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Silicon Knights gets $4 million from Canadian government
Silicon Knights has been shoving the beggar's cup in the face of the Canadian government for some time now and The Welland Tribune reports that a grant has been approved. This means Silicon Knights has been awarded $4 million (pretty big cup, eh?), which it will use to recruit 65 new workers for the Ontario-based studio to help create its next game -- the rumored Siren in the Maelstrom. President Denis Dyack is obviously stoked about the influx of cash, but offered little on the studio's next game. "We can only say it's a next generation title and a high production value game," he offered. "That's all we can say." Hey, that's all well and good, but we don't want to hear jack about a siren and some maelstrom or whatever. Give us an Eternal Darkness sequel, please. Please? [Via GI.biz]
Denis Dyack says EVE is better than WoW
Who's Denis Dyack? He's the outspoken president of Silicon Knights, a company that just finished many years (almost 10, some say) of making a game called Too Human that disappointed widely. And that, of course, qualifies him to be an expert in MMO design, right?Maybe not, but he's going to call out WoW anyway. In an interview with Videogaming 24/7, he claims that while he enjoyed World of Warcraft, EVE Online was for him personally the better game. He claims EVE has more depth than WoW, and is "a lot harder core." And he says that both games made him force himself to stop playing -- apparently they both just took too much time to play.We've played both as well, and EVE certainly is a very deep and complex game (almost too complex for many players' tastes, we'd guess). But we'll leave the question of which game is actually better up to you. We will, however, point out that while lots of people have opinions about which games are best, not all of them are developers. If you have strong opinions about which games to play and not to play, shouldn't you be making even better games than the ones you don't like?[via Massively]
Silicon Knights developer says EVE is better than WoW
Silicon Knights President Dennis Dyack is apparently a balanced gamer. Sure, he's worked on games like Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain and he's president of the company behind the big Xbox 360 exclusive Too Human. But it would appear that he's also a connoisseur of MMOs.He told videogaming247 that EVE Online is (for him, at least) a better game than World of Warcraft. "I know it's a lot harder core," he said, "but the depth of it's unparalleled and I love it." It's been mentioned again and again how different the EVE and WoW experiences are. They represent two fundamentally opposing game design philosophies. That serves as a reminder that this genre can be potentially achieve more than the treadmill-loving, fantasy RPG style it has become known for.But Dyack had one complaint that applied to both titles. "I have to ... force myself to stop playing those games because it takes too much time," he said. That seems to be a problem with MMOs in general -- especially ones that use the subscription model. Blizzard and CCP want you to invest as much time as possible into the game so you'll stay subscribed, right? Looks like it backfired in Dyack's case. We wouldn't be surprised if it alienated a lot of other potential subscribers as well. One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!
Dyack hints at next non-Too Human title
Speaking to CVG, Silicon Knights head Denis Dyack mentioned the company's next title that isn't part of the Too Human trilogy. Mentioning some of Silicon Knights titles (including the likes of Eternal Darkness and Legacy of Kain), Dyack emphasized the diversity of the company's catalog. Apart from the remaining Too Human titles, Dyack noted that the company's next title will be "nothing like anything else" Silicon Knights has done before. Could this be the Crucible title that was leaked earlier this year? We don't know, obviously, but there is one thing that we can surmise here: whatever it is, Silicon Knights' next title won't be Eternal Darkness 2. Sigh ....[Via Joystiq]
Dyack claims Epic 'defrauded' them and the industry
Talking with develop magazine, Too Human lead Denis Dyack expressed his continued anger towards Epic Games for putting him, Silicon Knights and Too Human through a development hell. Four years of development hell thanks to the Unreal Engine."They [Epic Games] have defrauded us, and a major portion of the industry" Dyack explained, saying that Too Human "would have been out even quicker, but we had to re-write the engine because of all the Epic stuff." Very mud slinging-like. So, you ask, how is all that legal Epic stuff going? According to Dyack, quite peachy, saying that he feels "really good" about their legal claims. Congrats for that![Via Eurogamer]
Too Human demo classes unlock over time, internal clock shift makes them all available
Despite some minor qualms with the game's control scheme, we're actually somewhat fond of what we've seen from Silicon Knights' Norse mythology flavored action/RPG, Too Human. We were disappointed, however, when we discovered the game's demo, released during E3, only contained one out of five of the game's playable classes -- the Champion. Fortunately, Silicon Knights included a clever time release system with the demo, which will unlock other classes as we approach Too Human's August 19 release date.The Berserker class actually appeared on Friday, and according to mysteriously informed GameFAQs commenter Dimascus, the Commando will report for duty on August 12. However, patience isn't really a virtue possessed by most gamers, so it's no surprise that many Too Human players discovered that with by tinkering with the 360's internal clock and doing a bit of tricky menu navigation, it's possible to play as all five of the classes before their initial dates of arrival. We've got Dimascus' method after the jump -- are you brave enough to propel your 360 into the future?[Thanks, Boff.]
