Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[New Beyond: Two Souls trailer premieres at Tribeca Film Festival [Update: Gameplay video]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/new-beyond-two-souls-trailer-premieres-at-tribeca-film-festival/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/new-beyond-two-souls-trailer-premieres-at-tribeca-film-festival/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/new-beyond-two-souls-trailer-premieres-at-tribeca-film-festival/#comments
Quantic Dream showed off its upcoming mysterious action-adventure game Beyond: Two Souls in a two-hour screening at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York on Saturday. The latest trailer for the game shows a young Jodie Holmes and her encounters with an unseen being she calls Aiden, which sets the tone for her struggles into adulthood.

The game stars Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe, the latter having been officially revealed as part of the game's cast in March. Beyond: Two Souls will launch on October 8 for PS3.

Update: GamesHQMedia has the 35-minute gameplay video from the film festival, which can be found after the break. Be warned: the video contains some spoilers.

Gallery: Beyond: Two Souls (4/28/13)

Continue reading New Beyond: Two Souls trailer premieres at Tribeca Film Festival [Update: Gameplay video]

JoystiqNew Beyond: Two Souls trailer premieres at Tribeca Film Festival [Update: Gameplay video] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyondbeyond-two-soulsellen-pagejodie-holmesplaystationps3quantic-dreamtrailertribeca-film-festivalwillem-dafoeSun, 28 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain cost $52 million but made $130 million, you do the math]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/heavy-rain-cost-52-million-but-made-130-million-you-do-the-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/heavy-rain-cost-52-million-but-made-130-million-you-do-the-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/heavy-rain-cost-52-million-but-made-130-million-you-do-the-ma/#comments Heavy Rain cost $52 million but made $130 million, you do the mathHeavy Rain cost developer Quantic Dream $21.8 million to make, and with Sony's marketing budget added in, production costs topped out at $52.2 million (based on a mid-range euro-dollar exchange rate of $1.31), Quantic CEO Guillaume de Fondaumiere tells Eurogamer. It was worth it in the end - Heavy Rain made Sony more than $130.6 million.

"It's very profitable," Fondaumiere says. Since there seems to be a wide discrepancy between the definition of "successful" in AAA and smaller games, it's always good to know that yes, more than $100 million is still "profitable" to some developers.

JoystiqHeavy Rain cost $52 million but made $130 million, you do the math originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>costdevelopmentHeavy-Rainplaystationproduction-costps3quantic-dreamSONYSun, 21 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Beyond: Two Souls out Oct. 8, and Willem Dafoe's in it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/beyond-two-souls-out-oct-8-and-willem-dafoes-in-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/beyond-two-souls-out-oct-8-and-willem-dafoes-in-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/beyond-two-souls-out-oct-8-and-willem-dafoes-in-it/#comments
Beyond: Two Souls, Quantic Dream's PS3 game about a superpowered Ellen Page, will be out October 8, Sony announced today. Joining the stable of actors to have their faces Uncanny Valleyed into the game is Willem Dafoe, who will play scientist Nathan Dawkins.

Dawkins works with Page's character Jodie, studying her strange supernatural abilities for the government. While details of his role in the story have yet to be fully revealed - like whether his interests lie in helping Jodie or in capturing her - we'd venture to guess that Willem is da bad guy.

Quantic Dream also revealed that GameStop (or EB Canada) pre-orders will get an extra "30-minute playable scene DLC, continuing the model that worked out so well for Heavy Rain. And all pre-orders, "while supplies last," will be upgraded to the "Special Edition" in a steelbook, with a soundtrack, extra video content, a dynamic theme, and avatars.

Update: What's really interesting about Dafoe's presence in this game is that David Cage led us to believe Dafoe would not be in the game. Now that's acting.

Continue reading Beyond: Two Souls out Oct. 8, and Willem Dafoe's in it

JoystiqBeyond: Two Souls out Oct. 8, and Willem Dafoe's in it originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-two-soulsplaystationps3quantic-dreamrelease-datewillem-dafoeFri, 01 Mar 2013 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Quantic Dream's new PS4 engine debuted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/quantic-dreams-new-ps4-engine-debuted/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/quantic-dreams-new-ps4-engine-debuted/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/quantic-dreams-new-ps4-engine-debuted/#comments During Sony's PlayStation 2013 event, Quantic Dream head David Cage showed off a tech demo of the developer's newest engine for the PlayStation 4. The demonstration showed an old man with wispy hair and impressive facial expressions. Cage praised the abilities of the PlayStation 4, saying, "We are now limited only by our imagination." As our own Ludwig Kietzmann notes, we'll probably hear that line again whenever the PlayStation 5 is announced.

The video hearkens back to Quantic Dream's emotionally charged "Kara" demo, which was showcased during GDC last year. At the time, when asked if games using the engine would look as good as the Kara demo, Cage responded that they would "look much better," and that Kara was running on the first version of the studio's latest tech. Presumably, today's demonstration is indicative of Quantic Dream's most recent progress. Even so, as impressive as today's demonstration was, we're not out of the uncanny valley just yet.

JoystiqQuantic Dream's new PS4 engine debuted originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-cageplaystationplaystation-2013playstation-4ps3ps4quantic-dreamWed, 20 Feb 2013 19:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain composer Normand Corbeil passes away, aged 56]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/heavy-rain-composer-normand-corbeil-passes-away-aged-56/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/heavy-rain-composer-normand-corbeil-passes-away-aged-56/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/heavy-rain-composer-normand-corbeil-passes-away-aged-56/#comments Heavy Rain composer Normand Corbeil passes away, aged 56Normand Corbeil, the celebrated screen and video game composer, has died at age 56. Corbeil, twice nominated for Emmy awards for his work on Hitler: The Rise of Evil and Human Trafficking, composed the award-winning music of Quantic Dream's Heavy Rain. He also co-composed Indigo Prophecy, and was working on the studio's next project, Beyond: Two Souls. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August 2012, Corbeil passed away on January 25.

One of the key components of Heavy Rain, a game Joystiq doled out five stars to, was its powerful, often deeply melancholic music. As our reviewer put it, Corbeil's "superb" accompanying score drew you into the experience because it fit the situation so well.

Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues. Gaming has lost a great composer, but Corbeil's work lives on, and we hope you take the time today to enjoy it.

