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Jaffe: Console makers should limit game updates to four per year
During the GDC "micro-talk" panel, God of War and Twisted Metal creator David Jaffe declared that console makers should cap the number of bug-fix patches publishers can release for their games. "Hardware manufacturers, I feel, should only allow one to four updates to the software per game per year," he said, drawing a huge round of applause. "None of them should come within the first one to two months the game is shipping," he added. Jaffe was speaking to what he sees is an industry-wide need to cut down on the amount of time it takes console gamers to actually get into playing their games -- the main topic of his five-minute speech -- but he also wanted to remind developers that releasing games with bugs is actually not okay. "When I first started, when the disc was shipped it was our last chance [to get rid of bugs] off the bat," Jaffe recalled. "If developers could make it work then, then today they can at least make sure our games don't have to be updated the first week they hit shelves." Jaffe also suggested that hardware makers implement a feature that lets players bypass boot sequences and system menus, so they can launch directly into the latest save files for whatever games are in their consoles' drives. He noted that mobile device manufacturers and some game makers have gotten it right, citing the likes of New Super Mario Bros. on DS and pretty much all iOS titles. We'll see if any of these bold new ideas make it into Jaffe's next release, the Twisted Metal reboot.
Jaffe loves fan-made Twisted Metal movie, wants one on PSN
When Twisted Metal co-creator David Jaffe tweeted back in June about his interest in a "low-budget slasher movie" starring TM character Sweet Tooth, Blue Goggles Films took the idea and ran with it. The studio recently cut its first trailer for Twisted Metal: Home Sweet Home, and we checked in with both Jaffe and Blue Goggles to gauge the reception. "Fucking fantastic -- and yes, please quote me on that," was Jaffe's initial response. "Just great and totally the kind of thing I want to see happen with the character." Blue Goggles, of course, had no idea what kind of response to expect upon the trailer's release. "We've lived in a bubble for the past month while we were making it and, while we thought the project was going to be cool, we didn't know if other people would," director Ben Moody told us. He confirmed the genesis of the idea, saying, "The whole concept for the trailer was directly inspired by Jaffe's quote/tweet about wanting a Sweet Tooth slasher movie for the PSN." As for the project's future, both Jaffe and Blue Goggles would like to see Sony pick up the would-be feature (the film is currently planned as a free release since Blue Googles does not have the rights to commercially distribute it.). "This is what needs to happen: a straight-to-PSN Sweet Tooth slasher flick! Will it happen? I dunno -- but man I hope so!" Jaffe urged. "Either way, this fan film is really, really cool. What a neat thing to see. Whoever made it -- thank you! Great job that captures the low budget slasher flicks of the '80s that I hold so near and dear to my heart. Now let's just hope Sony jumps on board and we can get a whole feature out of it!" Moody is equally enthusiastic, saying, "Since we've seen such a great response in just one day, we plan to get in touch with Jaffe and Sony to see if they are interested in making a full-on slasher movie starring Sweet Tooth for the PSN." As of publishing, Sony had yet to respond to our request for comment.
Fan-made Twisted Metal trailer makes a slasher out of Sweet Tooth
Back in June, Twisted Metal designer David Jaffe shared the idea of a movie based partially on his game's automotive carnage, but focused on one of its most iconic characters, Sweet Tooth (real name: Needles Kane). "I want us to make an honest to goodness, low-budget slasher movie and sell it on PSN exclusive," he told his Twitter followers and fans. While it's unknown whether the concept has gotten the green light since then, a handful of fans have created a free trailer based on Jaffe's initial pitch. "Twisted Metal: Home Sweet Home" sees the psychotic clown offing obligatory, oblivious young people one by one and driving his decidedly unsavory ice cream truck. If the violence makes you feel uncomfortable, just remind yourself that Sweet Tooth's victims are probably those people who think it's still cute and quirky to tell everyone how scared they are of clowns. They deserve it.
