Joystiq

How the power of 700 goes into one Epic Mickey 2

JC Fletcher — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST

Warren Spector recently told GamesIndustry.biz that over 700 people worldwide were working on his next game, which of course turned out to be Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two. To us, that seemed unfathomably vast -- it's larger than Capcom's estimate for Resident Evil 6 by 100 heads. So, in order to get a handle on it, we asked Spector how that roster breaks down.

"'Breakdown' is a good word for it, actually," he joked. "The internal team size at Junction Point is about the same as it was on the first game. To have any chance [with an AAA game] -- I'm not saying we did succeed or will succeed, that's for you guys to decide -- you need 150-200 people these days. You just can't do it with less."

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How the power of 700 goes into one Epic Mickey 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The power of inclusion in Epic Mickey 2

JC Fletcher — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST

In retrospect, it's obvious that Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two would be a musical. It's the natural path toward making the Disneyest thing possible, and that's where Junction Point creative director Warren Spector's interests lie. Before I played a demo, I and other press were presented with a cutscene setting up the story.

The Mad Doctor makes a dramatic return to Os Town, amidst rumbling earthquakes (thanks for physically making my seat rumble in the theater, Disney), claiming to be reformed and seeking a hero to help him save the people from some unknown calamity.

And all this claiming and seeking is done in song. "Help ME, help YOU!" he sing-talks in heavily accented English. It works to convince Oswald to join him, and it worked to convince me that Warren Spector is all about the principles of Disney. I guess I didn't need much convincing there anyway.

Gallery: Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two (360/PS3)

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The power of inclusion in Epic Mickey 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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See Epic Mickey 2 in motion and in Warren Spector's words

JC Fletcher — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST

In the foreground of this video, you see Warren Spector talking about Oswald's role in Epic Mickey 2, and his enthusiasm for musicals; in the background, you can see footage of the new game for the first time. The two elements cooperate, just like Mickey and Oswald.

See Epic Mickey 2 in motion and in Warren Spector's words originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector (note: not 'War Inspector') GDC Lifetime Achievement award video loosed

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST

During GDC this year, Warren Spector was honored with the Lifetime Achievement award for ... uh ... his life, and Mega64 was there with an amazing video to celebrate as much. Starring Epic Games' Cliff Bleszinski, you'll find out that Spector's name isn't just a guise for his secret job as a "War Inspector." Finally! The truth!

Warren Spector (note: not 'War Inspector') GDC Lifetime Achievement award video loosed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector writing new monthly DuckTales comic

JC Fletcher — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:45:00 EST

It may not be the DuckTales game he wants to make, but Warren Spector is getting the opportunity to write some stories in the DuckTales universe after all.

BOOM! Studios revealed that the Epic Mickey designer has signed on to write an ongoing DuckTales comic series, in which he will most likely solve a mystery and/or rewrite history as he chronicles the ongoing adventure of a rich Scottish duck and his nephews. This proves that yes, Spector loves Disney enough to step outside of his game design job to tell Disney stories.

Art for the monthly series will be provided by longtime Disney comic artist Miquel Pujol. The first issue will be out in May.

[Thanks, Edward O]

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Warren Spector writing new monthly DuckTales comic originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney Interactive implements mass layoffs; status of Junction Point, Black Rock currently unknown

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:08:00 EST

Beyond Disney Interactive's layoffs today at Junction Point and last week's closure of Propaganda Games, sources tell Joystiq that the division's job cuts go much deeper. We've been informed in this "first round" of layoffs that 250 people have been let go.

Numerous attempts to obtain an official statement from Disney have gone unanswered. There is currently no word on the overall status of Split/Second developer Black Rock Studios nor Warren Spector's Junction Point, which recently released Disney Epic Mickey, a title we've been told has not sold as well as expected. Sources also tell us that the fate of Spector could be separate from that of the studio.

Massive changes at the division have come at a steady clip ever since Disney bought social game developer Playdom for upwards of $563.2 million. Then there was the double-barreled resignation of longtime boss Graham Hopper and bigwig Steve Wadsworth. It is currently the era of James Pitaro and former Playdom CEO John Pleasants, who are seeking not to repeat the division's $234 million loss this fiscal year.

