Too Human dev diary 2 discusses game theory

by Richard Mitchell { Nov 30th 2007 at 6:00PM }

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.

Tags: mgs, microsoft-game-studios, silicon-knights, siliconknights, too-human, too-human-diaries

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Christopher @ Nov 30th 2007 8:05PM

Trying to find out when there actually going to finish this game is like when is Dr. Dre going to finish Detox, and I don't think it'll be anytime soon. Silicon Knights what the hell do you people do all day?

ChewyDogg @ Nov 30th 2007 8:38PM

I have an idea for SK, stop spending time and money on these corny videos and put those resources towards finishing your game.

Tank8131 @ Dec 1st 2007 1:28AM

Try to be a little grateful, mmk? This video was actually pretty interesting and makes me wonder how they will implement these theories and make them work well in the game.

Anticrawl @ Dec 1st 2007 6:27AM

Man, the first and second commenters sound like someone pissed in their cheerios. Come on guys, is it not refreshing to see a developer so passionate about what they’re doing? If you’ve ever followed any history of Silicon Knights you’d realize this is their baby, their dream project, and knowing that it’s obvious that they just want to make sure they create the best game possible.

That said the video was pretty interesting and I can’t see how the first two can complain, if you actually watch the video you’d realize only two people in it are actually a part of the game development process and even then they’re only the big wigs. They make broad decisions, and taking 60 seconds out of their day isn’t going to slow down production in the least bit. Hell the average design director could only show up 1 day a week and things would still run smoothly.

Here's hoping the game will live up to their and our expectations.

Christopher @ Dec 1st 2007 9:56AM

I mean they have been working on this game since like 1999, don't you think thats too long.

ChewyDogg @ Dec 1st 2007 11:13AM

I'm a big fan of SK, have been since Legacy of Kain. Too Human is now in it's 3rd console generation of development (originally planned for PSone). I hope just as much as the next fan that this game will be AAA quality, but talking about how passionate they are isn't getting this game finished any sooner.

Anticrawl @ Dec 1st 2007 11:33PM

Development has only been going on for 2-3 years. They've been discussing the game and putting it off since 1999, in fact they weren't even sure of what style of game it would be til around 2003, all they knew was there had to be a vampire in it(jokingly of course).

You guys are too critical, if you wanna get on someones ass, go after 3D Realms, they've been publicly working on two games for nearly or over 10 years (Prey which finally got done and Duke Nukem Forever).

Jack the Ripper @ Dec 1st 2007 7:07AM

I listened to the video while I was playing the final action sequence in Mass Effect, and I actually muted the TV so I could play the game to the Too Human music. If the music is that good, I can't wait to see what the rest of the game is like.

Anticrawl @ Dec 1st 2007 7:14AM

Indeed, one of my biggest problems with Mass Effect is the terrible music. I'm not a fan of canadian techno, you'd figure with all those delays they'd be able to produce some amazing score, sounded like it was all done by one guy.

All that said Mass Effect is a fantastic game, played through it 4 times, on my 5 right now (trying my hand at the Adept class).

Muffin Lad @ Dec 1st 2007 7:33AM

I didnt like some of the in game scenes but the overall game and atmosphere should be good when all placed together. The designs there but im still wondering if it will all fit and create this "great gaming experience"

I sure hope so for sk and ms sakes

elmersglue @ Dec 1st 2007 3:01PM

why the hell is this video age restricted? Its such a ridiculous concept to begin with (age restricting something so easily bypassed), but adding it to a video that doesn't need it AT ALL is even more ridiculous.

With that said, i'm looking forward to this game more than any game i've ever looked forward to. I have faith that it's going to kick ass. I'm a sucker for a good story

0ldb0y @ Dec 3rd 2007 9:41AM

Yes, age restriction certainly is easily bypassed, but it's better than an absolute lack of effort to navigate one's media to its intended audience.

There were snippets of gameplay, which included violence, and since the game is still pending rating then SK/gametrailers are probably just being careful.

I'm sure there's also some liability absolution. If the end user successfully lies about their age, then SK/GT can claim they implemented some sort of controls, and that they're not completely responsible for the deception.

I didn't think those 5 seconds of age verification still bugged people enough to warrant public gripping.