Sony invites public to God of War documentary taping in Los Angeles
If you live in Los Angeles and love God of War, you're in luck. Sony is getting the directors of all of the God of War games so far -- that's David Jaffe, Cory Barlog, Stig Asmussen, Ru Weerasuiya and Dana Jan, for those of you keeping score -- together this Wednesday in the City of Angels to film a documentary extra for the upcoming Ghost of Sparta preorder bundle, and it's inviting the public to watch. Starting at 4:00 p.m. PDT on September 1, fans can arrive at the El Portal theater in North Hollywood, and the first 150 on the scene (which means you better show up early) will get seats to see the show. You can RSVP on the Facebook page (though it doesn't appear that you have to -- it's just first come, first served) and you must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent to enter. Sony's also promising "gifts and prizes for all in attendance," so if you make it in, you'll probably get to take something home, too. We mean besides the insight and wit of David Jaffe and company.
Jaffe's got a filmmaking Sweet Tooth for PSN
We've been fooled before by Twisted Metal creator David Jaffe and his Twitter account, so we'll treat his recent statements expressing interest in making a Sweet Tooth-based, "low-budget slasher movie," with with the same trepidation we reserve for buying ice cream from an evil clown. That said, his phrasing is pretty straightforward: "I want us to make an honest to goodness, low-budget slasher movie and sell it on PSN exclusive. Peeps saying we are making a PSN Sweet Tooth GAME got it wrong." He later clarified that the "Sweet Tooth PSN thing" he wants to do "is a MOVIE on PSN, like THE TESTER in terms of exclusive PSN programming ... not a game." Perhaps his brief involvement with ... The Tester gave him a taste of almost-television stardom that he just can't let go? Or maybe it's just his love for low-budget slash flicks. We're not totally sure, but you can bet we've reached out for comment from the man himself.
Interview: David Jaffe on Twisted Metal, E3 and ... lying to us
Just before E3 2010, we asked Twisted Metal creator David Jaffe to confirm that he wasn't working on a new entry in the long-dormant car combat franchise, per a series of messages he released via Twitter. And confirm that he did. Unfortunately for us -- though perhaps not for gamers -- it turns out that his words to us were actually part of a larger plan of "misdirection," as he told us in an interview one day after last week's big reveal. Aside from our initial harassment about what he told us in the past, we spoke with him about what he wants out of E3, what he's most excited about in his forthcoming game, the current trend of series reboots in the game industry, and what else is going on at Eat Sleep Play (the studio he co-heads with Scott Campbell) -- among many other things. And though we were initially hurt by his "misdirection," the fact that he was a perfect gentleman during the interview helped to mend those wounds. Continue after the break for our conversation. %Gallery-95377%
Preview: Twisted Metal
David Jaffe is a big fat liar. He's a liarface. But at E3, he was finally able to tell the truth: Twisted Metal for PS3. The return of this beloved demolition murder derby series isn't so much a surprise as it is a relief for dedicated fans, fingers sore from begging for an original console sequel on any forum that will listen. Still in pre-alpha (and in the garage until 2011), Twisted Metal is up and running at Sony's E3 booth. A 15-player demo (the game does support up to 16 players) staged in the "Slaughterdale" map showcased what Santa Monica Studios producer Chad Cox called the key feature of the new Twisted Metal: "online factions." While there will be free-for-all gametypes, the team-based matches appear to be the feature modes. You pick a side: in the demo, Clowns or Dolls (though more factions are to be revealed), and then you're free to choose and change your vehicle throughout a match; much like you might change up your character class or loadout in an online shooter before you respawn. %Gallery-95377%
Twisted Metal crashes onto PS3 in 2011
David Jaffe just emerged onstage at the PlayStation keynote in a surprise reveal: Twisted Metal. The series is returning to PlayStation consoles in an all new iteration on PS3, complete with flight. Yes, you read that correctly: you'll be able to fly helicopters in Twisted Metal. You'll be able to get your vehicular slaughter on in 2011 or, if you're an E3 attendee, you can check it out on the show floor now.
