PlayStation LifeStyle » David Cage

Is Quantic Dream Due for an Acquisition from Sony?

Jonathan Leack — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 21:19:03 +0000

French game developing company Quantic Dream has built a short but powerful portfolio over the past decade. Indigo Prophecy caught some attention when it released in 2005 due to its interesting choice of presentational and gameplay elements, which Heavy Rain would improve on several years later. The team’s exclusive contribution to Sony’s PlayStation 3 platform was felt last year in full force, and the confirmation of two brand new titles currently in development is already invoking excitement.

Quantic Dream recently shared that their upcoming title will be published exclusively by Sony. David Cage, the company’s popular director, let it be known that the staff at Quantic Dream have been extremely satisfied with not only the PlayStation 3 hardware, but Sony’s relationship with them as a whole. Even more interesting, one of his two new games has a shot at being revealed in just a couple of months at the legendary E3 conference, and the only hurdle is their current discussion with Sony on the matter.

Is it possible that Quantic Dream’s history of success in a genre that hasn’t been fully explored will motivate Sony to acquire the French studio? Media Molecule delivered in similar fashion just a few years ago with the original LittleBigPlanet, which provided a memorable platforming experience unlike anything else on the market. Sony quickly purchased the studio, and Media Molecule has produced yet another massively successful exclusive title since then. Is Quantic Dream due for a deal? Share your response in the comments below.

David Cage Wants to Show L.A. Noire Who’s Boss

Jonathan Leack — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:24:13 +0000

Using some impressive new motion capturing technology in L.A. Noire, Team Bondi is pushing the envelope and delivering something we’ve never truly seen: realistically-detailed facial animations in a video game. The film noir mystery theme that it incorporates is greatly enhanced by this new development, and while most of us have been impressed by what we’ve seen, someone with experience in motion capturing isn’t.

David Cage, proud director of the well-received interactive drama Heavy Rain, was recently asked about L.A. Noire due to its similarities with his creation. After explaining some of is initial impressions, he went on to say:

It’s a list of important problems that cannot be solved with their technology. I think L.A Noire looks good – honestly, it does – but I don’t think they’ll go much further than where they are. With the technology we use, we can improve; there is a lot of room for improvement and we hope to show very soon where we are now.

It’s undeniable that the video game industry has never seen facial animations as detailed as we’ve seen from L.A. Noire, but could David Cage be onto something even better? His team is notably working on new projects, supposedly straying from the Heavy Rain archetype. The project may be far from release, but if David Cage is this underwhelmed by something so seemingly great, then he must have something in place that will knock our socks off.

[Source]

Quantic Dreams Pouring Out Love for Sony

Cameron Teague — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:07:49 +0000

David Cage has decided to send Sony a late Valentine, pouring on the love for the publisher that paved the way for Heavy Rain to be made possible. Cage goes in to detail, calling the PlayStation 3 the best in the world and Sony’s internal studios leaders in the industry.

Speaking to CVG, Cage went on to explain why the Xbox 360 will not find a Quantic Dream title on their system anytime soon.

We have an exclusive relationship with Sony. The relationship on Heavy Rain has been fantastic. They trusted us from day one, supported us all the way through. It was really a very risky project [for them] and they never let us down.
Being a part of a company with what are probably the best studios in the world is something really pleasant for us. We’re happy to continue this relationship and create content for the PlayStation brand. But they fund our projects, so we’re staying exclusive to PlayStation.
I am very loyal in general – or I try to be. I know that trusting me is always a big risk and when people do, I feel like I owe them something. It’s not just because I want to thank them, though. We have a relationship that works, we’re excited by the platform – we think it’s the best platform out there. We’re glad to continue to work this way.

Can’t you just feel the love in the room? Cage also plans to create an emotional war game that borrows elements from such movies as Platoon and Apocalypse Now.

David Cage Working on Two Projects, Wants to Create “Emotional War Game”

Sebastian Moss — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 22:42:36 +0000

Heavy Rain pushed the envelope of emotional gaming and the medium as an art form, creating new experiences for gamers that resonated with the maturer PlayStation audience. Ever since the game’s release, fans of creator David Cage have been waiting with baited breath for any news on his next project, which was promised to push the boundaries once more. Luckily for these fans, the Quantic Dream CEO has finally spilled the beans – or at least some of them – during this year’s Game Developer’s Conference.

