some "scripted" questions, ie, ones that were decided before the interview, and then there's a bunch that the interviewer was just personally curious about.

[@N7Dante]

Thanks tons for putting this all together since true translations are rarely made (or go into extra detail to help explain things). I know how much of a struggle the editing part can be (I also get the crashes), but you made a great video ^_^

[@Falsekaiba]

thank you for the amazing work as always!

[@stockinanaki]

pls never stopmaking these vids youre amazingg

[@lady_zora]

Thank you so much!!! I enjoyed listening to the interview! You and Ardnin did fantastic!

[@d4ntemustd13]

WHEN WE NEEDED THEM THE MOST THEY CAME BACK‼️‼️‼️🙏🙏🙏

[@svgaming263]

Thank you so much for translating this interview!

[@bvvv6241]

KEEP MAKING LONG VIDEOSSSSSS THEY'RE MY FAVORITE

[@squ1d_s0up]

RASSICAS UPLOAD YEAHHHHH *CHEERING* I STILL REMEMBER GETTING THE SQUID CURSOR FROM ONE OF YOUR STREAMS

[@elijahsstudio1109]

MORE LORE!!! One day can you cover more lore on big run (if there is any) pls?

[@rassicas]

I think this interview has pretty much all the lore on big run so far, there's not a lot of info that exists

[@Frysbear]

The question about long narrow stages was interesting, cause my immediate thought was that there were just as many in splatoon 2. and going back and counting them (excluding overlap) there were about 5 I would classify as long and narrow in both. so they seem pretty similar.

[@karmajaden2577]

thank you rassicas for all that you do 🥰

[@X-Vidar]

The stuff about Keiji salmon makes the hugefry transformation make waay more sense, they really should've found a way to localize the info.

[@thirdwheel9938]

I agree with rassicas with the salmonid lore, I find it really upsetting that even the game directors seem to see salmonids as barbarian deep down. Which sucks! They are the most interesting splat species to me... (also I haven't seen anyone point it out but the fish stick boss kinda look like the voladores de Papantla, a tradicional mexican dance where the "flyers" spin around a pillar, just like the salmonids)

[@Timtams72]

In this house we respect the cartoon fish

[@suedonnym]

the interviewer is such a real one

[@courier2353]

Yay! We have been graced again by lore! Your content is so helpful, thank you for helping all of us.

[@ElGing]

Interview in a nutshell : they don’t care about what we think of the maps

[@platy4700]

they don’t care if we hate what they’ve made, they only care if they themselves get paid

[@pitachip1991]

thank you for the hard work rassicas! :D

[@spinosaurus2001]

Thank you for the translation. I am learning Japanese so I appreciate you also giving cultural context for may of the concepts or names. It's so fun how much puns are integrated in japanese text not just in Splatoon but in other media too lol. On another note regarding the salmonids/smallfry I understand why you'd be upset but didn't the developers say it was not a pet in that same question. They were talking about the original concept but moved away from it to make Smallfry your character's partner. It wouldve been weird if they kept it as a "pet" character but in the end they didn't.

[@Noisetank2212]

Glad to see you’re back alway a pleasure to watch your content