... Basically a publisher has about five minutes per game, to explain what the game is about.

So when you're selling a license? It's easy. You say, "Oh, well, we're making this game that's Spider-Man 3, it's going to be blah-blah-blah," they know what Spider-Man is, they know they're going to be signing X quantity of it, mechanically. So that's fine.

You're saying, "Oh, this is a game about little girls, pink ponies, and you know that little girls are going to buy this," it's X number of units are going to go, it's an easy sell. But when you come in with an original game, that they don't have any clear reference to the gameplay of something that has been done recently, that has no license, then it's a very hard sell. And if you have only five minutes? I can't explain Soul Bubbles in five minutes. It's not doable — and I made the game.

Lejade's discussion of the gameplay of Soul Bubbles is particularly interesting, especially since he manages to convey the sense of 'People didn't get what we were trying to do' without sounding like a whiny, pretentious jerk. With the discussion of the casual-hardcore divide that's been going on recently, it's great to hear how people are attempting to bridge that — with some success, but not necessarily from a reviewer's perspective. Interesting interview and well worth a read. In case you're unfamiliar with the game, one of the gameplay videos is appended below.

Mekensleep's Lejade - The Extended Soul Bubbles Interview [GameSetWatch]

Eidos Pours Its Heart And Soul Into Nintendo DS

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., March 18 /PRNewswire/ — Eidos Interactive, one of the world's leading publishers and developers of entertainment software, is pleased to announce Soul Bubbles, an enchanting action-puzzle game coming to Nintendo DS(TM).

Experience the soulful stories of a young shaman apprentice entrusted with saving lost spirits and steering them to safety. Under the guidance of his master, he must protect these fragile souls from the hostile and dangerous world around them by creating mystic bubbles to guide them on their spiritual journey.

"Soul Bubbles is the most refreshing breath of air to debut on Nintendo DS," said Robert A. Lindsey, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Eidos Inc. "The unique bubble physics creates gameplay that DS owners have never experienced before. This combined with a colorful universe and touching storyline is a game sure to engage puzzle fans of all ages."

Using your Stylus, manipulate these mystical bubbles by deflating or expanding them in order to transport your spirits to safety. Fill created bubbles with water and pop them to extinguish dangerous fires or use them to trap harmful gases and blow them away. These incredibly diverse worlds are filled with supernatural challenges, so move your soul bubble gracefully, collecting star dust along the way to allow the light from your protected spirits to shine.

Soul Bubbles features eight divine worlds with over 40 challenging levels that offer a rejuvenating new take on the puzzle genre.

Developed by Mekensleep and designed to charm both hardcore and casual gamers alike — Soul Bubbles is set for release on Nintendo DS(TM) in summer 2008.