JoystiqHeavy Rain composer Normand Corbeil passes away, aged 56 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-two-soulscomposerdeathheavy-rainmusicnormand-corbeilquantic-dreamripMon, 28 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cage: Using a new engine for Beyond is crazy but 'we want to take risks']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/cage-using-a-new-engine-for-beyond-is-crazy-but-we-want-to-tak/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/cage-using-a-new-engine-for-beyond-is-crazy-but-we-want-to-tak/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/cage-using-a-new-engine-for-beyond-is-crazy-but-we-want-to-tak/#comments Quantic Dreams boss David Cage admitted going with a newly developed engine for Beyond: Two Souls is "absurd," but defended the decision as one of passion and risk-taking. Speaking to Shacknews, Cage said that not re-using the engine Quantic toiled over for Heavy Rain was "absurd," but it's clear 'coulda' excites him much more than 'shoulda.'

"We're just crazy people," Cage said. "We don't do this for money or fame. We want to take risks because we enjoy trying to push the envelope. Does it make sense from a company point of view? Not really, to be honest. Being the CEO of the company, I can tell you that it's totally absurd. But we enjoy it so much. We're a team of passionate people. This is 'what we should have done,' but we've done something else."

Cage spoke to the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences in our Hit List feature last month, noting Apocalypse Now and the works of Kubrick as the two greatest filmic influences on his creative process. Whether or not the creative channels he's chosen are Paths of Glory for Beyond remains to be seen.

JoystiqCage: Using a new engine for Beyond is crazy but 'we want to take risks' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-two-soulsdavid-cageplaystationps3quantic-dreamTue, 08 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hit List Q&A: David Cage, founder of Quantic Dream]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/hit-list-qanda-david-cage-founder-of-quantic-dream/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/hit-list-qanda-david-cage-founder-of-quantic-dream/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/hit-list-qanda-david-cage-founder-of-quantic-dream/#comments In the "Hit List" from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, the video game industry's top talents describe their current gaming addictions, their most anticipated releases and more. This week: Quantic Dream's David Cage.

Hit List Q&A David Cage, founder of Quantic Dream
David Cage founded Quantic Dream in 1997, with the ambition of using interactivity as a new means of expression. He developed a creative vision based upon emotion, innovation and immersive storytelling. After his first video game Omikron featuring famous singer David Bowie, the game Fahrenheit (Indigo Prophecy) received great critical acclaim and won several awards worldwide. In 2010, Heavy Rain, a dark thriller produced by Sony, met critical acclaim and commercial success, selling over 2.3 million units to date. Heavy Rain was the winner of three Interactive Achievement Awards in 2011 (now called the D.I.C.E. Awards) - Outstanding Achievement in Visual Engineering, Outstanding Innovation in Gaming, and Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition

In 2012, Cage launched a new tech demo called KARA, featuring an android girl with an actress who delivered a stunning acting performance. Quantic Dream is currently in production of Beyond, a game written and directed by David Cage, starring actress Ellen Page. The game, produced by Sony exclusively on PlayStation 3, will be released in 2013.

In his forthcoming 2013 D.I.C.E. Summit session, Cage will be speaking on "The Peter Pan Syndrome: The Industry that Refused to Grow Up." In a significantly changing landscape dominated by franchises, where new devices with 89c games get more and more of consumers' attention, the video game industry is confronted with a massive challenge. A new console cycle is about to start, new business models and platforms appear while creativity and risk taking has never been lower.

The game industry, having always refused to grow up, is now confronted with a new dilemma: evolve or stagnate. The first and most important revolution to start is about content. Based on his experience and fifteen years in the industry developing original content, David Cage will explain in a passionate, thought-provoking presentation (with a French accent) his vision for content in the future and why he believes it is the key to expanding our market and finally become a mature industry.

Continue reading Hit List Q&A: David Cage, founder of Quantic Dream

JoystiqHit List Q&A: David Cage, founder of Quantic Dream originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiasbeyond-two-soulsdavid-cagehit-listmoveplaystationps3quantic-dreamWed, 19 Dec 2012 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Beyond: Two Souls discussion with Ellen Page and David Cage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/beyond-two-souls-discussion-with-ellen-page-and-david-cage/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/beyond-two-souls-discussion-with-ellen-page-and-david-cage/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/beyond-two-souls-discussion-with-ellen-page-and-david-cage/#comments
There was a lengthy panel on Beyond: Two Souls back at SDCC, which revealed Kadeem Hardison will also play a starring role in the game. Immediately following the panel, both David Cage and Ellen Page sat down with the PlayStation Blog for the video interview above.

Within, Page discusses her own relationship with games and how Heavy Rain really got her on board with what Cage is trying to do in Beyond: Two Souls. There's also a good deal of mo-cap footage, giving us a glimpse at some of the more physical acting Page has done so far for the game.

JoystiqBeyond: Two Souls discussion with Ellen Page and David Cage originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-two-soulscomic-con-2012david-cageellen-pageplaystationps3quantic-dreamsdcc-2012Fri, 20 Jul 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Beyond: Two Souls features 160 actors, Ellen Page in a submarine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/beyond-two-souls-features-160-actors-ellen-page-in-a-submarine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/beyond-two-souls-features-160-actors-ellen-page-in-a-submarine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/beyond-two-souls-features-160-actors-ellen-page-in-a-submarine/#comments Beyond Two Souls features 160 actors, Ellen Page in a submarineWatching a video of herself in a full performance-capture suit and reclined in a bucket seat on the set of Beyond: Two Souls, Ellen Page announced to the audience at Quantic Dream's San Diego Comic-Con panel, "And that's the submarine. Oh, shit."

Quantic Dream founder David Cage laughed off the flub and Page continued to describe her experience with Beyond as "incredible" and "completely fulfilling."

"My brain didn't even know how to process this opportunity," Page said. Once she met Cage at a bar in L.A. to read his script, however, her mind was made up, and filming turned out to be an incredible experience, she said. "It completely exceeded my expectations and was completely fulfilling as an actor."

Beyond took 10 months and 160 actors to film, and that's after Cage spent one year writing the script. During that year, he referenced a photograph of Page with a shaved head from Mouth to Mouth, a movie she did when she was 16, for the main character, Jodie Holmes. He ended up using Page in later movies as models for Jodie as she aged through the game. By the time he finished writing he said he couldn't picture another actress in Page's place.

