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Mass Effect, Too Human devs justify their trilogies
Dear developer, does your game need to be a trilogy? MTV's Multiplayer blog decided to make two developers -- Too Human's Denis Dyack and Mass Effect's Ray Muzyka -- justify their trilogy ambitions. Dyack responds that their three-part epic is already mapped out, story-wise, and that each iteration has a specific theme: discovery, revenge and enlightenment, respectively.As for Mass Effect, BioWare co-founder Muzyka was more vague in his reasoning, citing how "great science fiction arcs often occur in trilogies" and that they allow for a different pacing. The feeling we get is that BioWare isn't as interested in the story aspect so much as it is in the building of a virtual world, akin to what Will Wright discussed at this year's GDC.
Too Human Diary contains fake documentary
The latest Too Human developer diary from Silicon Knights is something of ... a departure. After a few minutes discussing the game's RPG elements (hint: it's like Diablo), the video veers far, far away from Too Human and instead offers an excerpt from a "documentary" entitled The Goblin Man of Norway. The excerpt discusses a mechanical humanoid "goblin" that was discovered in a glacier in Norway. The crux of the film is that the goblin is thousands of years old and yet it appears to be more technologically advanced than even modern technology.The video also mentions the Norwegian Film Committee, whose website showcases the same excerpt (while two other excerpts are conveniently broken). We have to admit, the documentary took us in at first (it really is well done), but a quick bit of research reveals that the website for the Norwegian Film Committee is registered in Vancouver, British Columbia. That's quite a long distance from Norway, although not nearly as far from Silicon Knights' home base in Ontario. Of course, the real clue comes from a quote from the film itself: "I want this to be true. I sure do, but let's wait for some evidence." Remove the context of the film and replace it with the development saga of Too Human, and the quote makes perfect sense.Lord knows that Microsoft likes its viral campaigns. The only question now is whether or not this documentary will also come with an alternate reality game (ARG) similar to the Iris ARG that preceded Halo 3. Let's hope so, because ARGs make for a fun way to avoid working.
Gamestop's Too Human placeholder moved from May to August
When a game's development began sometime in the Nixon administration, does it really matter exactly what month it's going to be released? As gamers, you naturally know the answer to this question: Of course it does. It matters to the month, the day, possibly even the minute. It is in that spirit that we bring you this interesting tidbit: Too Human's placeholder release date on the Gamestop website has been moved from May to August. So, what does that mean? Well, we'd like to think it means a release date is firming up, but it could just as easily mean that Jimmy the Gamestop intern is tasked with moving the Too Human release date back every few months like he's pruning some sort of cybernetic topiary. So file this one under interesting, but not terribly helpful.
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.
Phantom copies of Too Human in stock on Sears.com
Brand new day, sun-shining, new achievements under our belts and a piece of pure awesome drops in our lap letting us know that Sears has copies of Too Human in stock! Well, don't bust out the credit cards yet fanboys and girls because Silicon Knights' epic (no pun intended) first-installment into the action role-playing genre hasn't even gone gold -- let alone ship to a Sears near you.This tip made us chuckle a little for a few reasons but our favorite is the ESRB presence on this listing. For a game that Sears has in stock you'd think they'd know what the rating was especially considering the amount of ESRB love on the site -- shouldn't they maybe find out if they're going to push their commitment to parents? Oh, they can't! The game hasn't been rated because it isn't finished yet. Oh silly Sears, we still love ya![Thanks, Michael V.]
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?"
GDC08: Surviving the war of words in 'The Future of Story' session
First off, kudos to the GDC organizers for putting such different-minded people together for "The Future of Story" panel, which ended up being an insightful and vitriolic debate. The panel, hosted by indie writer Deborah Todd, included Saber 3D's Matthew Karch and Michael Hall (Time Shift), Silicon Knights' Denis Dyack (Too Human), Eidos Montreal's Mary DeMarie (previously: Myst III, IV and Dungeon Siege), Matt Costello (7th Guest) and Director of id Software Tim Willits.A focus of the panel was the the dichotomy of story and gameplay, with both Dyack and Karch taking opposing viewponts and everyone else scattered somewhat in the middle. Early on, Karch asserted his view that some genres don't need to value story as much, citing Call of Duty 4 as a game where no one cared about the story. Later, he summed his viewpoint up best saying, "My whole argument is, it doesn't need to be a story written by Steinbeck, it needs to be someone who just keeps the game moving on."Said Dyack, "In five to ten years, there will not be a shoter genre. It's gonna be more literative -- horror, science fiction, etc." When Karch asked if Bruckheimer would go away (referencing the "high-octane" film producer), Dyack retorted that "He's McDonald's, thats what he is. and people love McD's." The back and forth continued, culminating in the following exchange:Dyack: "We should still aspire to this. you could have bubble gum like, Transformers [the film] for example, but in the end its what entertains."Karch: "I'll take bubble gum."