Molyneux feels sorry for Dyack and Too Human
Why all the Denis Dyack (stuck) hating? That's the question Fable 2's Peter Molyneux (stuck) seems to have asked himself because recently, in an interview with VideoGamer, Molyneux expressed sorry feelings for Dyack and how he and Too Human have been treated as of late. "I feel sorry for Denis Dyack because you know, I think a few things were said wrong, there was that really unfortunate showing at E3 a few years ago" Molyneux continued, saying that "everyone got on the bandwagon of saying things about Too Human." Peter then threw his support behind Too Human saying that "it's a good game" admitting that "it doesn't deserve a lot of that harsh criticism."A perfect example of how developers have to stick together if they want to survive in the industry. Strength in numbers, friends, strength in numbers.
Too Human demo now available
As promised, the Too Human demo is now available for download. We haven't had a chance to play it yet, because we're trying to get ready for the MS press conference in a couple hours and make sure that certain bloggers clean up (it's like trying to bathe cats, seriously). Let us know what you think about the Too Human demo -- especially those controls -- and be sure to come back in a little bit for our Microsoft Press Conference liveblog.[Via X3F, Thanks Fernando]
2008 Yearbook: Microsoft Game Studios
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/2008_Yearbook_Microsoft_Game_Studios'; After a solid year for the Xbox 360 in 2007 many thought the system could never showcase the same amount of quality exclusives in a single year.In the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook, we've compiled a list of this year's graduating class with a detailed account of each title's current status and the stories surrounding them.From heartbreaking cancellations, surprise feature announcements and expected sequels, the 2008 MGS Yearbook is filled with fun facts and information on your soon-to-be favorite titles. Also included in the yearbook are special joke awards given to each title that releases in 2008 that poke fun at the details most commonly argued about in the comments.From Ninja Gaiden II to Alan Wake, the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook will have something for everyone.Ladies and gentlemen allow us to introduce the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios graduating class ...
Dyack may step down as Silicon Knights lead [update]
In an interview with GameDaily, Silicon Knights top-dog Dennis Dyack hints that at the possibility of stepping down from his role as head of the studio. Citing a passion to focus on creating original IPs as the possible reason, Dyack admits it would be "weird," but prefers someone else to take over the business side of the company.Since the notorious E3 2006 showing of Too Human, Dyack has been thrust into the spotlight with comments regarding the state of gaming journalism (specifically the validity of game previews) as Silicon Knights announced numerous delays for the first title in its Too Human trilogy. Could a new business director help shorten production times? Well, it's the old sports manager idea. Fire the coach all you want but it's the players who are losing the games.Update: Dyack has told GameSpot: "I was as surprised to see this as everyone else. I am not stepping down." His original quote to GameDaily was as follows: "So, in the end as the company grows, for my role I'll probably hire someone to be my boss and help run the company, which is kind of a weird thing, and I actually won't run the company while I continue to work at what is the company's bread and butter, which is original IPs with great stories and game concepts that are provocative to gamers."[via Joystiq]
Dyack: 'Strong chance' of Eternal Darkness sequel
Alright, this isn't officially Xbox 360 news, but given Silicon Knights' current relationship with Microsoft, we're fairly confident that it could be. Speaking to TVG at Microsoft's Spring Showcase, Silicon Knights head Dennis Dyack had some hopeful things to say regarding an Eternal Darkness sequel. After noting that Silicon Knights doesn't want to be "pigeon-holed" into any specific genres, he admitted, "There's a strong chance we'll return to it, but there's no announcements yet." This marks the best news we've heard about a possible sequel since 2006. That joyous yet vaguely disturbing sound you just heard was a worldwide nerd-splosion of the highest order.[Via Joystiq]
Dyack talks sales, delays and naysayers
In an interview with Gamasutra, Silicon Knights lead Dennis Dyack discussed his upcoming game Too Human and the overall direction of the industry. While Dyack has always been passionate about his work, he does admit that the company's success hitches on the response from gamers at retail for Too Human. "It would be really, really bad [if Too Human wasn't a commercial success]," Dyack explained, "in some sense ... Would it kill us? I don't know. We'd probably recover.""Miyamoto-san said it right a long time ago: "No one will remember a late game; everyone will remember a bad game," Dyack reminisces while discussing the reasons behind the nine-year wait since Too Human was first shown at E3 1999. "We believe in that strongly. We live and die by our last game. And, you know, you're only as good as your last game." With that in mind we, along with Dyack, wonder why Silicon Knights gets so much flak for their upcoming trilogy when their back catalog has been nothing but critical "darlings." Awards for Legacy of Kain and Eternal Darkness fill the glass cases of Silicon Knights' St. Catherines, Ontario, office. With such a history, Dyack wonders why people continue to doubt the company's latest piece."We have no skeletons in our closet. I wish everyone knew all about the stuff that we've done in the past, but you look at Legacy of Kain, you look at Eternal Darkness, you look at Metal Gear," Dyack proclaims. "Too Human is going to be another one. We wouldn't let it out until then. It's real tough, though. It's real tough. It's not an easy process."For more on Too Human and Dyack's thoughts on the direction of the industry, read the entire interview.