Page seemed satisfied with Cage's decision as well: "What David has written is so powerful and so beautiful," she said. Beyond: Two Souls is due out in 2013 for PS3.

JoystiqBeyond: Two Souls features 160 actors, Ellen Page in a submarine originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-two-soulscomic-con-2012david-cageellen-pageplaystationps3quantic-dreamSDCC-2012Thu, 12 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Willem Dafoe not starring in Beyond: Two Souls, Kadeem Hardison is]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/willem-dafoe-not-starring-in-beyond-two-souls-kadeem-hardison/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/willem-dafoe-not-starring-in-beyond-two-souls-kadeem-hardison/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/12/willem-dafoe-not-starring-in-beyond-two-souls-kadeem-hardison/#comments Willem Dafoe not starring in Beyond Two SoulsActor Willem Dafoe is definitely not starring in Beyond: Two Souls, Quantic Dream's David Cage confirmed to Joystiq after a panel at San Diego Comic-Con. "Nice try," Cage said, shaking his head.

Dafoe was previously rumored to be co-starring in Beyond alongside Inception's Ellen Page, who made an appearance at the Quantic Dream panel. Kadeem Hardison, best known for playing Dwayne Wayne on A Different World, was also at the panel to reveal his own role: a paranormal investigator who "raises" Jodie Holmes, Page's character.

Video at the panel showed off Page with another actor, Eric Winter, both in full performance-capture suits and in a range of scenarios, from conversing around a dinner table to maneuvering in what appeared to be an earthquake. The identity of Winter's character has not been disclosed.

JoystiqWillem Dafoe not starring in Beyond: Two Souls, Kadeem Hardison is originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-two-soulscomic-con-2012david-cageeric-winterkadeem-hardisonplaystationps3quantic-dreamSDCC-2012willem-dafoeThu, 12 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Willem Dafoe co-starring in Beyond: Two Souls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/rumor-willem-dafoe-co-starring-in-beyond-two-souls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/rumor-willem-dafoe-co-starring-in-beyond-two-souls/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/rumor-willem-dafoe-co-starring-in-beyond-two-souls/#comments Report Willem Dafoe costarring in Beyond Two SoulsWillem Dafoe is slated to co-star alongside Ellen Page in Quantic Dream's Beyond: Two Souls, BroGamer reports, citing an anonymous source. Dafoe is known for his roles in movies such as Platoon, The Boondock Saints, Spider-Man and Antichrist.

We reached out to Sony for clarification, and received the following response: "We don't typically comment on rumors or speculation about our products so nothing to share at this time."

Quantic Dream announced Page's leading role at E3 this year and showed us an action-packed demo that highlighted the studio's performance-capture technology. During the demo, Quantic Dream's David Cage didn't hint at Dafoe making an appearance, though he did recall fondly his first experience in snagging a high-profile celebrity for one of his games:

"I was fortunate enough to have worked with David Bowie on my first game," Cage said. "When you've done that in your career, you say, 'I can get anyone.'"

Cage also confirmed that the police officer in Beyond's E3 trailer is portrayed by the same actor who played Paco, "the man with the strange jacket in the club," in Heavy Rain.

JoystiqRumor: Willem Dafoe co-starring in Beyond: Two Souls originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-two-soulsellen-pageplaystationps3quantic-dreamSONYwillem-dafoeTue, 19 Jun 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Beyond: Two Souls puts the 'act' back in 'action' with Ellen Page]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/beyond-two-souls-puts-the-act-back-in-action-with-ellen-pag/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/beyond-two-souls-puts-the-act-back-in-action-with-ellen-pag/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/beyond-two-souls-puts-the-act-back-in-action-with-ellen-pag/#comments Beyond Two SoulsQuantic Dream snagged actress Ellen Page for its new PS3 game, Beyond: Two Souls, and premiered a trailer during Sony's E3 press conference to show off her high-profile, performance-captured video game debut. Naturally, the video Quantic chose featured Page's character sitting absolutely still, not talking and looking like Sinead O'Connor's reaction gif to Two Girls One Cup.

The demo Quantic Dream mastermind David Cage showed the press the following day went a long way to demonstrate Page's proficiency in a video game world, though it still didn't highlight any deep dialogue or empathetic scenes.

Executive Producer Guillaume de Fondaumière played a half-hour action sequence filled with train-top rain battles, stealing motorcycles from cops and exploding helicopters -- but Beyond is much more than a single demo can contain.

"There is also emotion," Cage said. "We just showed you one walkthrough. But you could have played it in many different ways. In the entire scene, there are scenes inside the scenes that we didn't show you."

Sceneception.

Continue reading Beyond: Two Souls puts the 'act' back in 'action' with Ellen Page

JoystiqBeyond: Two Souls puts the 'act' back in 'action' with Ellen Page originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-two-soulsDemoellen-pageplaystationps3quantic-dreamThu, 07 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's that Beyond - Two Souls trailer you were waiting for [Update: Now with gallery!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/heres-that-beyond-two-souls-trailer-you-were-waiting-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/heres-that-beyond-two-souls-trailer-you-were-waiting-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/heres-that-beyond-two-souls-trailer-you-were-waiting-for/#comments
Quantic Dream's next project, Beyond - Two Souls, is looking just as good as we'd hoped. What's that? You wanna see for yourself? As it turns out, we've got the trailer just above. You should probably watch it a few times and tear it apart and then let us know about all the cool stuff you saw. Not that we're suggesting you do that or anything.

Gallery: Beyond: Two Souls (E3 2012)

JoystiqHere's that Beyond - Two Souls trailer you were waiting for [Update: Now with gallery!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 22:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-two-soulsgameplayplaystationps3quantic-dreamtrailerMon, 04 Jun 2012 22:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Quantic Dream's next game is 'Beyond - Two Souls.' heading to PlayStation 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/quantic-dreams-next-game-is-beyond-two-souls-heading-to-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/quantic-dreams-next-game-is-beyond-two-souls-heading-to-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/quantic-dreams-next-game-is-beyond-two-souls-heading-to-pl/#comments Heavy Rain development studio Quantic Dream unveiled its next big PlayStation game tonight during Sony's press conference, dubbed "Beyond - Two Souls." for PlayStation 3. Studio head David Cage says it follows a young lady named Jodie Holmes across the course of her life, and she'll be played by actress Ellen Page.