GDC08: Hands-on with Too Human
As I violently disassembled insectile robots into their constituent sparks and parts, someone asked me which game Too Human reminded me of. Without pause, I pointed towards Devil May Cry, Capcom's over-the-top display of acrobatic swordsmanship and stylish oneupmanship. It made perfect sense -- the dual pistols, the melee mashing, the juggling of enemies and the utter disregard for the forces of gravity made it a close match, with the exception of whimpering demons having been replaced by spidery robots. I don't think the comparison is inaccurate given Too Human's wonderfully chaotic encounters, but I've since come up with one that more closely conveys my somewhat conflicted opinion. Too Human is very much like Mass Effect, and not just in terms of technology, grand science fiction settings and heroic bald men, but in how it presents a role-playing game within the shell of an action game. %Gallery-16464%
GDC08: Too Human gameplay trailers
Fresh from GDC, we have the game that the future of Denis Dyack's career rests on: Too Human! These new gameplay trailers actually show off rather a lot, with snippets of combat, displaying of armor and weapons, and some cut-scene bits. Now, when watching the gameplay portions of these it's important to remember that Too Human is not an action game in the vein of Ninja Gaiden, but rather an an action-RPG that is closer to Phantasy Star Online. With that in mind the game is looking rather good, though with a ten-year dev cycle and three changes of platform, people will always find something to complain about. Whether you love it or hate, the game is coming together and looks to be coming together well. All thats left at this point is to release it and see just how good it really is.A second trailer after the break.
GDC08: Joystiq live at the Too Human press conference
5:23 pm PT -- We're in our seats waiting for the Too Human press event to begin. Stay tuned for more! 5:26 pm PT -- Denis Dyack appears on the stage in a magnificent puff of smoke. (Actually, he just marched on there, but we're sure that's how he envisioned it.)5:27 pm PT -- Denis Dyack gives us some background on Too Human's story. Wars are waged, robots are deployed, and humans do battle against mean-spirited gods. Unfortunately for humans, machines are the only ones not bothered by the ice-age that results from all the nuclear shenanigans.5:28 pm PT -- A video starts... followed by a Frederich Nietzsche quote (of course!) A dark and shady figure directs the main character, as any good trailer, away from the camera.5:31 pm PT -- The character releases a slouched body for rescue just before being attacked by a gigantic beast. His comrades are all killed as he escapes with the body. Seriously, the beast is huge (and reminiscent of Gears of War). A half-cyborg woman looks over a fallen soldier and touches him, also turning him into some robot zombie soldier being.%Gallery-16464%
Rumor: MS to buy Epic Games?