Update: Disney's terse official statement: "As part of setting a strategic direction for future success in the digital media space, the Disney Interactive Media Group today began a restructuring process"

Disney Interactive implements mass layoffs; status of Junction Point, Black Rock currently unknown originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: Epic Mickey dev suffering layoffs

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:10:00 EST

Despite a number six debut on December's NPD charts, Epic Mickey apparently can't save Junction Point Studios from post-launch staff cuts. Sources speaking with Joystiq confirm that Disney Interactive issued layoffs at the Warren Spector-helmed studio today, though exact numbers are unknown -- we've contacted Disney for comment, but we imagine those plans for sequels to Epic Mickey aren't looking so solid right now.

Following last week's closure of Disney Interactive-owned Propaganda Games, today's layoffs represent further steps back for the publisher in terms of "core" game development endeavors, and, we fear, may not be the last of Disney's cuts. Disney also owns Split/Second developer Black Rock Studios, and most recently acquired social game developer Playdom.

Update: Layoffs hit entire Disney Interactive division.

[Image credit: Flickr user 'junctionpoint']

Source: Epic Mickey dev suffering layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector says reviewers 'misunderstood' Epic Mickey's camera

Justin McElroy — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST

Though plenty of reviewers (our own included) were swept up by the enchanting world of Epic Mickey, its shoddy camera has been pretty much universally maligned. Creator Warren Spector leaped to his team's defense while speaking with MTV, saying, "First, there has never been a game that I couldn't break if you give it to me for 30 seconds. I mean, I will break a camera in any game ever made. [Ed.'s note: Well, clearly.] Third-person camera is way harder than I even imagined it could be. It is the hardest problem in video game development. Everybody gets it wrong. It's just a question of how close to right do you get it."

Spector went on to claim that the issue stems from the fact that his game isn't a pure platformer, so the camera couldn't be tuned just for that purpose. "If reviewers want to give us a hard time about it because they're misunderstanding the game we made, it's not for me to tell them that they're wrong," he continued, "absolutely not."

Listen, we love Warren Spector, and Epic Mickey has plenty of good points, for sure. But "We tried to do something that was crazy hard and it didn't work" is not a suitable excuse -- unless you're going house to house and explaining the "right" way to play. (P.S. If Spector does start doing that, you probably shouldn't let him near your cameras.)

Warren Spector says reviewers 'misunderstood' Epic Mickey's camera originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deus Ex: Game of the Year just 99 cents today on Games For Windows

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:04:00 EST

It seems the Games for Windows Marketplace is trying its darndest to establish itself as the premiere source of awesome games that cost less than a 20 oz. bottle of soda. For example, today, you can pick up Warren Spector's epic FPSRPG Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition for just 99 American cents.

Continue reading Deus Ex: Game of the Year just 99 cents today on Games For Windows

Deus Ex: Game of the Year just 99 cents today on Games For Windows originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metareview: Disney Epic Mickey

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST

Disney Epic Mickey has received no small amount of praise for receiving the kind of TLC rarely visited upon third-party Wii titles -- but did that attention actually translate over to, you know, becoming a good game? Or was that TLC simply wasted upon a mediocre platformer? More importantly, why do we find ourselves suddenly overwhelmed by a powerful urge to listen to "Waterfalls" on repeat?

You've heard our take on Junction Point's paint-splattered vision of Disney's timeless mascot; now let's see what the rest of the peanut gallery has to say:

GamesRadar (9/10): "It's a life-affirming tribute to both forgotten characters and game genres well worth remembering, with an all new added twist. And contrary to how it looks, there's a startling amount of maturity and replayability wrapped within this family-friendly package."
IGN (8/10): "Ultimately, the positive elements of Epic Mickey do manage to make this worth a shot. Going in with the proper level of expectation should manage to keep some of the WiiMote throwing to a minimum... just keep that wrist strap tight."
CVG (7.5/10): "Disney Epic Mickey, with its freeform nature and deep exploration, has plenty of appeal - and completists and adventure fans may even adore it. But its rough edges ultimately dampen its potential. If only it had been given an extra lick of paint..."
Game Informer (7/10): "Epic Mickey goes out of its way to show gamers Walt Disney's body of work, but rarely fires on a level that turns this beloved content into exciting gameplay."
Eurogamer (6/10): "Fundamentally, Epic Mickey misunderstands what people love about Mickey Mouse. He simply doesn't fit in this grim, post-modern dystopia, dripping with bitter-sweet nods to forgotten corners of Disney lore, nor does he need to confront his dark commercial heart to stay relevant in 2010."