The gameplay clip shown off has the characteristic look of Quantic Dream's past work, except the gameplay seems to be far more action-heavy than past titles. We'll have the first look up as soon as its available, so keep an eye out!

JoystiqQuantic Dream's next game is 'Beyond - Two Souls.' heading to PlayStation 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-two-soulsdavid-cagee3-2012playstationps3quantic-dreamMon, 04 Jun 2012 21:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Quantic Dream's Infraworld may not be canned after all, was possibly just frozen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/quantic-dreams-infraworld-may-not-be-canned-after-all-was-poss/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/quantic-dreams-infraworld-may-not-be-canned-after-all-was-poss/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/quantic-dreams-infraworld-may-not-be-canned-after-all-was-poss/#comments ImageQuantic Dream has been flirting with the title Infraworld, since 2006, when it was first reported as a canceled game, to 2010 when it made an appearance in Heavy Rain, to last year's US trademark filing from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

This year, a Quantic Dream title due out in 2013 has made an appearance in the biography of French actress Priscilla Liaud, and a studio concept artist has listed Infraworld and another oft-rumored title, Fiv5, in his LinkedIn profile (since removed).

With E3 next week, Quantic Dream may be in the perfect position to take its Infraworld flirtation to the next level: eye contact and straightforward sentences. Our hearts are all a-flutter just thinking about it.

JoystiqQuantic Dream's Infraworld may not be canned after all, was possibly just frozen originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiv5infraworldplaystationps3quantic-dreamSCEESONYWed, 30 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the scenes of Quantic Dream's 'Kara' tech demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/behind-the-scenes-of-quantic-dreams-kara-tech-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/behind-the-scenes-of-quantic-dreams-kara-tech-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/behind-the-scenes-of-quantic-dreams-kara-tech-demo/#comments
Have you thought about just how Quantic Dream pulled off that "Kara" tech demo on the PS3? If your answer, like ours, was that they actually built a female android and taught it how to speak all those languages and sing, then you're wrong. They didn't do that at all. Female androids don't exist in real life. Sigh.

No, instead they hired an actress named Valorie Curry (actually three different women -- Curry for acting, one for the German and French, and another to sing) to come in and do motion capture for the part, and refined and developed her performance over a series of about eight months before finally capturing it for the tech demo.

You can see the whole process in the video above, and watch the original tech demo below. Yeah, we guess it's cool and all that they put so much care and work into such a quality video -- but not as cool as a real female android. Sigh again.

Continue reading Behind the scenes of Quantic Dream's 'Kara' tech demo

JoystiqBehind the scenes of Quantic Dream's 'Kara' tech demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actresskaramotion-captureperformanceplaystationps3quantic-dreamtechtech-demovalorie-curryMon, 26 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Quantic Dream reveals new prototype, serves as the foundation for studio's future [Update: Now with video!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/quantic-dream-reveals-new-prototype-serves-as-the-foundation-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/quantic-dream-reveals-new-prototype-serves-as-the-foundation-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/quantic-dream-reveals-new-prototype-serves-as-the-foundation-fo/#comments

Update: The PlayStation Blog has uploaded some video, which we've conveniently embedded above.

Developer Quantic Dream has revealed a new tech demo, which showcases how the company has progressed since launching its 2010 PS3-exclusive Heavy Rain. Cage named the demo 'Kara.' The new technology is meant to serve as the foundation for his company's future but is not itself an announcement of a new game. The studio revealed its technology for Heavy Rain in 2006 with a similar video dubbed 'The Casting.'

Quantic Dream founder David Cage revealed the demo moments ago during his ongoing GDC 2012 panel focused on the subject of virtual actors, performance capture, and art direction.

With its new technology, Cage says his team can scan anyone and create them easily within their development pipeline. The demo featured a robotic woman being assembled and quizzed by an offscreen voice as her body was being pieced together. Her directives enable her to be used as a cook, cleaner, sexual device or more.

When her assembly is completed, she is told that she is a product. Her questioning leads the offscreen voice to deem her a buggy model and orders her to be disassembled. Kara begs for her life, screaming that she was only "just born." Tears fall from her face as machines rip her apart before she makes one final, whimpered plea. The man stops the machines, reassembles her, and asks her to behave. Kara survives and is placed on a conveyer belt with other models that look identical to her.

The entire demo was running in real time on a PlayStation 3, Cage said, who also called Sony an important "partner." Near the end of his talk, Cage admitted that the Kara demo shown was one year old, based on version one of the technology. Currently, the tech is at version three. Cage said that when asked if games using this technology would look like the demo, he responded that "it will look much better."

JoystiqQuantic Dream reveals new prototype, serves as the foundation for studio's future [Update: Now with video!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2012quantic-dreamWed, 07 Mar 2012 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[EU could lose tax breaks for game developers, threatens talent exodus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/eu-could-lose-tax-breaks-for-game-developers-threatens-talent-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/eu-could-lose-tax-breaks-for-game-developers-threatens-talent-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/eu-could-lose-tax-breaks-for-game-developers-threatens-talent-e/#comments The European Union provides us a small-scale glimpse into the potential functions of a truly global society -- and more recently, a global society in crisis. The unified currency of the EU, the Euro, was on the brink of collapse recently and all of its member countries are still running damage control.

Now, France in particular is facing another monetary hurdle, as its tax incentive for game development has expired and casued "genuine concern" the EU may not renew the exception that would reinstate it. State aid is normally forbidden under EU law, but in some cases it is allowed -- without an exception, game-development tax incentives would be banned in all EU countries, including France and the UK, Develop reports.

French developer Quantic Dream (Heavy Rain) said that if the tax break is not reinstated it would relocate its operations to Canada, which does offer incentives for development companies, Develop adds. And according to TIGA, The UK's game-development workforce -- which sees no tax breaks -- fell 10 percent between 2008 and 2011, with 41 percent of its workers relocating overseas to countries such as Canada.

JoystiqEU could lose tax breaks for game developers, threatens talent exodus originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaEUeuropeEuropean-UnionfranceHeavy-Rainmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3quantic-dreamtax-breakstaxesvitawiixboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[A third of Heavy Rain players kept all characters alive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/a-third-of-heavy-rain-players-kept-all-characters-alive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/a-third-of-heavy-rain-players-kept-all-characters-alive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/a-third-of-heavy-rain-players-kept-all-characters-alive/#comments Heavy Rain developer Quantic Dream recently shared some player statistics with IGN about its 2010 interactive drama. Of the 3 million players who reportedly played the game, 74 percent completed the game. Of those, 33 percent of people must have gotten the "four heroes" trophy, surviving home invasions, sinister scenarios and angry junkyard mechanics to keep the game's quartet of protagonists alive and kicking.

