Alan Wake FAQ/Community Interview Submissions

[sidetwo]

The Alan Wake FAQ can be found here:
http://www.alanwake.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1216/

It contains all the latest information to do with Alan Wake.

[Morry]

And if anyone has questions, go ahead and ask them. We will search for an answer if it exists, if not, we can probably save the questions for a future fan interview.

---------------------------------------------

The following questions can remain in this thread until Remedy chooses to answer them. Think of it as a fan interview.

You can find the previous fan interview here (http://www.alanwake.com/forum/showthread.php?t=121)
---------------------------------------------


Pending Question List

We know the game will be in third person perspective, but will there be an option for first person aswell?
How many NPCs populate the game world?
How many quests/missions will be in the game?
How long does the main storyline go for?
How many different enemies can we expect to face?
Will the NPCs fight alongside the player or will NPCs have purposes other than simply conversation?
How many different weapons and items are in the game?
How will the player be stopped from exploring past the edge of the game world?
Is there a map overlay of the game world?
How long does it take for a full sun cycle in the game world?
Will there be shops in the game to buy and sell items?
Is Alan Wake's image customisable?
Is there a police presence in the town and can you be arrested?
Do you have a choice in what to say during conversations?
What does Alan Wake do to heal his injuries?
Can you swim?
How many towns or settlements are in the game?
Is there a quick saving system or can you only save at certain places/times?
Apart from Havok, are you using any other commercial software packages to create the game world?
What is your current estimate for release? (Even a year will do ;))
Do you plan to have any sequels?
Are there any plans in the future to develop the game for the PS3?
Is the E32006 trailer content all rendered using the in-game engine?
What other playable characters will be in the game?
Will there be any commercial Ad placements in the game?
Will you be able to drive any vehicle you see?
Will there be boats, planes or other vehicles that don't operate on land?
Will the player be in charge of keeping Alan fed, hydrated and rested?
Is the timescale in the game real eg. 1 game minute = 1 real minute?
Are there any plans for a special or collector's edition of the game?
What features of Directx 10 will be used in Alan Wake?
How realistic is the driving gameplay?
Are there optional camera views when driving vehicles?
Will there be a radio station to listen to whilst driving?
Are there optional camera angles such as third person and first person?
Is the game set in the present day or another timeframe?
What ESRB rating is the game intended for?
What will the differences be between the Xbox360 version and the Windows Vista version?
Will the train, seen in a screenshot, be an interactive part of the game?
Where will Alan be able to hide from his enemies?
How many polys are used to create the average NPC and how many does Alan have?

[sidetwo]

I kept it 0.1 since it's just the start and technically only the first brew of information.

Also yeah good going with the questions. When Remedy are reading to start answering questions again I'll do another fan interview.

[docded]

I think ADM deserves two thumbs up :whoo:

edit: please pretend that's his thumbs ;)

[svetty]

I think ADM deserves two thumbs up :whoo:

edit: please pretend that's his thumbs ;)

Seconded!

[Wemhim]

Cooo, good job. I hope there's a nother interview soon, but there's always E3 in about a month.

[sidetwo]

Ok updated the FAQ with minor contact detail changes and I've also moved the FAQ to the attachment feature so I can manage it a bit better.

[Maddieman]

Cool, nice work -- I've updated the news page & corrected the url.

[Morry]

Added a few questions for Remedy regarding E32006 updates. Feel free to post any questions that haven't been answered so far.

[sidetwo]

Updated the FAQ to v0.5.

New:

[3.2] Is Alan Wake exlusive to Windows Vista? If so why?
[3.3] Who is publishing Alan Wake?
[4.16] Will there be any Alan Wake sequels?

Updated:

[3.1] What platforms will Alan Wake be available on?
[3.4] What kind of specs will the PC need to run Alan Wake?

[Maddieman]

ADM, are you sure on 4.16? I remember the season quote, but an actual sequel hasn't been confirmed has it?

[sidetwo]

That's the current plan, yes.

[Morry]

I recall somewhere that said Remedy were currently working on the Alan Wake game"s".

[Maddieman]

If the DNF FAQ is anything to go by, some people take these things as the gospel truth and crucify the devs for it if they don't deliver. Perhaps some more citation/referencing would help validate facts like these, and make the faq more authoritative.