GDC08: Dennis Dyack is worried about GDC
During the Game Developers Conference, 1UP.com was able to record interviews with developers in the guise of their weekly 1UP Yours podcast, one such episode was with outspoken Silicon Knights boss Dennis Dyack. In the episode on February 21, Dyack outlined his worries for the future of GDC based on the marketing spin put on the, "once sacred," developer gathering."I worry about GDC [because] how many talks are you learning something versus when somebody is trying to sell you a product?" Dyack asked the crew made up of editors Garnett Lee, Shane Bettenhausen, Bryan Intihar and former 1UPer Mark MacDonald. "Are we calling this the Game Developers Conference [or] are we calling it the Game Demo Convention?"
Dennis Dyack wonders where Wii will be years from now
A lot of the industry folk are concerned with the longevity of the Wii, the latest of which is Silicon Knights' Dennis Dyack. He understands the console is popular right now, thinks it's hip, but wonders if the system can keep it up in the long run. Dyack seems to think the platform isn't capable of providing deep, rich experiences. We guess he didn't get to try Metroid Prime 3 yet.But, even if the console only provides Wii Sports-like experiences, if it sells well, is that really a problem? We may not like it in quantity, as we're more than happy to sit down (or stand up, rather) every now and then and throw down in Wii Sports, but overall want more meaningful experiences from the system. But, if we're not happy and a billion grandparents are picking up the system for Wii Sports or other quick, mass-appeal titles, is that really a bad thing?
Too Human still 2007, Dennis Dyack rants
Silicon Knights head, Denis Dyack, has been all over the intertubes lately. First he appeared on the Electronic Gaming Monthly podcast proclaiming that video game previews of unfinished products should be abolished altogether. No doubt Dyack is still stinging from Too Human's unfortunate performance at last year's E3. Then Dyack popped up on NeoGAF to say his piece about a supposed delay in Too Human's production schedule. Finally, 1UP reports that Dyack made comments on the IGN forums alluding to an eventual 2007 release for the game.Frankly, with so many releases already arriving by the end of 2007 -- Halo 3, Lost Odyssey, and Grand Theft Auto IV just to name a few -- we wouldn't mind too much if Too Human slipped into 2008. Then again, we're not exactly going to complain if it doesn't. Is anyone out there still salivating for Too Human or has it been overshadowed by the rest of 2007's impending releases?
Eternal Darkness 2? "Absolutely yes."
On his IGN blog, Dennis Dyack -- the man behind the upcoming Too Human trilogy -- reveals that Silicon Knights has plans for sequels to Eternal Darkness: "I am most often asked if we have sequels in mind for Eternal Darkness. The answer is absolutely yes. Although this may not be obvious to those outside of Silicon Knights, anyone inside the guild understands that there is really no other answer." For those who may be unfamiliar with Eternal Darkness, it's still one of the best games available for Nintendo's Gamecube. A survival horror title in the vein of H.P. Lovecraft, the game provides plenty of psychological scares and an involving story. One of Eternal Darkness' most interesting features is the "insanity meter." The more monsters players see, the crazier the character gets, and will eventually start hallucinating. The great thing about these illusions is that they would often break the fourth wall. For instance, you might enter a room filled with zombies when the game would give you a fake "please reconnect your controller" message. Good stuff. Considering Silicon Knights' lucrative trilogy deal with Too Human, we can only hope that any Eternal Darkness sequels will hit the 360 as well. [Via GameDaily]