Here's a good takeaway for game developers seeking to implement multiple endings for their games: only four percent of players have seen all Heavy Rain's endings and only three percent earned the game's platinum trophy.

However, 100 percent of future developers should "press X to Jason."

JoystiqA third of Heavy Rain players kept all characters alive originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavy-Rainmoveplaystationps3quantic-dreamMon, 05 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fahrenheit (Indigo Prophecy) now on GOG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/fahrenheit-indigo-prophecy-now-on-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/fahrenheit-indigo-prophecy-now-on-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/fahrenheit-indigo-prophecy-now-on-gog/#comments Before Quantic Dream drenched us in Heavy Rain, it gave us the ambitious, story-driven Fahrenheit, now available on GOG.com for $6. Fahrenheit, known as Indigo Prophecy in North America, experimented with many of the techniques (and story elements) that ended up being refined in Quantic Dream's interactive novella on the PS3.

Fahrenheit on GOG is the "uncut and uncensored version" of the game, not originally released in the States, which includes some interactive sex scenes. The real reason to play this game, however, is to watch an interesting, compelling premise go off the rails like a child star after an 18th birthday. A must-experience moment (of disappointment) for any future game writers.

JoystiqFahrenheit (Indigo Prophecy) now on GOG originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FahrenheitgogIndigo-Prophecyindigoprophecypcquantic-dreamTue, 08 Nov 2011 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain Director's Cut slated for November 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/heavy-rain-directors-cut-slated-for-november-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/heavy-rain-directors-cut-slated-for-november-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/heavy-rain-directors-cut-slated-for-november-8/#comments Heavy Rain Director's Cut launches on November 8. In addition to scrapped content, the re-release also includes The Taxidermist DLC, the soundtrack, eight bonus making-of videos, a few themes, concept art and two trailers, PlayStation Blog reports. There's also a new front-end menu and UI with Move support.

To celebrate the (re)launch, Sony's making the Heavy Rain Crime Scene Dynamic Theme available on PSN the same day. We're sure that'll fill the void in your heart left by the child you lost at the mall that one time.

[Update: This post originally said the Director's Cut included the game's deleted scenes, which ... well, it doesn't. We apologize for the mistake, please don't drown us.]

JoystiqHeavy Rain Director's Cut slated for November 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavy-Rainheavy-rain-chroniclesheavy-rain-directors-cutmoveplaystationplaystation-moveps3q4-2011quantic-dreamrelease-dateThu, 03 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain developer estimates $13M loss on second-hand sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/heavy-rain-developer-estimates-13m-loss-on-second-hand-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/heavy-rain-developer-estimates-13m-loss-on-second-hand-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/heavy-rain-developer-estimates-13m-loss-on-second-hand-sales/#comments Quantic Dream co-founder Guillaume de Fondaumiere estimates the studio lost between €5 and €10 million ($6.8 and $13.7 million) worth of royalties on Heavy Rain because of used sales.

"We basically sold to date approximately two million units, we know from the trophy system that probably more than three million people bought this game and played it," de Fondaumiere told GI.biz. "On my small level it's a million people playing my game without giving me one cent."

The three million "bought" math sounds a little fuzzy, especially if one were to consider the rental market and friends borrowing games, but he seems to be on the right path.

"Now are games too expensive?" de Fondaumiere continued, "I've always said that games are probably too expensive so there's probably a right level here to find, and we need to discuss this altogether and try to find a way to I would say reconcile consumer expectations, retail expectations, but also the expectations of the publisher and the developers to make this business a worthwhile business."

We bet that's especially true when your game does better than your publisher ever expected.

JoystiqHeavy Rain developer estimates $13M loss on second-hand sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavy-Rainplaystationps3quantic-dreamMon, 12 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tamer version of Heavy Rain to be re-released in Europe [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/tamer-version-of-heavy-rain-to-be-re-released-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/tamer-version-of-heavy-rain-to-be-re-released-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/tamer-version-of-heavy-rain-to-be-re-released-in-europe/#comments PEGI, the European video games rating board, recently published an evaluation for Heavy Rain Edition Modifiée, an apparently toned-down version of Quantic Dream's interactive drama which will carry a PEGI 16 rating (marked down from the original's PEGI 18 rating). Little is known about the content or reasoning behind the new, minor-friendly version of the game, but as the PEGI rating mentions an August 3 release date, it'll probably start showing up on European store shelves soon.

So, what's getting cut in the Edition Modifiée? According to the PEGI ratings, the original's "extreme violence" and "violence towards defenceless people" have been downgraded to "realistic-looking violence." We can't wait to see how this changes the game's more intense sequences. For instance, there's that one scene, during which you have five minutes to improvise a tool which you can use to cut your fingernails.

Update: Looks like the tamer edition isn't releasing Europe-wide -- a Sony representative confirmed to Eurogamer that the new version "is just a small initiative for France only."

JoystiqTamer version of Heavy Rain to be re-released in Europe [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavy-Rainpegipegi-16playstationps3quantic-dreamSony-Computer-Entertainment-EuropeFri, 05 Aug 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Canned Quantic Dream project 'Infraworld' trademarked by SCEE]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/canned-quantic-dream-project-infraworld-trademarked-by-scee/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/canned-quantic-dream-project-infraworld-trademarked-by-scee/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/canned-quantic-dream-project-infraworld-trademarked-by-scee/#comments Earlier this year, gaming industry sleuth Superannuation uncovered the possible monikers of two projects from Heavy Rain developer Quantic Dream. The first was Fiv5, which showed up in a domain and European trademark registered by the developer. The second was Infraworld, a project the studio canceled in 2006. It later showed up as a Heavy Rain Easter egg, as well as a Quantic Dream hire's LinkedIn profile. Today, the latter name showed even more signs of life when it surfaced in a U.S. trademark filed by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe this past May.

If Infraworld has indeed been saved from the Quantic Dream cutting room floor, it's possible that it follows the same style of Heavy Rain -- in March, David Cage explained that he wanted to build on his treasured "Interactive Drama" genre. That's still a pretty broad set of expectations, though one thing's for sure: Bizarre and unplaceable accents are pretty much a lock.

