This may be the start of a new trend: development studios seeking outside help to make the best game they possibly can. And we're all for it.
Perhaps you didn't know, but developer 2K Marin has already dragged in some outside help during the design process for Bioshock 2 ; they've asked 2K Australia for some help with the title's technological component, and Dark Sector developer Digital Extremes assisted in the multiplayer aspects. Now, as reported by GameSpot , 2K Marin has gone after their fourth studio: it's Arkane Studios, who will be "lending design, animation and art assistance" to the game in question. If you're not familiar with Arkane, they gave us Arx Fatalis in 2002 and 2K Marin producer Alyssa Finley had this to say about their help: "Under the direction and leadership of 2K Marin, Arkane is assisting in the creation of levels that embody the aesthetic and gameplay ideals that make BioShock such a unique and exciting experience." As far as we're concerned, we don't care how many different developers are involved in any given production; if the game is awesome, that means everyone did their respective jobs. What's wrong with going outside the box to drag in extra talent?
So now we've got an idea: let's all make a game that blends all sorts of genre elements, and we'll use Konami for any action elements related to stealth, Square-Enix for any RPG elements, Rockstar for any open-world adventure elements, and the combination of Naughty Dog and SCEA Santa Monica for any combat elements. WIN.
Related Game(s): Bioshock 2
The more the merrier I guess. I just hope they can work synergistically, sometimes things get disjointed when this happens. However, I have faith in 2K. Develop on brothers.
That's the key… Synergistic Human Enhanced Extended Processing… SHEEP…
Q!
"i am home"
hahaha
arkane is awesome! i love arx fatalis and dark messiah. the later is the reason why i bought my first video card too! 🙂
i just hope this is not the only thing they are doing now though.
Bioshock 2 – THE REMIX
Sounds good that they're pulling in all these specialist's to help make a better game.
But if they have to add in all these dozens of new names to the credits, I surmise that just like was once was said by the crusty old seaman in Jaws…….
"We're gonna need a bigger box"!
Game implementation by committee? Let's hope that it's more effective than management by committee.
I think 4 teams contributed to Bioshock PS3: 2K Marin, 2K Boston, 2K Australia, and some other team. It's been awhile since I fired it up, though.
Last edited by Fane1024 on 7/11/2009 1:58:18 AM
sounds like their realy commited to making this better than the first.
but i hope there constantly keeping each other updated otherwise ideas could get messed up.
im a little dissapointed about being restricted to the drill though.
+ Team Ico for originality and tranquility, Bungie for recognition and advertisments and PlayStation 3 for exclusivity.
@*The last paragraph*
I had that idea since forever 😉
The best results usually come from solo work in this field.
too many people makes things seem all over the place at times.
You need one vision.
You can go back over the history of entertainment and see how many people's solo work is the better work.
Top of my head
David Lynch
Christopher Morris
Charlie Brooker
Michael Jackson
Squaresoft
Team Silent
Kojima
and i could go on and of course, these are arguable but, my opinion is that the best is achieved when fewer minds mess with the one vision.
I say that its great that they're using outside help 🙂
I haven't even finished the 1st one yet.
Hopefully they can get a good multiplayer out of this game. I would like to see that.
"So now we've got an idea: let's all make a game that blends all sorts of genre elements, and we'll use Konami for any action elements related to stealth, Square-Enix for any RPG elements, Rockstar for any open-world adventure elements, and the combination of Naughty Dog and SCEA Santa Monica for any combat elements. WIN."
Best Idea EVER.