According to news posts on dbtechno.com and WRAL the latest issue of GamePro states that Microsoft is closing in on a deal to acquire developer Epic Games. The report states that Epic, known primarily as the developer behind Unreal Engine 3, would cost Microsoft upwards of $1 billion dollars. If true the acquisition would mean Microsoft would own Unreal Engine 3, the engine that powers most next current generation titles on the Xbox 360, PC and rival PS3 which would see Microsoft profiting from any title that makes use of the technology.We don't want to call out shenanigans immediately but this is hard to believe for a few reasons. One billion dollars to purchase Epic Games, who also own the rights to the Gears of War universe (Microsoft owns the current characters and title) and the Unreal franchise, seems like a bargain considering the value of the Unreal Engine licenses alone. This move would also put Microsoft at the forefront of current legal problems Epic is having with Silicon Knights, who has a publishing partnership with Microsoft. Also, Epic management don't seem like the kind of folks to let this thing slide considering how well they do financially on their own. We might be wrong on this one, but until we see the GamePro issue in question, talk to Epic's Mark Rein or hear about it from Xbox boss Don Mattrick we're not willing to call this one based on the fact that Epic has a booth next to Microsoft at GDC '08. But hey, crazier things have happened right and it really could happen couldn't it?[Thanks, Deus Legend]
Canada funds new Silicon Knights, Digital Extremes projects
While Silicon Knights continues to divide its forces between the long-in-development Too Human and the legal mosh pit that is its relationship with Epic Games, the company has apparently marshaled enough energy to begin work on another game, as both it and fellow Canadian dev Digital Extremes have been given a combined $1 million in funding to begin work on a pair of development projects. The investment, awarded by the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC), serves as part of the agency's Video Game Prototype Initiative, which looks to help companies create prototypes of video game concepts in order to attract potential publishers.While Pariah dev Digital Extreme's game is described as a third-person "old school" horror game for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC, Silicon Knights, which recently expanded its Canadian ops, is apparently using the funds for something a bit farther out, promising a third person action/psychological thriller for release sometime in 2010 for unspecified "next-generation systems" -- which by that time may actually be an accurate moniker.
Silicon Knights expanding with Canadian business incentives
Despite Silicon Knights being in the middle of a major lawsuit, the company still needs to make finish games and do business. The Too Human developer is planning to add 80 employees to its studio thanks in part to a Canadian initiative called the Niagara Interactive Media Generator (nGen), which seeks to "nurture a new generation of interactive entertainment companies."The Welland Tribune reports nGen is a partnership that includes Brock University, Niagara College, regional and city governments, Niagara Economic Development Corp. and the Niagara Enterprise Agency. The Ministry of Culture will provide $245,000 to nGen's two-year $560,000 budget. Hopefully Silicon Knights will put those kids to work fast and finally get Too Human out the door sometime in '08.[Via GameDaily]
GameStop: Too Human ships May 6
Normally, it's not exactly newsworthy when GameStop decides to slap a date on an upcoming release. This, however, warrants some attention. In an email being sent to GameStop customers, the retailer announces that Too Human, the upcoming Silicon Knights action RPG, will be shipping on May 6. Whether or not this email lends more validity to the claim than the GameStop listing for the game (which has the same date) is anyone's guess. At any rate, it seems the company is comfortable enough with the date that it has seen fit to directly inform customers. Right or wrong, Silicon Knights might be too busy to notice.[Thanks Supafreak and Anthony Pasculli]
UE3 devs subpoenaed in SK / Epic suit
Shacknews reports that subpoenas have been served to several Unreal Engine 3 liscensess in a lawsuit against Epic games, filed by Silicon Knights last year. The subpoenas have been served in order to acquire the liscensees' engine contracts as evidence in the upcoming trial. Specific liscensees are not named, though known liscensees include Square Enix, Ubisoft, 2K Boston/Australia, EA, and the US Army.Mark Rein, Epic VP, stated, "I'm leaving the litigation to the lawyers but, if this is the case, I'd like to apologize to any of our licensees who Silicon Knights have inconvenienced." And inconvenienced they may be. If submitted as unsealed evidence, the contents of the contracts could become public record, allowing anyone access to the trade secrets therein. Epic's lawyers can move to seal the documents if this turns out to be the case.The lawsuit was filed last July, with Silicon Knights claiming that Epic did not deliver final code for the Unreal Engine 3 on time, thus hampering the development of Too Human. The company further asserted that Epic purposefully sabotaged UE3 liscensees while promoting its own products such as Gears of War. Epic later filed a counterclaim and a motion to have the case dismissed. The motion was denied in November last year and both suits will come to trial.[Via Joystiq]
Subpoenas place other UE3 licensees in midst of Epic, Silicon Knights lawsuit
Subpoenas have been issued to multiple licensees of Unreal Engine 3 to testify in the ongoing litigation between UE3 maker Epic Games and Too Human developer Silicon Knights, according to Shacknews. Though no licensees are specified, developers who use the engine include Electronic Arts, 2K Boston/Australia, SOE, Square Enix, Ubisoft and the U.S. Army.Said Rein to Shacknews, "I'm leaving the litigation to the lawyers but, if this is the case, I'd like to apologize to any of our licensees who Silicon Knights have inconvenienced." Should license contracts be submitted as unsealed court evidence, there is a chance the licensing fees and other trade secrets could become public record, though Epic's lawyers can move to seal court documents.In late July, Silicon Knights filed a lawsuit against Epic Games over what it felt was inadequate support for its Unreal Engine 3 that harmed development of Too Human. Epic responded and filed a countersuit. In November, Epic's motion for dismissal was denied.