David Jaffe not working on new Twisted Metal [update: yes he is]
Aside from answering questions about the current state of documentary film and divulging his current love affair with Black Rock Studios' Split/Second, Eat Sleep Play head David Jaffe is busy bustin' through speculation about his current game project. "By the way, I WISH we were making a new Twisted Metal. Making [a] game you've already worked on is tons easier cuz your core blueprint is already there. This new game design stuff tho? Man, that is hard ... reason I'm so stressed these days!" Jaffe recently tweeted. Jaffe also suggested that his studio's current project is unlikely to be revealed during E3. "Sony has not asked us and given it's 3 weeks away, my guess is u r correct: no Eat Sleep Play game at E3," he tweeted, busting through his own expectations from last year. So, he's presumably working on a car-based game, but it's not Twisted Metal ... uh, the Indiana Jones (mine) kart racer we've all been waiting for, perhaps? Update: David Jaffe told Joystiq via email this morning, "As for my Twitter, I stand by what I said: we are not making a new Twisted Metal altho [sic] I think doing one WOULD be fun...but we simply are not. Also a game by Eat Sleep Play will NOT be at E3 2010. I can't speak to what we ARE working on because it's not my place to." Update from E3 2010: What David Jaffe meant to say was, "We are making a new Twisted Metal. A game by Eat Sleep Play WILL be at E3 2010." [Via CVG]
How God of War 3 could have ended
The God of War trilogy ended in the recent God of War 3 with Kratos [redacted]. But each God of War game before 3 (directed by Stig Asmussen) had a different director, and, as Asmussen told GamePro, each director had a different idea of how to end the saga of Angry Man Kratos. Series creator David Jaffe had stories in mind beyond Greek myth. "Basically, you destroy Greek mythology and then Norse mythology is right around the corner," Asmussen recounted. "That's the next thing that Kratos would go after. It becomes clear at the end that he's going to become this harbinger of death across different mythologies in the world and maybe carry the series on from there." God of War 2 director Cory Barlog's ending, according to Asmussen, would turn Kratos into Death. "He pretty much becomes the Grim Reaper at the end of the game and his blades become sickles." 1UP points out that Jaffe had issues with both claims. On Twitter, Jaffe said that the Norse mythology idea was more complicated than Asmussen made it sound. "There is an element of truth but it goes far beyond." Later, he
Peruse the God of War copyright infringement judgment
The Hollywood Reporter has uploaded the 27-page judgment [PDF link] in the God of War copyright infringement case. The case was already revealed as dismissed last week, but the full document bestows all the gritty details upon us mortals. In her summary, Judge Marilyn Hall Patel notes, "An examination of articulable similarities between the plot, themes, dialogue, mood, settings, pace, characters and sequence of events of God of War and plaintiffs' works reveals far less similarity than would be required to overcome summary judgment, even if plaintiffs had proven access. Plaintiffs have pointed to no persuasive similarity in dialogue or narration that would suggest actual copying." Reading the entire decision reveals that Sony was on the money with its original assertion that alleged similarities were "inaccurate, incomplete, abstracted and/or misleading."
God of War copyright suit dismissed, Jaffe reveals document
Game developer David Jaffe has posted on his personal blog what appears to be a dismissal notice of a 2008 lawsuit against him and Sony over God of War. There is no further explanation given, so unless Jaffe is starting some obtuse alternate reality game, we'll take the document at face value. The lawsuit was an alleged copyright infringement claim, filed by a pair of plaintiffs who had submitted a screenplay entitled Olympiad to Sony Pictures in 2002. At the time, they claimed there were several similarities between their work and God of War. Sony called the alleged similarities "inaccurate, incomplete, abstracted and/or misleading." Apparently a judge in the northern district court of California agreed. [Via Kotaku]
Meet the Testers, cast of PSN reality show
With a host that's "crazy for RPG" and a model, plus guest appearances by the "legendary" David Jaffe, upcoming PSN reality show, The Tester, has already locked up the celebs. But what about the unknowns -- those everyday, real folk -- vying for an entry-level job in the industry? Today, we're introduced to these eleven strangers, picked to work for Sony, to test games and have their lives taped, to hopefully get smashed and hook up and puke and then start some real drama if the video editors are any good, 'cause, boy, game testing is really kinda boring and ... hey, did we mention there's still an unannounced celebrity that's gonna show up? Stay tuned! [Via PlayStation.Blog]
David Jaffe talks death of Calling All Cars as servers go offline
This week heralded the end of the Calling All Cars saga, as David Jaffe finally saw the lights go out on his PSN baby. He's got a set of final thoughts over on his blog -- he says that as his first online game, it was definitely a learning experience, and while there were good times, it wasn't the most fun he'd ever had. He's suprisingly regretful about the whole thing: He says that he seriously thinks he probably should have "made it war themed and ['ditched'] the cartoony stuff," and that it was really a problem of expectation. At $10, he says, they were expecting gamers buying downloadable titles to just be "sampling them like candy," not looking for a full game experience. But we wouldn't worry too much about Jaffe -- while he jokes that the CAC server shutdown "marks the beginning of the end of my career," we're sure there's still more fun to be had from that mind of his. We're hoping to see what he's got planned next by the time E3 rolls around this year.