Speaking to CVG, Cage announced that the company is working on two “very different” projects, which sadly he kept rather tight lipped on, but he also revealed that once the games are completed he aims on reinventing the shooter genre. Potentially influenced by Apocalypse Now and Platoon, the game would take “a different approach”, focusing on the seriousness of war, without glorifying it.

I want to create a genre, I want to convince more people that [emotional gaming] is a valid direction for the industry; to show them that this was not just one product, one story. It’s a format that can be used to tell any kind of story in any genre with any tone.

Continuing:

I would really like the opportunity to work on a different type of game. I would love to see if what we discovered could be applied to a first-person shooter, for example.

With Cage having to finish his other two projects first, the game is far from a certainty, with the developer admitting that the exact genre hasn’t been finalised:

First person, I don’t know. But a game about war is something I would like to do, just to see if we could get closer to the film side; not gloryfying war, but talking about it from a realistic point of view.
War is not fun. Talking about what the people involved, what they feel, how horrible it can be. This is something I think could be very exciting and very new for the games industry. When we talk about war, it’s always a very ‘cool’ thing – you have these big guns and you kill loads of people.
I would really like to take a different approach; to tell a story about politics [with it] or something a little more serious. I would like to use what we discovered in Heavy Rain in this fantastic medium of interactivity to say something meaningful. This is probably one of the next things I’m going to try.

When asked about the game’s potential threat to games like Call of Duty, Cage explained:

I think it would be an important way to evangelise [to] people. To say, ‘Look – if you get with more emotion and storytelling, it leads you to a more interesting experience. There is room for more than just games which get you with adrenaline.

The idea certainly sounds intriguing, and hopefully it will become a reality, with Cage seemingly adamant that he wants to work on the project:

I’m going to work on it. It’s really something I want to do.

Would you be interested to see a more serious take on the shooter genre, or do you crave the adrenaline packed shooters that are currently available?

Heavy Rain Paved the Way to Mature Gaming

Tyler Minarik — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 21:48:58 +0000

You may be thinking to yourself, “Hold on a moment, there’s already plenty of Mature rated games on the market,” and you would be correct in that line of thought. However, up until Heavy Rain‘s release, a mature and dramatic plot line based heavily on decision driven gameplay was quite rare, if not virtually non-existent. David Cage thinks his successful game has opened the path way for more of its kind to have a place in the industry.

Heavy Rain is an unusual game, and upon its release many were skeptical about whether or not it would be successful. It involved an unusual game mechanic by using context sensitive QTEs for all interactions within the game world, and based progress on the player making decisions which effected the characters and outcome of the events around them. The result was a surprisingly engaging experience, which draws the player in through emotional attachment to the character’s lives and a dramatic mystery plot line. When speaking to CVG, David Cage commented on his game and the barriers it has broken down within the industry:

If I may, I would like to add a message for all the people who supported us and bought Heavy Rain, and to all my colleagues in the industry who voted to give awards to Heavy Rain. I would sincerely like to thank everybody for their trust and support, and for having made Heavy Rain a real success.
This game granted credibility and respect for the ideas that we believe in, and I am convinced that Heavy Rain has and will open doors to others to approach interactivity in different and more mature ways.
I always said that the success or the failure of the game would send a strong message to the industry. This is now done. Thank you to all the people who believed in us and gave Heavy Rain a chance.

It looks like Mr. Cage isn’t done busting down barriers yet either. While he stated previously that a direct sequel to Heavy Rain is unlikely, his development team is currently working on another IP. Details on Quantic Dream’s upcoming new IP are scarce, but Mr. Cage stated:

We are working hard to invent the next revolution after Heavy Rain, and to surprise all the people who believe in our vision and to convince the others that games can become a more meaningful medium.

If you enjoyed playing Heavy Rain then this should sound like fantastic news. One can only speculate on where Quantic Dream will take us next with their unique development direction. If you haven’t tried out their hit title, check out our review to see why you should pick up a copy and experience it for yourself. If you have, then what else do you think they have in store for us in “the next revolution”?

David Cage Says Next Game Won’t be Titled “Horizon”

Adam G — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:35:50 +0000

After Quantic Dream finished the award winning Heavy Rain, people have been desperate for any news on David Cage’s next game. With rumors that “Horizon” was in development at Quantic Dream, it seemed that was what the French studio was developing, however, Cage has now spoken up about the title.

Despite casting calls, and a listing posted up on Amazon France, David Cage has said that his team at Quantic Dream is not working on a game called Horizon, instead informing us that “Horizon” was just a codename. Speaking with the Official PlayStation Magazine UK in their December issue, David Cage stated that ”There’s no project called Horizon currently in development at Quantic Dream.”