JoystiqCanned Quantic Dream project 'Infraworld' trademarked by SCEE originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-cagefiv5Heavy-Raininfraworldinteractive-dramaplaystationps3quantic-dreamThu, 04 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[David Cage: L.A. Noire mocap tech interesting, but limited]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/david-cage-l-a-noire-mocap-tech-interesting-but-limited/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/david-cage-l-a-noire-mocap-tech-interesting-but-limited/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/david-cage-l-a-noire-mocap-tech-interesting-but-limited/#comments Just about every human being that's laid eyes on the eerily accurate visages of L.A. Noire have had roughly the same reaction of shock and awe. Every human being, that is, except for Quantic Dream's David Cage, who spoke to CVG about Team Bondi's mocap process, saying, "I think it's an interesting solution to a problem for now." He later expounded, "Their technique is incredibly expensive and they will never be able to shoot body and face at the same time."

Cage revealed that Quantic Dreams is leveraging just that kind of tech for an unannounced title, saying, "We see a huge difference between shooting the face and body separately and shooting everything at the same time. Suddenly you've got a real sense of acting that is consistent." Well, there's our first hint about the studio's follow-up to Heavy Rain: Its characters will have both faces and bodies. Not one or the other, as was the case in Quantic's earlier, far more upsetting game, The Disembodied Faces vs. The Disemfaced Bodies.

JoystiqDavid Cage: L.A. Noire mocap tech interesting, but limited originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LA-Noiremicrosoftmocappcplaystationps3quantic-dreamteam-bondixboxFri, 01 Apr 2011 22:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain director encourages more 'personal' stories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/heavy-rain-director-encourages-more-personal-stories/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/heavy-rain-director-encourages-more-personal-stories/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/heavy-rain-director-encourages-more-personal-stories/#comments Speaking to The Guardian about storytelling in games, Heavy Rain director Cage singled out the FPS genre -- its use of WWII and sci-fi settings in general -- as an example where that aspect of the medium is stagnating. His advice for other game writers: " Don't write about being a rookie soldier in WWII, because you don't have a clue what that's like."

Heavy Rain has drawn accolades, Cage says, because the inspiration for its story is personal and relatable. "Talk about yourself, your life, your emotions, the people around you, what you like, what you hate," he advised. "This is how the industry will make a huge step forward. I'm fed up with space marines."

In his case, inspiration came from something much more down to earth. "It was not about space marines fighting aliens, it was about my relationship with my first son and how he changed my life -- and also about how loving someone without expecting anything in return was something totally new."

So, Modern Warfare 3 writers: instead of "how many people can you shoot?," why not try asking players "how many people would you shoot to save someone you love?"

JoystiqHeavy Rain director encourages more 'personal' stories originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureBAFTAdavid-cageHeavy-RainInteractive-Dramaplaystationps3quantic-dreamsonywritingMon, 21 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Fiv5' could be the title of Quantic Dreams' next game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/fiv5-could-be-the-title-of-quantic-dreams-next-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/fiv5-could-be-the-title-of-quantic-dreams-next-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/fiv5-could-be-the-title-of-quantic-dreams-next-game/#comments David Cage, director of the soggy serial killer interactive drama Heavy Rain, has already said there won't be a sequel to that game, telling the PlayStation Blog, "We're going to be exploring a different direction, which will still be very dark and still for adults, but completely different to Heavy Rain" for Quantic Dreams' next project. That game's specifics may be a secret, but it may have a title: "Fiv5" ... yes, in the style of David Fincher's film Se7en.

Gaming trademark sleuth superannuation has turned up several clues supporting this theory, including a trademark filing with Europe's Office of Harmonization for the International Market. There's also a domain name registration by Quantic Dream, and a new hire at the developer has listed themselves as "Concept Artist: Video Game "FIVE" & "INFRAWORLD" on LinkedIn. Infraworld? Where'd we put our deerstalker hat and magnifying glass?

Joystiq'Fiv5' could be the title of Quantic Dreams' next game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-cagefiv5Heavy-Rainplaystationps3quantic-dreamsceesonytrademarkMon, 21 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega 64 spoofs Heavy Rain, makes all of us uncomforJAAAASOOON]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/mega-64-spoofs-heavy-rain-makes-all-of-us-uncomforjaaaasooon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/mega-64-spoofs-heavy-rain-makes-all-of-us-uncomforjaaaasooon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/mega-64-spoofs-heavy-rain-makes-all-of-us-uncomforjaaaasooon/#comments Yes, Mega64's (second) spoof of Heavy Rain features one of the guys wandering through a mall on a very vocal hunt for Jason -- but that's not all. It also contains some of the most cringe-worthy moments of social discomfort that the troupe has ever, ever managed to elicit.

Continue reading Mega 64 spoofs Heavy Rain, makes all of us uncomforJAAAASOOON

JoystiqMega 64 spoofs Heavy Rain, makes all of us uncomforJAAAASOOON originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comedyHeavy-Rainmega64playstationps3quantic-dreamsonyWed, 16 Mar 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Quantic Dream renovates mocap studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/quantic-dream-renovates-mocap-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/quantic-dream-renovates-mocap-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/quantic-dream-renovates-mocap-studio/#comments A lot of times game journalists complain that December is light on news, with all the big releases for the year behind us. But we've always thought they were just a bunch of Negative Nancys. In an industry as robust and busy as ours, how tough can it be to find something to write about?

... So, umm ... Quantic Dream renovated its motion capture studio. Now it's got like 64 cameras, and some sound-proof curtains and stuff, so that's ... you know, a good number of cameras. So ...

We were going to make a Heavy Rain joke in which we suggest it "renovate" its voice capture studio by burning it to the ground. ... You know, because the acting was so bad? But it turns out that this new studio can do voice capture too, so that's not really that funny anymore.

So, yeah.

JoystiqQuantic Dream renovates mocap studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-cageHeavy-Rainmo-capmotion-captureplaystationps3quantic-dreamMon, 13 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain's deleted scenes exposed, reveal 'supernatural' connection for origami killer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/heavy-rains-deleted-scenes-exposed-reveal-supernatural-conne/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/heavy-rains-deleted-scenes-exposed-reveal-supernatural-conne/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/heavy-rains-deleted-scenes-exposed-reveal-supernatural-conne/#comments You may have missed this behind-the-scenes video of Heavy Rain on the PlayStation Network last week. This very revealing, spoiler-filled video highlights some of the deleted scenes and concepts for Quantic Dream's adventure game.

