Dexai Arts on Techno Banter – Interview Series

Listen up, Club Rats — Berlin-based game developer Dexai Arts has a brand new game in the works—a “door policy simulator on steroids” sort of ordeal, from the sounds of it. Aptly titled Techno Banter, the upcoming game will reportedly combine the thrill of conquering the club circuit with “personality, humor, and a whole lot of attitude.” Sound like your idea of a good time? Then be sure to read on as we delve even deeper into the details alongside one of the studio’s developers, “Soulless Employee No. 3.”

Thanks for sitting down and speaking with us today — we appreciate the opportunity!

Before we touch base on the studio’s upcoming game, would you mind if we asked you a bit about yourself and your relationship with Dexai Arts? How did it all start for you, if you don’t mind me asking?

Absolutely! Dexai Arts is a Berlin-based video game studio. We are all brothers and cousins, so you can think of us as the Wu-Tang Clan of game development (Please, do!).

We wanted to make a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, something with personality, humor, and a whole lot of attitude. We are fascinated with the ridiculous storytelling potential of video games, and Techno Banter is kind of the ultimate expression of that.

We wanted to create a main character who had the ability to come up with the perfect answer to any insult instantaneously, instead of thinking of something he should have said 4 hours later in the bathroom.

Suffice it to say, Techno Banter has caught our attention in recent weeks, and we are incredibly keen to learn all there is to know about it. To start, though, would you mind telling us what it is? How would you best describe it, in a nutshell?

Techno Banter is a door policy simulator on steroids. It’s part party game, part dark comedy. You’re a bouncer with a sharp tongue, tasked with curating the perfect nightclub experience while navigating a sea of WILD personalities. We were influenced by Berlin’s Techno club scene… and added some fantastic elements to it.

Let’s talk a bit about Rainbow Drive—the beating heart of the Berlin-inspired clubbing scene in Techno Banter. Care to paint us a picture of this neon-soaked world and its nocturnal citizens?

Rainbow Drive is where dreams come to rave and egos come to die. It’s a place drenched in neon pinks and blues, alive with pulsing beats, and populated by the eccentric, the fabulous, and the downright bizarre. You’ll meet all kinds of people, from dancers, show offs, music lovers, to trouble makers and even zealots.  It’s chaotic, messy, and utterly unforgettable—kind of like a good night out.

Banter is, of course, the most powerful tool in any bouncer’s arsenal. The question is, how does it work in Techno Banter? Walk us through a typical conversation between a bog-standard club rat and our “protagonist”, if you’d be so kind.

Sure! Picture this: A guy shows up at the door, claiming he’s there to have a good time. You ask a few questions but his responses reveal creepy intentions. Instead of taking your rejection in stride, he decides to fight back and insult you.

Since you’re just one person faced with the whole queue, violence is rarely a viable option. It is up to you to give him enough of his own medicine until he gives up and leaves on his own accord.

The system is dialogue-driven, and your responses are like weapons. Choose wisely, because your banter affects your reputation, the mood of the club, and sometimes, how ‘out there’ the night becomes.

From the sounds of it, our role in the techno scene will involve a lot more than merely granting passage to those deemed worthy of the dance floor. Mind telling us a bit more about the other responsibilities that will tie in with the job description?

Absolutely! As much as you’re the gatekeeper of the Green Door Club, your job extends far beyond the velvet rope. You can explore the neighborhood, get to know the quirky residents of Rainbow Drive, and lend a hand (or a sharp word) when needed. There’s always something weird and wonderful to get wrapped up in. It’s all about keeping your hood as vibrant and chaotic as the club itself.

We have to ask, what’s the secret to building a successful club in Techno Banter? If you have any useful tips of tricks to help future entrepreneurs get started, then we would certainly love to hear them!

The secret lies in mastering the crowd dynamics. Every night at the Green Door Club has its own vibe, and not everyone fits in. Listen closely for red flags because letting the wrong people in can kill the energy, while choosing guests who bring something unique to the table makes the night unforgettable. It’s not about being exclusive; it’s about being in tune with the flow of the party.

So, what’s next for Techno Banter? Any chance of another glimpse into its world before year’s end?

We’ve got a few surprises lined up. Keep an eye on our socials; let’s just say the party isn’t stopping anytime soon.

Would you like to add any final comments to this thread before we go ahead and ship out?

Just this: Techno Banter is a love letter to the absurdity of nightlife. Whether you’re a seasoned clubber or just someone who loves a good laugh, we think you’ll feel right at home in Rainbow Drive.

The soundtrack also plays a huge role in bringing this world to life. We collaborated with actual Berlin-based techno producers and DJs to create a soundscape that feels authentic and captures the raw energy of a real club. Beyond that, we aimed for a high level of aesthetic detail—not just to immerse players in the world, but also to highlight and support the local music and club scene. By incorporating this vibrant culture into the game, we hope to reflect a small part of what makes Berlin’s nightlife so unique.

The game is coming out on the 30th of January 2025 on Steam, GOG, and the Xbox and PlayStation stores.

Join the party and drop us a wishlist — doors open soon!

Thanks again for speaking with us about this. We look forward to seeing what else comes of Techno Banter in the coming months! Best of luck with the project!

You can find more information on Dexai Arts’ Techno Banter by following the official Instagram handle here. You can also add the game to your wishlist on Steam for additional updates and pre-launch coverage here.