[sidetwo]

Everything in the FAQ has been said by the devs in this forum or the interviews. Nothing is made up or anything like that.

If someone wants to go find the quotes to back them up then I'll include them :)

[sidetwo]

We have updated our Alan Wake FAQ with quite a lot of new info being revealed. All the new info is marked with a (UPDATED) next to the question. Thanks to official Alan Wake forum moderator Morry for helping out.

Full Story at BrightFalls.com (http://www.brightfalls.com/news/50/alan-wake-faq-update/)

[RTsa]

Question:
How long has Alan Wake been in development?

Over 2 years.
When was that written? When did developement actually start? :)

[Morry]

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=59460 - 31 May 2005
Petri Järvilehto: Alan Wake is a concept that we've been working with for over a year now. Once Max Payne 2 shipped we spent a little while recovering from the crunch, and then started working on different concepts trying to find the concept that would excite us and that we could be passionate about. And after several drafts we found something that we really liked... and that concept was Alan Wake.

And I updated the FAQ for that information too ;)

[RTsa]

Thanks a bunch! :)

[CaINE]

Hey, guys! A big hello from a big (no HUGE) fan of Remedy games from Ukraine! Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask this.

Now I might be stupid, but the question is: Does the fact that AW is Vista exclusive mean it has no chance to run under XP? Thanx in advance and sorry yet again if this was the wrong place to ask this.

[sidetwo]

Yes it will require Vista to run on a PC.

[Debaser]

what exactly will you be fighting in the game?
And will it be dangerous to walk around the town at night?

[sidetwo]

what exactly will you be fighting in the game?
And will it be dangerous to walk around the town at night?
It is unknown exactly what you are fighting but there are some "things" that can blow up light sources around you.

Also yes night is when it's most dangerous.

[wakefan]

From what i have seen from idf ( intel developer forum) 2006 it looks like Alan Wake is almost done in development. Do you think thats true? And also why is Remedy so quiet about this game?

[Coak]

From what i have seen from idf ( intel developer forum) 2006 it looks like Alan Wake is almost done in development.

Actually, no. I don't think so at all. Basically all we saw there was the engine's capabilities, some environments and some really basic gameplay stuff such as running and Remedy is probably still improving and tweaking these things. Story/gameplay-wise we know about the first "mission" (going to the cabin and picking up the hitchhiker), but we've never actually seen it, just read about it in the previews. We haven't seen a lot of weapons (just the revolver, the lantern from the 2006 E3 video and the flashlight, I think), vehicles (Alan's car (the only one drivable), the car in the screen with the gas station, the truck that kills the hitchhiker, the van and truck that get sucked up by the tornado (http://www.brightfalls.com/files/x06_all_alanwake_ss_10.jpg) and this one (http://www.brightfalls.com/files/screenshot_164883.jpg)) or NPCs (the hitchhiker and the guy at the gas station). Yeah, the developers have to keep us interested by not releasing all the info at once, but if the game would be really 3/4ths done and ready to be released this year, I'm sure that we'd know more.
If I really had to guess for a release date, I'd pick at least Q3, 2008.

[Morry]

Remedy is quiet simply out of their own choice. I certainly wouldn't want all the details about the game until it is released. A few screenshots here and there to keep up hype is all you need.
From what I've seen of Crysis, for example, it feels like I have already played the game.

[wakefan]

So does Remedy have a long way to go before they can finally finish Alan Wake? And do we have to wait a little longer for this game? Is it possible that Remedy might release the release date of Alan Wake anytime?

[Morry]

Read my sig, it will change as soon as I get the tiniest bit of info about any form of release date news.

[wakefan]

Will you be able to sleep in a bed and skip a day? And can you also eat in that diner in Bright Falls?

[yensed]

Will there be any commercial Ad Placements in the game?
Will you be able to drive any vehicle you see?
Will there be Boats, Planes and other vehicles that don't operate on land?
Will I be in charge of keeping Alan Fed, Hydrated and Rested?

[Morry]

Good questions, added to the list.

[KeptiFI]

* Will the time be real, or is it going to be some "One hour = one IRL minute"

[Ranger_]

*Will Alan Wake take place in the same universe in Max Payne?



In other words, say if you're looking at a newspaper or news show on TV, is it gonna tell of Max Payne's exploits? Or maybe show Dick Justice or Address Unknown?