Continue reading Heavy Rain's deleted scenes exposed, reveal 'supernatural' connection for origami killer

JoystiqHeavy Rain's deleted scenes exposed, reveal 'supernatural' connection for origami killer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-cagedeleted-scenesHeavy-Rainplaystationps3quantic-dreamMon, 08 Nov 2010 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[David Cage on his 'benevolent dictatorship' over Quantic Dream]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/david-cage-on-his-benevolent-dictatorship-over-quantic-dream/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/david-cage-on-his-benevolent-dictatorship-over-quantic-dream/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/david-cage-on-his-benevolent-dictatorship-over-quantic-dream/#comments For most developers, creating a game is a constant struggle between the design-based decisions of the creative team and the marketing-based decisions of the business team. Not at Quantic Dream, where David Cage's role as both CEO and lead designer means that "game design guides everything" at the company. So when Cage says "the game designer decided this, and I fully agree with it," he's actually referring to himself both times, as he pointed out at a talk at GDC Europe this week.

Cage said developing a game like Heavy Rain just wouldn't work in a more democratic development environment, where everyone on the team has equal power and the majority rules on major decisions. "When you want a strong vision, you need a vision holder, you need someone who has the final cut," Cage said.

Continue reading David Cage on his 'benevolent dictatorship' over Quantic Dream

JoystiqDavid Cage on his 'benevolent dictatorship' over Quantic Dream originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>David-CageGamescom-2010GDC-Europe-2010Heavy-Rainplaystationps3Quantic-DreamWed, 18 Aug 2010 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Cage: Heavy Rain sold four times more in US than Sony had anticipated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/cage-heavy-rain-sold-four-times-more-in-us-than-sony-had-antici/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/cage-heavy-rain-sold-four-times-more-in-us-than-sony-had-antici/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/cage-heavy-rain-sold-four-times-more-in-us-than-sony-had-antici/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We already knew Heavy Rain was an immediate success in the UK and a moderate hit in Japan. But with the game's quick disappearance from the NPD's monthly top ten in the U.S., we've been wondering whether the game's sales on this side of the ocean (which NPD pegs at just over 400,000 units so far) have lived up to expectations.

Well, "lived up to expectations" might be a bit of an understatement. At a GDC Europe talk this week, Quantic Dream CEO David Cage said Heavy Rain ended up selling "four times as many copies" as publisher Sony expected. "They were shocked. 'Oh my god, what happens?'" Cage said in his charmingly stilted English.

These unexpected sales presented a bit of a problem, Cage said, because the marketing spend for the game was based on the lowball expectation, not the surprisingly strong actual sales numbers. Still, Cage said Sony did a great job pushing the game in the States, especially considering the game's unorthodox concept and lack of a big franchise name, which led to some reluctance from distribution channels.

Cage said Heavy Rain has already sold 1.5 million copies (up from one million in April) worldwide and the game is on track to sell two million units by the first anniversary of its February release.

JoystiqCage: Heavy Rain sold four times more in US than Sony had anticipated originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-cagegdc-europe-2010Heavy-Rainplaystationps3quantic-dreamsalessonyTue, 17 Aug 2010 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cage: Lack of additional Heavy Rain DLC 'unfortunate' but 'understandable']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/cage-lack-of-additional-heavy-rain-dlc-unfortunate-but-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/cage-lack-of-additional-heavy-rain-dlc-unfortunate-but-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/cage-lack-of-additional-heavy-rain-dlc-unfortunate-but-under/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With the chances of further downloadable episodes of Heavy Rain's "Chronicles" DLC looking all but nonexistent, we wondered how Quantic Dream CEO and creative head David Cage felt now that his game has been folded up like an origami crane. We caught up with Cage after his talk at GDC Europe today to find out.

"I understand why the decision was made," Cage said of the cancellation of the planned DLC. "From a creative point of view it was not my choice. I would have really preferred a thousand times developing the Chronicles. I thought we had a lot to say about these characters, about their background. Things that were just mentioned in the game that had a true explanation in the background, and it's a little bit unfortunate that we won't be able to tell you the full story."

But at the same time, Cage said he's looking forward to working on something new. "I didn't want to do everything, I wanted to move on," he said. "I didn't want to spend another two years on Heavy Rain developing Move and Chronicles and stuff. ... So a decision had to be made and it's a decision I respect. Honestly, it's not like I'm upset about it, I would have preferred to do it differently but, you know what, it makes sense."

So, to sum up, Cage says he really want to finish the story through DLC, and that it's unfortunate that he didn't get to. But he also says he didn't really want to spend all that extra time on the game, and that he's happy to be moving on. So... that clears that up, yeah?

JoystiqCage: Lack of additional Heavy Rain DLC 'unfortunate' but 'understandable' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-cageDLCgamescom-2010gdc-europe-2010Heavy-Rainheavy-rain-chroniclesplaystationps3quantic-dreamsonyMon, 16 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain Move Edition patch coming 'pre-Xmas,' free if you own the game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/heavy-rain-move-edition-patch-coming-pre-xmas-free-if-you-own/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/heavy-rain-move-edition-patch-coming-pre-xmas-free-if-you-own/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/heavy-rain-move-edition-patch-coming-pre-xmas-free-if-you-own/#commentsFiled under: , ,

SCEE product Manager Ross Alexander took to the EU's PlayStation Blog earlier today and revealed that the PlayStation Move-enabled version of Heavy Rain will be available "pre-Xmas." He also noted that it will be digitally distributed for free via PSN to those who already picked up the disc, though he gave no word on a re-release of the retail edition with Move functionality already baked-in.

Apparently, the waggle-ified version of Heavy Rain will be playable both with the Move and a DualShock 3 or a Move and the Navigation Controller -- the latter of which Alexander claims is the only way to get the "full experience." Trailers with the new Move controls are forthcoming, but why wait? We've dropped a handful of screens into a gallery below right now.

