Nivalis Nights, a game that may appear to offer a tranquil experience, is intentionally designed to be challenging rather than cosy, according to lead writer Thomas Welsh. He explained that the initial hours of the game are meant to be overwhelming, reflecting the stressful nature of life in a cyberpunk metropolis.
"Life in a cyberpunk world shouldn't be relaxing and free of stress - not at first anyway," Welsh told PC Gamer. "If you want a cosy existence in this city, you're going to have to earn it." He elaborated that the developers envisioned a world where players are constantly bombarded with urgent notifications, akin to a smartphone. Success in Nivalis can be defined differently for each player, with possibilities ranging from achieving wealth and settling on a farm to simply learning to accept a less conventional definition of success. Welsh also noted that players can complete the game's story even if they are poor at business.
The genre's inherent themes of technological anxiety and hyperbole are well-suited to a less relaxing setting, aligning with Welsh's perspective on the game's design. While cosiness can be found, it is not readily available and must be earned through player effort.
In a separate discussion with PC Gamer, Welsh also addressed the game's dating mechanics. The team aimed for a more realistic and sometimes frustrating romantic experience, deliberately avoiding transactional relationships. "We wanted it to be messy," Welsh stated, "and that we wanted the player to have a 'what did I say wrong?' experience. When they miss out on romance, they never quite know why it didn't line up, just like in real life. We also wanted to avoid 'I was nice to you three times in a row, so can I have one sex please?'"