Metareview: Disney Epic Mickey originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney Epic Mickey review: A brush with greatness

Randy Nelson — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST

The unlikely creation of Deus Ex designer and industry legend Warren Spector and his imagineers at Junction Point, Disney Epic Mickey is the single most ambitious Wii exclusive outside of Nintendo's own releases. "Epic" is not a misnomer -- from the quality of the art and animation, to the level design, scale and even score of the game, it's clear that massive amounts of resources, both of the creative and financial variety, were lavished on it. There are moments in Epic Mickey that are so good, so polished and so full of charm I would have sworn that I was playing a game Shigeru Miyamoto had a hand in.

If only the whole game was like that.

Gallery: Disney Epic Mickey

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Disney Epic Mickey review: A brush with greatness originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney Epic Mickey trailer dives into the Disney archives

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST

The latest Disney Epic Mickey trailer shows developer Junction Point diving into the Disney archives for game ideas and feeling overwhelmed by the rich content. Is this the first time we've been excited for a history lesson?

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Disney Epic Mickey trailer dives into the Disney archives originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney Epic Mickey's 'Tomorrow City' revealed

Mike Schramm — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 01:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

G4 recently spoke with Warren Spector about Tomorrow City, a newly-revealed level in the upcoming Epic Mickey, and you can watch the interview after the break. Tomorrow City is based on Disneyland's Tomorrowland and features landmarks including the Moonliner Rocket, the Carousel of Progress and the PeopleMover.

The video also shows off more 2D gameplay, plus some solid platforming challenges. "The structure of the game is very Zelda-like," says Spector, "but once you get into those action spaces, we really wanted more platforming action." Epic Mickey will be out on Wii on November 30.

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Disney Epic Mickey's 'Tomorrow City' revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Epic Mickey developer diary explores the plight of Oswald

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:15:00 EST

In an alternate universe, we could be anxiously anticipating the release of Warren Spector's upcoming platformer, based on the world's most recognizable cartoon character, Epic Oswald. Check out the developer diary below to see how we ended up with that round-eared sopranist instead.

Continue reading Epic Mickey developer diary explores the plight of Oswald

Epic Mickey developer diary explores the plight of Oswald originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney Epic Mickey trailer goes behind story

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 02:00:00 EST

Disney Epic Mickey has a heavy emphasis on storytelling. If the seven minutes of previously released cutscenes didn't already bang that over your head like an Acme anvil (mixed cartoon metaphor), here's Junction Point's Warren Spector to tell you more.

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Disney Epic Mickey trailer goes behind story originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector: diversity puts video game industry in a 'great place'

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:20:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Choice has been a crucial and critically acclaimed component of games benefiting from Warren Spector's involvement, and this November's Disney Epic Mickey is no exception. It pervades the entire industry, an optimistic Spector believes, telling VideoGamer that the diversity on offer, both for consumers and developers, puts us in a "great place."

"Actually, I think that this is kind of a Golden Age," Spector said in a Gamescom interview. "I can make a Wii-exclusive game featuring Mickey Mouse. Someone else can make an all-original $100m MMO. I've got friends who are literally working alone on indie games that have no prospect of profit or commercial success. I've got guys working on iPhone games." Spector noted that a widening audience and abundance of platforms makes it easier to find a fit. "There's something for everyone, which means there's something for every developer to do that's meaningful for them, that will ignite their passion."

And while Spector admitted to not quite getting social games, he wouldn't succumb to the unfortunate tendency to cast judgment on their audience. "Gaming is in a very special place right now and we should be reveling in it, enjoying the parts that we love and letting other people enjoy the parts that they love. The more people who game, the better for everyone." If anybody should be pleased to hear an even-handed, inclusive opinion on today's multifaceted gaming, it's those Farmville weirdos.