Too Human dev diary 2 discusses game theory
The folks at Silicon Knights have served up the second video in its series of Too Human developer diaries, this time focusing on the company's theory behind game design. The video actually brings in a pair of university professors to discuss the theory behind game design as it relates to film and psychology. Along with these well-versed experts, the Silicon Knights team elaborates on the immersive nature of good video games, noting that they can engage a player on a deeper level than cinema (take that, Ebert). The diary doesn't really go into exactly how Too Human will accomplish this, but asserts that the team is attempting to make the best game possible. As Director of Design Hentry Sterchi puts it, "if they pick up the controller and they're smiling, that's the goal." An admirable goal to be sure.
Epic motion denied, Silicon Knights lawsuit goes forward
GameDaily BIZ reports that the lawsuits between Epic Games and Silicon Knights will be moving forward as planned, and Epic's motion to dismiss Silicon Knights' case has been denied. The brouhaha all began in July, when Silicon Knigts sued Epic on the grounds that Epic did not deliver final code for the Unreal Engine 3 -- on which Silicon Knights' Too Human is built -- on time. Epic followed with a counterclaim citing breach of contract (among other things) and also filed a motion to dismiss Silicon Knights' case altogether.Now that the motion has been denied, both lawsuits will move forward. As one might expect, Epic's Mark Rein points out that the denial of the motion does not lend any merit to Silicon Knights' argument, and that such denials are common. Silicon Knights' lawyer, naturally, is "pleased that the court has recognized the merit" in their claims.No date has been set for the trial.[Via Joystiq]
Silicon Knights' suit continues, Epic motion denied
Epic Games' motion for dismissal against the Silicon Knights' lawsuit has been denied. Both parties in the lawsuit told GameDaily told that the lawsuit will move forward."Often these requests are denied," said Epic VP Mark Rein. "It is important to note that this was not a decision on the merits of Silicon Knights' claims. We are confident that the evidence will show Silicon Knights breached its license with Epic Games and violated our copyrights and trade secrets."Epic had filed the motion to dismissal alongside a countersuit against Silicon Knights over what it sees as an attempt by the Too Human developer to "take Epic's Licensed Technology, pay nothing for it, and use it any way it pleases." The fate of the counterclaim is unknown.No court date has been set. The lawsuit filed by Silicon Knights claims Epic providing an inadequate Unreal Engine 3 and for providing insufficient support, causing SK's Too Human considerable delay. Given the proliferation of Unreal Engine 3 licensees in the industry right now, we're eagerly waiting to see the list of witnesses called to testify.
Too Human impressions roll in
It seems like Silicon Knights is finally ready to throw back the curtain on Too Human, and impressions are coming in from all over the place. Right now, previews can be found on GameSpot, IGN, and 1UP. The long and short of it is that it looks like Too Human is on the right track. One thing worth noting, all the previews take great pains -- probably under the suggestion of Silicon Knights -- to explain that the game is not an all out action affair. It is, as we have noticed in the past, more akin to dungeon crawlers like Diablo. If you find yourself in the market for such a game, Too Human will likely do quite nicely. The previews note that there are a wide variety of items and equipment to be looted from enemies. The loot system is compared to that of World of Warcraft, with tons of customizable weapons and armor. Naturally, the most effective items are the hardest to find. In fact, certain items require that you find blueprints and pay an exorbitant price to have them crafted. The right-stick-controlled combat is described as working very well most of the time, but still in need of some fine tuning. Finally, it was revealed that Too Human is designed to be played through many times in order to max out your character's level. The level cap is set at 50, and Silicon Knights says that characters from the first installment of Too Human can be imported into the future sequels of the trilogy.Overall, it's sounds like things are looking up for Too Human. Check out the various previews at the links below.Read -- 1UP Too Human previewRead -- IGN Too Human previewRead -- GameSpot Too Human preview