“This is a codename that one of our partners used in casting sessions along with an unrelated script to avoid leaks from actors,” Cage remarks. “It seems it was definitely a wise decision.”

The unrelated script that Cage mentioned refers to a “a curious man very insularly meeting a free woman who is hesitant to exercise her freedom.” Whatever David Cage and his team are working on, we have every faith in him to produce another gripping experience in a similar mantra to Heavy Rain.

[Via]

PS3 Was Proper Forecast for Heavy Rain

Ray Conley — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:24:00 +0000

David Cage, famed founder of Quantic Dream, believes that choosing the PS3 as the main platform for their critically acclaimed title, Heavy Rain, was indeed the right decision. Thanks to the capacity that the Blu-ray offered, it allowed them to achieve their ambitious goals, providing more content and in-depth presentation for their fans.

In an interview with gamesindustry.biz, Cage expressed much content with siding along Sony, calling it “the perfect move.”

“I’m absolutely happy with the agreement with Sony. It was the perfect move.
“It was the right platform for what we wanted to achieve. It was the platform with the Blu-ray disc, promoting movies, promoting a more sophisticated entertainment experience.”

In spite of the positive charm that he expressed towards their relationship with Sony, Mr. Cage is still trying to determine his forecast for Quantic Dream’s future, and whether it will continue its PS3 exclusivity.

“With Heavy Rain it was right, but after Heavy Rain the question can be asked whether we should stick to one platform or open out to different platforms.
“Now that we’re established why are we limiting ourselves to one share of the market when we can reach more? There are pros and cons, and it’s not an easy decision.”

Heavy Rain enjoyed many positive reviews and allowed Quantic Dream to make their move into the spotlight. They also have plans to release a patch that will allow PS Move functionality with their crime-solving thriller. As of now, Quantic Dream is currently working on “two very different projects,” and we will be sure to bring you their secrets once we catch wind of them.

[Source]

Heavy Rain Ships 1.5 Million Copies

Zak Islam — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:45:58 +0000

David Cage, CEO of Quantic Dream, a few months ago had stated that he expected Heavy Rain to ship an estimated 1.5 million units in total. Well, it looks like that accurate prediction has been surpassed as the PlayStation 3 exclusive thriller has already passed the 1.5 million units shifted mark and is selling extremely well since its February launch.

It has been selling so well that David Cage confirmed today at GDC Europe that the title will go on to sell 2 million units before 2011 arrives. The founder of Quantic Dream and mastermind behind the surprisingly-successful game also said that the average review score for Heavy Rain – which was based on almost 500 reviews – is at over 90.

Heavy Rain was developed by Quantic Dream, the Paris-based developers behind PlayStation 2 title Indigo Prophecy (also known as Fahrenheit). Heavy Rain follows the pursuit of a mysterious serial murderer, with players controlling several characters who must collect clues in a film-styled setting to solve the case. For more information on the murder mystery thriller, be sure to check out PlayStation LifeStyle’s review.

Quantic Dream Seemingly Working on Two New Projects

Zak Islam — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:44:52 +0000

After the huge and somewhat surprising success of Quantic Dream’s PlayStation 3 exclusive, Heavy Rain, one could only ponder what Dave Cage could be working on next. It emerged that they are working on a new title – albeit a game which is completely different from Heavy Rain – but details were kept under the shadows. Now, Cage has stated they’re working on not one but two new projects.

Speaking during an interview with Examiner, David Cage stated:

We currently work on two very different projects. Often, after a long and challenging project like Heavy Rain, it is difficult for the team to get excited again about a new idea. This is absolutely not the case at the moment at Quantic and all the team seems enthusiastic about the possibility of other projects. The team and the company continue to grow in experience, confidence and talent.

Heavy Rain was sure a risk with it being something totally unique but that’s what Cage wants to stick to and taking the risks to try something new can pay off – as seen with Heavy Rain.

After Heavy Rain, we have some credibility in experimenting with new IPs and new concepts. We are not going to play it safe from now, we are going to use this credibility to continue to take risks, give ourselves exciting challenges and try to invent new ways of playing. I believe that this is what Quantic Dream’s fans expect us to do. It is also what keeps me passionate about what we are doing.

Previously, it was believe that one of the projects Cage is working on is ‘Horizon’, another PlayStation 3 exclusive.