Warren Spector: diversity puts video game industry in a 'great place' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector pitched Deus Ex 'spiritual successor' to Disney

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Square Enix Europe may be working on an official Deus Ex sequel, but that didn't stop Warren Spector -- one of the creators of the original game -- from pitching a "spiritual successor" to his new employer, Disney. According to Develop, Spector delivered a presentation for a new "futuristic sci-fi game," one that he believed Disney wouldn't be interested in.

Spector walked out of that meeting with a new game deal, but not on the project he expected. "We have a concept for Mickey, we want to show you our idea," the designer recalls the execs telling him during that meeting. "And they gave me this pitch." That pitch ended up being Epic Mickey, an unexpected (but certainly not unwelcome) departure from Spector's earlier, more mature works.

With Spector's Junction Point studio nearing the end of Epic Mickey's development, we can't help but wonder if the team will move on to the pitched (but seemingly ignored) sci-fi idea. Spector doesn't offer an answer, but there's clearly some interest from the Disney higher-ups. "Disney now owns the IP to it," Spector said. "So who knows?"

Warren Spector pitched Deus Ex 'spiritual successor' to Disney originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Epic Mickey preview: Small mouse, big decisions

Justin McElroy — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:03:00 EST

Mickey Mouse isn't supposed to be in situations like this.

Though I'd been having a great time spraying paint on enemies and wiping out obstacles with magical paint thinner in my PAX demo of Epic Mickey , I found myself absolutely stymied during a crucial moment. Here on my one hand was a helpless gremlin in a cage, begging for rescue. On the other, a treasure chest full of the game's currency, E tickets.

The tickets were counter-balancing the catapult in which the gremlin was confined, so snatching them would lead to his doom. But I was told that the tickets would be lost if I freed the gremlin. I had to get one of the two, but as soon as I did, the other would be lost forever.

Gallery: Epic Mickey (PAX 2010)

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Epic Mickey preview: Small mouse, big decisions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Part two of Disney Epic Mickey's opening cinematic

Mike Schramm — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

During his keynote speech at PAX yesterday, Warren Spector revealed the second half of Disney Epic Mickey's opening cinematic, which you can find and watch right after the break. The first half, you'll remember, set Mickey up as a mischievous type who'd played around with a magical paintbrush and eventually fallen into a spinning vortex of darkness.

In this half, Mickey is dropped into a mad scientist's castle in the Wasteland, where we get to meet Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, the Phantom Blot and a cast of other characters who will undoubtedly appear elsewhere in the game. And just like the first half, this one is presumably full of old school Disney animation references and in-jokes, none of which we actually get (although Google helped us out with this one). Any Disney scholars want to call out Spector for showing off?

Continue reading Video: Part two of Disney Epic Mickey's opening cinematic

Video: Part two of Disney Epic Mickey's opening cinematic originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector says game devs are 'still making cartoons'

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

When Warren Spector told Gamescom attendees that the denizens of his chosen profession are "still making cartoons," he wasn't referring to his upcoming illustrated opus, Epic Mickey. Rather, he was voicing his opinion on what he sees to be one of the biggest challenges facing the industry today: game developers' proclivity for attempting (and ultimately failing) to mimic the storytelling techniques of movies, comics and other forms of popular media.

Of course, one of his main problems with games' stories is their tendency to be dude-centric -- he warned the Gamescom crowd "if we don't break out of big buff guys with swords and guys in tights and space marines in armor, we're going to get marginalized in the way comics have been in the United States." He also warned about attempting to ape blockbuster films by filling games with obscenely expensive visuals, as "we still fall far, far short of what people expect from a movie."

Ultimately, the only form of storytelling Spector thinks games should attempt to emulate is oral conversation, as the person interacting with the game is equally responsible for shaping its story. "Player experience comes first," Spector explained, "we have to allow them to show their creativity. No other medium has allowed them to do this. We are unique in the history of humankind. Every player becomes an author when they play a game."

