PSN to SEN: Time to rage quit? - DarkFeed
18 hours 59 mins ago
We may be about to find out.
The article shows a video of a speech by developer Peter Molyneux, the man behind such games as Populous and Black and White, discussing emotion in gaming. Using images of in-game sequences within the forthcoming Fable 2, he discusses the addition of a dog with AI reactions and emotional attachments comparable to a real dog. He also discusses the unbalance of emotion within games. After all, we all know what it's like to hate and kill AI characters; why not learn what it's like to be loved by one?
If nothing else, it'll prove that it's not all about violence. Although it may not help the "computer geeks can't get real girlfriends" myth.
I'm by no means a gamer, but a talk by developer Peter Molyneux at a recent conference here in London had me gripped. He's the man behind groundbreaking games like Populous and Black & White and he talked about making gaming a more emotional experience.
New Scientist's technology features editor David Cohen came along too, and conducted the interview below. Molyneux explains why games need emotions, how he's trying to do it in the forthcoming Fable 2, and where this might lead.
Comments
As I mentioned in my summary, it's normal to feel hatred, or at least a desire to kill within a game. Love or affection, or, rather, caring which is the point of the pet, is an entirely different idea.
It's an interesting concept, but what about when it starts getting more human? The media won't be worried about violence anymore; they'll be worried about virtual girlfriends and never leaving the house. Then again, that prejudice already exists.
I had a character in that game who I strong emotional ties. When he did something good in the game, I was actually happy in reality. However, when he would get hurt, or do something in the game, I would actually suffer along with.
It's the same in sports games where I feel really bad for the crappiest guys in the game and I cheer on the inside when they do well.
It'd be interesting to see how people handle a virtual pet. Would they value it over real things? Real people even? Who knows...
I'm such a nerd. >_<
Online girlfriends ftw tho.
I do agree with him though that it is an area that could definately use a lot more looking into. It Has been done before, but only a few times. I'd love to see the idea catch on with a lot of developers.
Other examples I can think of are the ICO and Shadow of the Colossus.
ICO just pulled at my heartstrings, having to take care of this feeble girl throughout the Whole game. (And not merely escorting her like Rose in MGS) She actually proved useful in getting through and enjoying the game. Not to mention you could actually Hold her hand! A subtle but effective choice. You also had to call for her out loud if she was too far, or beat bad guys to protect her.
The second game with a different kind of emotion was Shadow of the Colossus, where you felt the emotion to survive while killing the beasts and then a bit of regret when watching it die in slow mo. But the climax of the game was when you had to hold the R1 button for as long as you were willing- so that you could keep yourself alive and away from dying in the deep hole. Eventually, you let go, and watch your girlfriend live out her life alone.
Oh yeah and SEAMAN! Even though it's a pet and you watch it grow and you talk to it, the emotions were more like sarcasm, irony, and wryness.
Peter Molyneux was well spoken though, and had a good point about innovation these days in games, though I believe Nintendo answers a lot of that with their new approach. But I'm interested in Peter's line of games and the direction he's headed with his ideas.
The ps3 and xbox are graphically up there and the power of there processors shows how technology has come along. That's innovative in the scientific world. But i just think there tactics maybe working now. But if they continue the lack of better games that most Nintendo fans want then they wont do so well in the future.
As far as this goes, it sounds interesting. But i don't think its really necessary, maybe for GTA and other games like that.
I agree that PS3 can be technologically Advanced, but in terms of the big, almost 90 degree innovations Peter mentioned, Nintendo was the most striking for me, with their new Thinking in how games can be played and designed.
(Sure, PS3 Can have the Potential to display these innovations by Using their superior power, but to me the mere potential for innovation did not strike me as innovation itself )
Unless you're referring to the affection engine used in Final Fantasy VII and X, but still, I'd say that a few choices which effects who appears in a certain event isn't quite the same thing.
But to add your articles seem to be a big hit.
I agree that one can come to care about characters in RPG's, but my point is that it's not really a reciprocal relationship.
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