Whatever Cage and co are working on, I for one would gladly wait for what masterpiece they could be cooking up this time. Heavy Rain was awe-inspiring, no doubt their next game(s) could very well be the same, right?

[Via]

Quantic Dream’s Upcoming Title is Nothing Like Heavy Rain

Jonathan Leack — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:36:34 +0000

After the release of Heavy Rain, Quantic Dream has become a company known for incorporating new ideas and concepts into the gaming world. It has become evident that another title from CEO David Cage and his company is in the works, and while there have been several rumors, he has firmly denied them. According to a new interview, whatever the company is working on should be as fresh as both previous titles: Heavy Rain and Indigo Prophecy.

During Eurogamer’s interview with Quantic Dream CEO David Cage, Cage expressed his company’s strong desire to stay innovative going into the future. David Cage communicated the following during Eurogamer’s interview:

“Most of the team currently works on the next generation of technology and future concepts. We plan to significantly improve the technology compared to Heavy Rain, continue to take risks and explore new grounds.”

Cage then added:

“We genuinely try to be pioneers for this medium and discover new possibilities, which means taking more risks and not always giving people what they expect. “

Heavy Rain fans have been craving another engrossing movie-to-game adaptation similar to Indigo Prophecy and Heavy Rain, but it’s looking like the chances of that happening are grim. David Cage takes great pride in taking chances and developing new and exciting concepts which have thankfully worked to his benefit thus far. Whatever Quantic Dream is working on should make for an exciting reveal when it is announced, but until then all we can do is hope it’s as memorable as their previous titles.

David Cage ‘Disappointed’ Over Heavy Rain Chronicles Cancelation

Thomas Williams — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:44:20 +0000

If you missed it during the craze that was known as E3 2010, it was revealed by Guillame de Fondaumière of Quantic Dream that the Heavy Rain Chronicles DLC had been put on indefinite hold so that the team at Quantic Dreams could focus on adding PlayStation Move support to the title. Fans of the Quantic Dream’s fantastic game were disappointed. David Cage, Creator and Director of Heavy Rain, has let it be known that you’re not alone and that he wasn’t too happy about the decision.

Talking with NowGamer, David Cage refuted that the DLC had been put on the back burner and even talked about what we won’t be playing anytime soon.

We proposed three episodes about one hour long and being focused on the background of the main characters. I thought fans would really enjoy these episodes because they explained many aspects of HR and why characters are who they are.

But David didn’t stop there. It seems that the team was ready to move on from Heavy Rain (Which means the HRC DLC could have been scrapped anyway) and on to new projects. David was still disappointed for fans of his newest series.

Unfortunately, Sony preferred to ask us to focus on Move to support the device rather than on creating new content. On our side, we did not want to spend more time on HR, which would have meant delaying new projects. This is a decision I can understand, and I am certainly happy we had the opportunity to play with this device and to support it, although I am certainly disappointed for fans we could not finish the story of HR the way we intended.

While I did happen to get some hands-on with Heavy Rain Move demo at E3 and enjoy what I played, I would rather have the other three Heavy Rain Chronicle episodes, as you can tell from our Heavy Rain Review, we here at PlayStation LifeStyle enjoyed Heavy Rain enough to give it a 9 out of 10 when it hit earlier this year. Seriously, if you’ve been waiting to give the game a chance, now’s your time.

With rumors of David Cage’s next game being called ‘Horizon’ which could possibly be set in a sci-fi environment, perhaps it’s best if Mr. Cage and the team at Quantic Dream finish the move edition of Heavy Rain and more forth. If it’s as good as his past two games, Indigo Prophecy and Heavy Rain, then you better believe PlayStation LifeStyle will let you know all about.

[Source]

Uncharted 3 And Horizon Listed on Amazon France

Zak Islam — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:34:11 +0000

Despite E3 being done and over, that doesn’t mean that game publishers, particularly Sony, don’t have anything else up their sleeves. One major retailer is already listing some pretty heavy hitting, unannounced PS3 exclusives.

Amazon France has listed Uncharted 3 as well as Quantic Dream’s next project, rumored to be titled ‘Horizon’. Both are priced at 69,95 and an October 31st, 2011 place holder date. Of course this isn’t at all solid or at all a confirmation, but Amazon France has been right in the past.