Warren Spector says game devs are 'still making cartoons' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney Epic Mickey's opening cinematic is probably over your head

Mike Schramm — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Finally, with the release of the opening cinematic for Disney Epic Mickey, we're getting a bigger look at the story going on behind Warren Spector's ode to Disney animation. As expected, it involves some shenanigans with Mickey and a sorcerer (Yen Sid from Fantasia), a magic paintbrush, some paint and paint thinner. But even more intriguing are the many nods to old-school Disney cartoons, from all of the hats and objects placed on the walls to the dates and movie stills flying past in the quick montage near the end.

Of course, it would probably take a Disney aficionado like Spector to catch all of those references zipping by, but even if you don't get everything, you can at least see that Mickey has unintentionally created the Phantom Blot, and has caused a little bit of chaos in Yen Sid's alternate reality, turning it into the Wasteland that the big-eared hero gets tossed into. Hopefully the game will be just as fun without knowing why that calendar above says "March 25."

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Disney Epic Mickey's opening cinematic is probably over your head originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector really wants to make a DuckTales game

Mike Schramm — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

When we talked to Warren Spector back at E3 this year, he specifically named the Capcom's DuckTales as one of his favorite Disney games. In a new interview with Industry Gamers, he now says that, "A day does not go by where I don't tell somebody at Disney: 'Uncle Scrooge, come on! Donald! Huey, Dewey, and Louie! Come on, let me do a duck game!' So yeah, I would love to do a duck game."

Of course, being the animation geek that he is, Spector prefers the Carl Barks version of Uncle Scrooge and the nephews, so we probably won't get any Fenton Crackshell cameos (even though that would be awesome). If Epic Mickey does take off, you never know what franchise Disney may let Spector put his own spin on next.

Warren Spector really wants to make a DuckTales game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector will keynote at PAX Prime 2010

Mike Schramm — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The official Twitter account for the Penny Arcade Expo has announced that this year's PAX Prime keynote speaker will be none other than Warren Spector, driving force behind the classic Deus Ex and System Shock games, and current boss behind the upcoming Disney Epic Mickey. Spector's no stranger to the keynoting game, having spoken at GDC and other conferences before. We got to talk to him back at E3 this year, and he's right in the thick of Epic Mickey, thinking about accessible gameplay and how to build very famous and licensed characters into his game in a fun way.

Spector will also be at Comic-Con later this week, speaking at a panel with writer Peter David about bringing Mickey and his less famous friends to life in the video game medium. PAX Prime is going down the first week of September up in Seattle, WA, and tickets are still (barely) available.

Warren Spector will keynote at PAX Prime 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector: 'The 3DS changed my life'

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

We've read (and written!) some positive write-ups on Nintendo's recently revealed, extra-dimensional handheld, but nothing quite so glowing as the latest blog post from developer extraordinaire Warren Spector. "The 3DS changed my life," Spector explained on his personal blog. We're still trying to tell if he was being sincere, or if he was just trying to come up with a title for the nerdiest Lifetime Original Movie ever made.

"I can be pretty stubborn and when I decide I know something or I'm right about something, I don't often change my mind," he added. "Well, I just want to say I've been completely wrong about 3D all my life. I never got it before. Until now." The reason behind Spector's lack of 3D experience? He lost his ears in a tragic childhood biking accident, and has had no appendages upon which to perch special spectacles. Now we totally understand his enthusiasm.

Warren Spector: 'The 3DS changed my life' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Interview: Warren Spector

Mike Schramm — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Warren Spector is here at E3 this week showing off his Disney Epic Mickey project for the first time, and we got to sit down with the creator of System Shock and Deus Ex to talk about his new gig with the House of Mouse.

After the jump below, Spector answers our questions about why he decided to do a Disney game in the time and place that he did, his favorite Disney properties, and how hard it is to make a platformer game. Read on for more.

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Interview: Warren Spector originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video Interview: Eidos Montreal producers talk Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Justin McElroy — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:30:00 EST

Eidos Montreal producer and lead game designer David Anfossi and Jean-François Dugas may have difficult-to-pronounce names (see the beginning of our video) but they've got an even more difficult job, convincing gamers that the Deus Ex franchise can work without designer Warren Spector.

The duo chatted with us about that challenge, plus how Deus Ex: Human Revolution differentiates itself, in the video interview you'll find just after the break.