Twisted Metal's Sweet Tooth becomes a ModNation Racer
It was only a matter of time before beta testers of ModNation Racers would start recreating classic gaming icons. However, this Mod-recreated version of Twisted Metal's Sweet Tooth seems simultaneously cute, murderous and appropriate for the weapons-based racer. Series creator David Jaffe posted this (and a number of other Twisted Metal Mods) on his blog, proudly proclaiming that "Twisted Metal on PS3!" would be "a cool idea." We're inclined to agree.
Calling All Cars servers calling it quits in January
David Jaffe's Calling All Cars will have its internets removed on January 14, 2010. An official announcement within the game (pictured) declares that the servers will be shut down, and thanks players for thar support.Though it's sad to see the game's online bouts coming to an end, it won't affect a majority of users -- there are currently zero games being played and zero players online.[Thanks, Kassatsu; Via PSN Stores]
Jaffe 'not showing anything' at E3, definitely next year
David Jaffe will be roaming the halls at next week's E3. His mysterious new project, however, "absolutely" won't make an appearance. In fact, the Twisted Metal creator noted on his latest video blog that he's "not showing anything" at the big show. Commented Jaffe, "Part of me would love to announce at E3, and so you walk into the Sony booth and bam -- there's our game." Next year, however, is another story. The Eat Sleep Play co-founder says that he "fully expects" the presumably car-heavy game to be on the show floor in 2010. Certainly no later than that.
Even David Jaffe likes these LEGO Twisted Metal vehicles
His name might not be Jack, but Amando Tanedo is undoubtedly a LEGO maniac. Tanedo also likes him some Twisted Metal, as evidenced by his use of interlocking blocks in recreating several of the series' iconic vehicles. His work has even caught the eye of series creator David Jaffe, who recently blocked blogged about it.In addition to Darkside, Tanedo has fashioned LEGO likenesses of Minion, Auger, Crusher, Mr. Slam and Gen. Warthog. Like Jaffe, we have to ask where the Sweet Tooth love is, Amando. Nevertheless, good work! Check out the rest of the vehicles on Tanedo's site.[Via David Jaffe's blog]
Rumor: David Jaffe's next game will feature cars
Oh, Jaffe. You really shouldn't be posting images of secret internal emails on your blog, even if you have applied heavy blurring to some of the more pertinent sections. Now we know your dark secret: your next game will involve cars. That's right, some photoshop whizz managed to see through the image's blurred section -- which probably explains why Jaffe has replaced the blurring with solid chunks of red, but the damage has already been done. The super secret information does indeed reveal that the game involves cars, as evident from the lines "dragging him behind your car" and "when he is launched out of a car." The email also states that character animation for the "human characters" needs improvement because "right now it's so dry, it needs to feel like an action movie." Cars and humans? This game is going to be awesome. All joking aside, this could indicate that Jaffe is currently working on a Twisted Metal sequel. Or it could not. It could be another car game entirely. With human characters. The blog post mentions a big milestone at the end of the month, which may mean we'll be seeing whatever game this is at E3 in early June. [Thanks, Brad]
Why David Jaffe's still working with Sony
After David Jaffe got his independence from Sony, it seemed like a given he'd branch out to some other platforms. In a new video, the dev explains why he's still sticking with Sony, rather than a big, multi-platform third party. Not only does he just like the PS3 better, he added that "we have a great collaborative process going on when we make games [with Sony] and we have a lot of creative freedom."Jaffe also says he believes that Sony's more likely than a third-party publisher to greenlight a game that may not necessarily be profitable, but pushes the platform brand forward, specifically mentioning Shadow of the Colossus, Ico and LittleBigPlanet. Lest there be any confusion, Jaffe says he's not working on anything like that. In fact, he describes his new project as a "big commercial game." We think we speak for everyone when we say we can't wait to see what he has cooking, no matter who's publishing it.