An Uncharted 3 is definitely in the cards. Naughty Dog’s Uncharted 2 was undoubtedly the benchmark for games on the PlayStation 3 and the gaming industry as a whole. The success of the PS3 exclusive truly showcased what Sony’s console was capable of, all while achieving over 100 awards, including the coveted ‘Game of The Year’ award. Nathan Drake’s voice actor, Nolan North, even said it would be common sense for Uncharted 3 to be in development at some point.

As for Horizon, Quantic Dream’s next rumored project is also looking to be a reality with evidence including the Amazon France listing pointing towards yet another exciting project from the famed developers. Apparently, Horizon’s plot involves “a curious man raised very insularly meeting a free woman who is hesitant to exercise her freedom.” Prior to the Horizon rumor, David Cage confirmed his and Quantic Dream’s next project will not be a Heavy Rain sequel, rather a very different project which is “going to be very surprising,” and that you may be waiting “less than you think”.

David Cage Next Game is on the ‘Horizon’

Christopher Gordon-Douglas — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:53:31 +0000

Since Heavy Rain released in February 2010 mystery has been shrouded in what Quantic Dream will produce next. Their previous title Heavy Rain was well received and has sold over 1 million copies worldwide. The French developers of the psychological thrillers Heavy rain and Fahrenheit look to be working on a new title.

According to VG247, Quantic Dreams new title is called Horizon, and studio head David Cage is now casting for roles within the game. Apparently the plot involves “a curious man raised very insularly meeting a free woman who is hesitant to exercise her freedom.”

Previously David Cage has stated that their next project will not be a Heavy Rain sequel, stating the new project will be very different:

“Very different, and I think it’s going to be very surprising,” and that you may be waiting “less than you think”

Maybe there will be an announcement at E3 regards this new title, be sure to check Playstation LifeStyle during E3 for all the latest news.

Heavy Rain Was Work of “Absolute Genius”, Although “Deeply Flawed”

Dan Massi — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:15:33 +0000

Some would argue that what Heavy Rain did was a step in the right direction for the gaming industry thanks to it’s deeply emotional and consequential gameplay . Others would say the opposite; that the game was in fact a step backwards for video games in general by taking most of the control out of the hands of gamers. What it has truly done for the industry is up for opinion, and as usual critics are sharing their opinions vocally.

Game Designer Charles Cecil of which has worked on Beneath a Steel City and the Broken Sword series, recently shared his opinion about Heavy Rain and its impact on gaming. During an interview with website MCV, Charles stated the following:

“Half way through I thought it was a work of absolute genius. When I finished it, I still thought it was a work of genius but deeply flawed. There’s a lot of questions it asks, and I think some of those are answered really well, and others are flawed. But I really admire David Cage, his team and the work they have done. I think it’s good for the adventure game, I think it’s good for the industry overall. What I’m personally very interested in is the relationship the audience has with the character they control. Without spoiling anything, you discover something at the end that’s incredibly important about one of the characters you’ve been playing, which creates an incredible disconnect between the audience and the character – and I think that is deeply, deeply flawed. It would have worked in a film, it’s a great film technique but it should never have been brought over to games, and David and his team should have probably seen that. But I do think it’s a brilliant game.”

Cecil is currently working on Doctor Who: The Adventure Games, a PC and Mac title which hits June 5th 2010.

[Source]

Quantic Dream Asked to Censor Heavy Rain’s Stormiest Scenes

Zak Islam — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:37:09 +0000

Heavy Rain is well known for its compelling decision-driven gameplay which helps to bring a sense of reality to many of the games scenes, even scenes featuring explicit or extremely violent content. An ex-member of Quantic Dream has revealed that Sony actually asked Quantic Dream to tone down particular scenes, due to overwhelming violence or excessive nudity.

Alexandre Roche, ex-animator for Quantic Dream reveals during an interview with UPSBlogit why Sony asked them to cut out certain parts of the PlayStation 3 exclusive. SPOILERS AHEAD.

I worked on the animations, in fact, Heavy Rain contains more than 20000 body’s animations. Each one of them is the result of acting in Quantic Dream’s Motion Capture studio, and I had to refine these with a team of 10 animators.
But don’t worry, they just ask us to hide some nudity during the showers or the love scene. They also ask us to hide the death of Jason Mars. But I guess there is no other change between the original David Cage’s version and the final version.

Roche further goes on to say how the car accident scene changed from the uncensored version:

Actually the animation wasn’t so different. In the uncensored scene, after the car accident, Jason started rolling on the road for a while. It was quite violent scene considering that a child was involved in it.

Be sure to visit PlayStation LifeStyle’s Heavy Rain review, if you haven’t already.