Continue reading Video Interview: Eidos Montreal producers talk Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Video Interview: Eidos Montreal producers talk Deus Ex: Human Revolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preview: Disney Epic Mickey

Mike Schramm — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST

I've actually been lucky enough to see Epic Mickey twice now, once at a pre-E3 event a few weeks ago and then again this week at E3. And while my first reaction to the game was twinged with disappointment (which I'll explain in just a minute), after seeing it a second time, and talking with Warren Spector himself, I think the game will turn out to be something really special.

What changed in between then and now? Honestly, I don't think they're showing the right demo. The Epic Mickey you can see on the floor of E3 this week shows a middling-to-above-average platformer, with few simple stages and a paint/thinner mechanic that allows you to draw and erase various walls and platforms. But I am convinced anyway (perhaps wrongly, I'll admit) that there's a lot more to this game than that.

Gallery: Disney Epic Mickey (E3 2010)

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Preview: Disney Epic Mickey originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector explains why Epic Mickey got the silent treatment

Mike Schramm — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:55:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

During an E3 chat today, we asked Warren Spector why Epic Mickey lacked voiceovers. The characters do squeak and chitter, Banjo Kazooie-style, but none of the classic Disney voices are featured in the game. Why not?

"There's something about that voice, you know?" Spector said in his best high-pitched Mickey impersonation, before returning to his normal voice. "It's hard to accept that as a really big hero. I wanted people to accept this guy as a hero, and so I kind of made an early decision that we wouldn't have speech in the game."

Plus, one of the main characters in Epic Mickey is the long-forgotten Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, who only appeared in Disney's silent cartoon era. "In a world where Oswald is the ruler," Spector told us, "it seemed appropriate that people don't talk."

Warren Spector explains why Epic Mickey got the silent treatment originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Game Developers Choice Awards shooting John Carmack a Lifetime Achievement Award, Warren Spector hosting

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:31:00 EST

This year's Game Developers Choice Awards will honor id Software's John Carmack with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Although certainly well deserved for his (continuing) contributions to the technical side of the industry, it's got to be weird to receive such an honor at the cusp of turning 40. We certainly hope Carmack still has plenty of years in the industry ahead of him. Former winners of the award include Sid Meier, Shigeru Miyamoto and Will Wright ... which got us wondering: could Carmack (or any of the above!) grab another Lifetime Achievement Award in the actual twilight of their career or does a single award preclude you from future awards, regardless of the achievement?

Hosting the GDCA's this year is Warren Spector, who'd better be on his game following Tim Schafer's stellar performance as emcee last year. Spector is currently working on the (currently) Wii-exclusive Disney Epic Mickey, but is best known for his work on Deus Ex. The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 11, during GDC 2010 in San Francisco.

Game Developers Choice Awards shooting John Carmack a Lifetime Achievement Award, Warren Spector hosting originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spector talks initial Disney pitches, hints at spiritual successor to Deus Ex

Xav de Matos — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST

During a London event to showcase Disney Epic Mickey, developer Warren Spector revealed that his initial pitches to Disney were for two very different titles; hinting one -- in many ways -- may have been a spiritual successor to Deus Ex. The other title, according to The Cut Scene blog, was a "big fantasy" story the developer and his wife unsuccessfully pitched to DC Comics.

Prior to the announcement of a new game in the series, Spector said he had previously attempted to acquire the Deus Ex license from publisher Eidos, but was unsuccessful. Since then, Spector's Junction Point Studios has been acquired by Disney Interactive, revealed his latest title and hinted at more from the Epic universe.

While Spector says there are still stories in the Deus Ex universe he would like to tell, the upcoming prequel, Deus Ex 3 -- helmed by developer Eidos Montreal -- will be the first title in the franchise without the original creator's watchful eye. "That story is not done for me," Spector said. "Deus Ex was very much a game of the millennium." Sadly -- with another team on the project -- it appears Spector's dream of continuing the Deus Ex conspiracy personally have indeed come to an end, for the time being.