Gallery: Heavy Rain Move Edition


JoystiqHeavy Rain Move Edition patch coming 'pre-Xmas,' free if you own the game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heavy-Rainheavy-rain-move-editionplaystationplaystation-moveps3quantic-dreamsceeFri, 06 Aug 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Cage 'doubts' new Heavy Rain DLC will be completed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/cage-doubts-new-heavy-rain-dlc-will-be-completed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/cage-doubts-new-heavy-rain-dlc-will-be-completed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/cage-doubts-new-heavy-rain-dlc-will-be-completed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You'd better hope that playing Heavy Rain with PlayStation Move controls feels like a completely new experience, because that's pretty much the only way you're getting new content. Creator David Cage has added a note of finality to the announcement that work on the "Chronicles" DLC was shelved so the team could concentrate on Move support. Cage told Eurogamer that "Chronicles, as we saw them, were ambitious and with high expectations," and thus would have occupied the team's resources. "As explained, they are on hold to allow the team to work on Move and on new projects, and I doubt they will ever be produced."

Cage sounds pretty put off by the decision to dedicate time to Move support, but at least a little interested in the result. "I understand Sony's decision, and it gave us the opportunity to explore new possibilities regarding controls," Cage said. "I am really proud of this Move edition and think it will surprise many gamers, and show that Move can be used for things other than family entertainment. Now as a writer and director, would I have preferred to work on the three Chronicles I wrote? Guess."

JoystiqCage 'doubts' new Heavy Rain DLC will be completed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>David-CageDLCHeavy-Rainheavy-rain-chroniclesplaystationPlaystation-Moveps3Quantic-DreamFri, 02 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quantic Dream puts indefinite hold on Heavy Rain DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/quantic-dream-puts-indefinite-hold-on-heavy-rain-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/quantic-dream-puts-indefinite-hold-on-heavy-rain-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/quantic-dream-puts-indefinite-hold-on-heavy-rain-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Holding your breath for new Heavy Rain DLC? Well, stop. Game Informer has learned that the "Heavy Rain Chronicles" have been put on indefinite hold, with creator Quantic Dream saying they were urged by Sony to redirect their focus on an upcoming Move patch for the game. It's not been canceled completely, mind, but it's not looking good.

No one's chalking the holdup to low interest, but one would imagine that if the first chunk of DLC -- which was free to those who purchased the game new, but on sale to those who didn't -- was moving like thickly-accented hotcakes, we'd already be playing the second episode.

JoystiqQuantic Dream puts indefinite hold on Heavy Rain DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCe3-2010Heavy-RainHeavy-Rain-Chroniclesplaystationps3quantic-dreamFri, 18 Jun 2010 23:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Press X to Jason: the music video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/press-x-to-jason-the-music-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/press-x-to-jason-the-music-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/press-x-to-jason-the-music-video/#comments We know it's supposed to be a moving moment in Heavy Rain, but we can't get enough of parody tributes to the game's true protagonist, little lost Jason. First there was the hit Flash game Press X to Jason and now the Dead Workers Party brings us "Press X to Jason," a bubbly, melodic retelling of the story of the boy who touched America's heart as America touched its X button. You can find it right after the break.

We're intentionally being pretty vague about the content of the scene here, since you really shouldn't be watching the clip unless you've already played Heavy Rain. Like, you really shouldn't. Trust us.

[Thanks, Spencer]

Continue reading Press X to Jason: the music video

JoystiqPress X to Jason: the music video originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heavy-rainInteractive-Dramapress-x-to-jasonquantic-dreamSCESCEASonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaWed, 26 May 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unique Features acquiring Heavy Rain movie rights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/unique-features-acquiring-heavy-rain-movie-rights/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/unique-features-acquiring-heavy-rain-movie-rights/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/unique-features-acquiring-heavy-rain-movie-rights/#commentsHeavy Rain continues its slow progression from "like a movie with lots of button inputs" to "just a movie." Deadline reports that Unique Features is in the process of acquiring the film rights to Quantic Dream's game. Unique Features is a production company started by Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, who used to be with New Line, the studio that had optioned the rights to the game in 2006.

Shaye and Lynne are apparently so interested in the project that they bought the rights with their own money. Maybe the game was too hard for them and they just wanted to see how it ends.

[Via Dread Central]

JoystiqUnique Features acquiring Heavy Rain movie rights originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 May 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureheavy-rainInteractive-Dramamovienew-line-cinemaquantic-dreamSCESCEASonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-Americaunique-featuresWed, 19 May 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain sells one million worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/heavy-rain-sells-one-million-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/heavy-rain-sells-one-million-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/heavy-rain-sells-one-million-worldwide/#comments No one was exactly sure if Sony's gamble with Heavy Rain would pay off. With no aliens, no stealth kills, and no epic boss battles, the game strayed so far from the mainstream norm that some wondered if it could possibly succeed. Considering the incredible technical effort Heavy Rain represented, it's clear that this was also an expensive experiment for both Sony and Quantic Dream to take on.

After seven weeks of release, Heavy Rain has managed to sell through a million units worldwide, according to an announcement on the PlayStation.Blog. No specifics are offered, but we'll deduce that Europe represents the largest piece of the sales pie; Heavy Rain was completely sold out in that part of the world.

It's unclear if a million units sold is enough for Quantic Dream and Sony to break even on Heavy Rain's lengthy development. Undoubtedly, the game will continue selling through the year, which has us hopeful that the industry will be unafraid to invest in another game like it in the future.

JoystiqHeavy Rain sells one million worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heavy-rainInteractive-Dramamillionplatinumquantic-dreamsalesSCESCEASonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaTue, 13 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Thursday: Get stuffed by 'The Taxidermist']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/psn-thursday-get-stuffed-by-the-taxidermist/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/psn-thursday-get-stuffed-by-the-taxidermist/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/psn-thursday-get-stuffed-by-the-taxidermist/#commentsHeavy Rain's "The Taxidermist" DLC is ready to fill you up with more suspense for $5. To access your wallet, you'll have to flick your analog stick up and to the right.

PSP owners can download titles like BlazBlue Calamity Trigger and Perv Simu ... ok, fine, Dead or Alive Paradise -- we still contend we were going down the right path the first time. As is pretty common, the latest deluge of PSP comics is the real draw for the handheld.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Continue reading PSN Thursday: Get stuffed by 'The Taxidermist'

JoystiqPSN Thursday: Get stuffed by 'The Taxidermist' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heavy-rainInteractive-Dramanba-unrivaledPSNPSN-StorePSN-ThursdayqoreQuantic-DreamSCESCEASonySony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaThu, 01 Apr 2010 19:35:00 EST