C418 Discusses Burnout and the Importance of Taking Breaks as a Composer for Minecraft and Wanderstop

Daniel Rosenfeld, popularly recognized as C418, made a significant mark on the gaming world with his soundtrack for Minecraft. While he embraces the title of "the Minecraft guy," he recently ventured into a more personal project titled Wanderstop, which was launched on March 11. This game signifies a deep emotional connection for Rosenfeld, as he played a significant role in its development.

Wanderstop is created by Ivy Road and features the journey of a strong warrior named Alta. After suffering defeat in a public arena, Alta finds herself lost in a magical forest, eventually discovering an enchanting tea shop. One of the central themes of the game is the concept of burnout. Following her defeat, Alta harshly criticizes herself and even refers to her experience as a sign of failure. At the start of the game, players have the option to encourage her to take a break, but she briefly pauses before pushing herself to continue, saying she must not be “lazy” or “complacent.” Throughout her adventure, the game emphasizes the importance of rest and encourages Alta to take necessary breaks.

Rosenfeld himself relates to the concept of burnout, having faced similar emotional challenges while working on Wanderstop. Unlike his previous projects, he took on dual roles as both composer and engineer, overseeing everything related to audio in the game. In a conversation with Polygon, he mentioned that he was deeply involved in almost every aspect of sound for the game, from composition to implementation.

He expressed the struggles he faces with work-life balance, stating, “I’ve had a lot of things to deal with emotionally, especially work-related and working hard.” He mentioned that even as the game was approaching its release, he still felt compelled to continue working, reflecting the constant pressure of being in the creative industry. “Putting the pen down is really, really hard,” he admitted, revealing that his personal experiences, including his ADHD, make it particularly challenging to slow down. He acknowledged the lessons embedded in Wanderstop, recognizing that while he understands the message about taking breaks, he often struggles to act on it himself.

Despite these personal dilemmas, Rosenfeld highlighted the commitment of the Wanderstop team to avoid overworking. He praised the team for their attitude towards maintaining a healthy work-life balance, stating, “I believe there has been no crunch on this game,” which is often a pressing issue in the game development industry.

His transition from the successful Minecraft franchise to an independent project like Wanderstop raises questions about his motivations. Rosenfeld shared insights into why the indie game scene attracts him. "I have talked to a lot of people in industries," he explained, referring to discussions with those in various segments, including AAA game development and independent music. He expressed admiration for the autonomy and creativity found in independent work, appreciating how indie developers often wear multiple hats and showcase a wide range of talents. “I will always enjoy that kind of spitballing environment more than anything else,” he concluded, capturing his inclination towards collaborative and multifaceted creative processes in the indie scene.

Overall, through Wanderstop, Rosenfeld not only shares a piece of his creative journey but also opens up about the importance of mental health and self-care in the fast-paced world of game development.