[Via GamePro]

Spector talks initial Disney pitches, hints at spiritual successor to Deus Ex originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector envisions two more Disney Epic Mickey games

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:50:00 EST

In the ongoing media blitz that Disney Epic Mickey (yes, it's really still named that) has been receiving over the past few weeks, the game's creative head Warren Spector has been decidedly candid. First, he spoke about the difference between the game's concept art and in-game graphics, then he discussed its roots on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and just this week, in a talk with 1UP, he confirmed his hope that the game would spawn two more adventures.

One hitch - those games have yet to be approved by his new overlords at Disney. "In my head, I've got two more planned ... those games have not approved and who knows if we'll ever see them," he said. "I had three games planned for Deus Ex and you see where that got me." As far as other titles that Spector's Junction Point Studios were working on before being acquired over two years ago, Spector confirmed that Disney has officially dropped the lot of them. Wait, even Ninja Gold?! Yes, even Ninja Gold.

Gallery: Disney Epic Mickey

Warren Spector envisions two more Disney Epic Mickey games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spector explains disparity between Disney Epic Mickey concept shots and reality

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:40:00 EST

If you're anything like us, you may have felt a bit ... underwhelmed by the recently released screenshots of Warren Spector-lead project Disney Epic Mickey, especially when compared to the magic-filled concept art leaked so many weeks ago. Speaking to 1UP in a recent interview, Spector says he works on creating concept art that will find the metaphorical "line" by "pushing past it." For him, it is a question of finding the boundaries for not just himself and his development team, but also Disney. "I know where my lines are, but I don't know where Disney's are."

He additionally teases, "Some of what you saw was beyond the line ... some of it was early design ideas that are no longer relevant ... some of it is stuff that's still in the game, and I'm not saying what." If the recent steady stream of information on Disney Epic Mickey continues, we'll likely see at least a few of those original concepts in their current form at a point in the not-too-distant future.

Gallery: Disney Epic Mickey

Gallery: Epic Mickey concept art

Spector explains disparity between Disney Epic Mickey concept shots and reality originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Epic Mickey was originally an epic PC, PS3 & 360 game

JC Fletcher — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:50:00 EST

While the family-friendly Wii seems like the starting point for a Mickey Mouse relaunch, the decision to make Disney Epic Mickey a Wii exclusive wasn't automatic. In fact, it wasn't even the original plan. "The reality is that we started Wii development in 2008," Warren Spector told Official Nintendo Magazine, "but before that we were a PC, PS3, and 360 title."

When the issue of a Wii port was raised, Spector told Disney that it wasn't going to work. "It needs to be its own game. A lot of the design ideas just won't work on the Wii, we need to give the Wii its dues." In response, Disney Interactive's Graham Hopper suggested that the game simply be a Wii exclusive, thus solving the problem of a subpar Wii port and addressing Spector's desire to focus on a single platform. That single platform just happened to be none of the ones for which the game was initially planned!

Gallery: Disney Epic Mickey

Epic Mickey was originally an epic PC, PS3 & 360 game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney Epic Mickey screens and art are suitably epic

Randy Nelson — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:35:00 EST

Click to make more epic.

From the looks of things, Warren Spector and his Junction Point Studios aren't doing a Mickey Mouse job of their, well ... Mickey Mouse job. Disney Interactive has opened the floodgates today, releasing a torrent of screenshots and artwork from the now-properly-announced Disney Epic Mickey, the Wii-exclusive platformer that sees the iconic rodent painting his way through a twisted Magic Kingdom.

According to Disney, the idea behind the game didn't originate with Spector -- rather, an internal group at DIS, called the Think Tank, um, thought up the idea of Mickey in "turmoil." Working with that initial pitch, Spector created the Epic Mickey game. The concept is certainly intriguing, but we'll have to wait until the game launches in fall 2010 to draw our final conclusion.

Gallery: Disney Epic Mickey

Disney Epic Mickey screens and art are suitably epic originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Game Informer analyzes Epic Mickey screenshots

Xav de Matos — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST

In a new feature titled "Anatomy of a Screenshot," Game Informer dissects in-game screens and details the situations found within. The first title to receive the treatment is the recently revealed -- but long rumored -- Epic Mickey, from Warren Spector and Disney. The screen above details the upcoming Wii-exclusive title's heads-up display (HUD), showcasing Mickey's "persona" status, special items and details on the world around the classic Disney hero.

Also, it points out Mickey's "iconic" ears ... you know, in case you missed them.

Game Informer analyzes Epic Mickey screenshots originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector would love to make a new DuckTales (ooh-oooh-ooh)

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST

As promising as Epic Mickey is starting to sound, we're secretly pining for a different Disney-based offering helmed by Warren Spector -- something of the billed, winged and web-toed variety. We speak, of course, of DuckTales, which recently came up in a Game Informer interview with the ghostly developer. "I want to do a DuckTales game," Spector mentioned. "I can't convince anybody at Disney to let me do a DuckTales game. How can that be?"

We don't have an answer for your query, Mr. Spector. Perhaps we no longer live in a world where mallards can bounce through lunar canyons on walking sticks. Perhaps you can take us back to that beautiful time, someday. You know, when you're not busy fusing Mickey Mouse and Bob Ross.

[Thanks, Koshi.]

Warren Spector would love to make a new DuckTales (ooh-oooh-ooh) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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An epic amount of Epic Mickey media

David Hinkle — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST

Game Informer's slow trickle of Epic Mickey deets has turned into a full-on firehose today, as the site has published a massive five-page feature on the game's environments, concept art and character animations. The feature not only talks about the developmental process for animators and designers at Junction Point Studios, but also delves into the game's world a bit, showing off screens of the cartoon objects and inert objects populating the land. The former are things the player can create and erase in the game, whereas the latter are permanent objects in the game world that the player cannot affect.

There's even some really odd stuff to look at -- like a robotic Donald Duck and a video of Mickey Mouse shadowboxing. Looks like we can cross one item off our list of Sentences We Never Would've Imagined Ever Having to Write.

An epic amount of Epic Mickey media originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Game Informer confirms Epic Mickey as Wii exclusive

Justin McElroy — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:35:00 EST

Here's a great example of why it's tough serving two masters. Game Informer has totally re-engineered its web site, and one of its first big scoops was a teaser image and info on Epic Mickey, which was touted as a Wii exclusive.

When that last detail was removed from the website, however, it sent the internet into a tizzy of speculation, with some assuming the change put the exclusivity in question. Enter our good friend, the fact: Game Informer has today reconfirmed that Epic Mickey is only coming to Nintendo's box, a revelation that it was hoping to save for the magazine. If only the accursed internet hadn't noticed!

We're impressed with GI's new site and wish it all the best as it tries for a stronger web presence alongside its mag; however, we're equally interested in how the team deals with the growing pains from aligning the print and online offerings.

Game Informer confirms Epic Mickey as Wii exclusive originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Epic Mickey's Wii exclusivity in question

David Hinkle — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

It appears that Epic Mickey might wind up on more platforms than initially suggested. 1UP is reporting that GI's original post on the November issue of the mag has removed all mentions of Wii exclusivity, a potential sign that the deal is not yet cast in stone -- or, at the least, that other consoles are being considered. And why not?

Frankly, we'd like to see it ported to every console in existence, not just because we're big Warren Spector fans, but ... okay, it's because we're big Warren Spector fans. Huge.

Rumor: Epic Mickey's Wii exclusivity in question originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forgotten Disney characters are Epic Mickey antagonists

Justin McElroy — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:35:00 EST

We can't seem to stop waffling on Epic Mickey. At the start, Warren Spector's involvement was enough to pique our interest. But we couldn't help but be a bit disappointed to see that Wii exclusivity might keep the game from being the graphical masterpiece we'd hoped for. But now, after reading a few details about the game scooped up by Eurogamer, we're right back on board.

The game reportedly revolves around forgotten Disney characters who, after years of being ignored, have grown bitter. None more so than Walt's first cartoon creation, Oswald the Rabbit. He's the one who spread all of the evil black goo around that you see above. Mickey will apparently have to use paint, thinner and erasers to draw his way through the world, which makes the Wii exclusivity a lot easier to understand.

Okay, so the black goo all over the world isn't the most original, but disgruntled Disney characters trying to wipe out Mickey? How cool does that sound?

(P.S. Captain EO as a villain. We demand it.)

Forgotten Disney characters are Epic Mickey antagonists originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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