[Morry]

That kind of question falls more under the cameo category. You can be almost certain that we will see references to past Remedy titles and other media.

[||G||]

Is there an estimation on the amount of gameplay hours?

[Morry]

Haven't seen any info about gameplay hours apart from the fact that it will definately be longer than the Max Payne games. Remedy explained that the MP games were structured as a movie while Alan Wake will be structured as a TV series, with multiple episodes in the game.

[Ranger_]

*Are there any plans for a Collectors Edition or Special Edition?

[SkyWalker]

*Are there any plans for a Collectors Edition or Special Edition?

I think it to early to say that.

[Morry]

True, we probably won't hear anything about that until the game hits gold status, but there's no harm in asking.

[wakefan]

Do you guys think Alan Wake can eat food from the diner or somewhere that has food? And can Alan Wake go to sleep in the bed and skip a day? And lastly, when you drive a car, will it require gasoline or can you put gasoline anytime?

[Berch]

Whether prompt please there will be a demo a version for demonstration. And when Alan Wake plan to let out.

[sidetwo]

Both are yet unknown at this stage. More details will of course come when the game is closer to release.

[JmM]

I have been wondering that what kind of achievements the Xbox 360 version will have? I hope they are more interesting than just "play the game through and get all achievements". Something like "find all secret newspapers (;))" or "find all weapons in the game". Assuming that there are multiple weapons, of course. :)

[barry181091]

There wont be multiple weapons ... Remedy have alwready commented on that . Your flash light is your best weapon, and Alan knows how to use a hand gun because he used to be a security guard. But other than that there wont be much .

Barry.

[sidetwo]

There wont be multiple weapons ... Remedy have alwready commented on that . Your flash light is your best weapon, and Alan knows how to use a hand gun because he used to be a security guard. But other than that there wont be much .

Barry.
They haven't said anything about there not being multiple weapons.

Also where did you read that he was a security guard? I haven't read anything like that at all and I've read every interview, preview and article released on the web.

[barry181091]

Yeah ... I saw it on an interview ... Let me find it.

[Coak]

Also where did you read that he was a security guard? I haven't read anything like that at all and I've read every interview, preview and article released on the web.
ComputerAndVideoGames.com preview. (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=149831)
WAKE UP
Alan Wake is looking fantastic, but the new presentation has raised even more questions about gameplay, such as the weapons you'll have access to. "Wake knows how to use a gun, as he used to work as a nightwatchman, among other things, before he became a famous writer. However, when it comes to guns, he's definitely no Max Payne," answers Lake. "Resources are definitely limited, which is one of the ways we can build suspense. Bright Falls is famous for its annual Deerfest, so there are a few hunting rifles around, but you won't be tripping over ammo boxes. Although there is that army base outside the town..."

[sidetwo]

I missed that bit but did I miss the bit also about there being no multiple weapons. If you meant that last bit in the quote Coak posted then it's basically saying this won't be a game where shooting is the number one thing.

Doesn't mean there won't be other items that could be used as weapons. This is especially noted by the last bit Sam says "Although here is that army base outside the town".

We know you are free to roam the town, so you should be free to infiltrate the army base and use their supplies if you wished.

[barry181091]

Hey,
Thanks ALOT coak :D:D

[remade]

Do you guys think Alan Wake can eat food from the diner or somewhere that has food? And can Alan Wake go to sleep in the bed and skip a day? And lastly, when you drive a car, will it require gasoline or can you put gasoline anytime?

Well,if you ask me, all would be nice details of the game but not so necessary.
I think Alan can't sleep much,atleast skip a day,but car would require some gasoline.
That would be great!
Imagine that you try to escape Bright Wall's because,you know,there is something wrong with whole town and you try to driving another city.
Suddenly,gas end!
You have to leave you car,it's getting dark and you'r alone middle of twin peaks -styled mysterious,conifereous woods.

[asadali]

What features of DirectX are used in Alan Wake?

[Coak]

When driving, will you be able to listen to the radio, as you could in the GTA games?

[Onjoo]

Finally found this thread. Although most of my questions have already been asked, I still have something to add...

- NPCs. Is Mr. Wake all alone or has he friends in the area? Every "superhero" has his sidekick. ;)

- Is camera angle changable as in Oblivion. Can player choose either 1-person or 3rd person view?

- Are the hooded guys quest related or do they come after Alan every night ?

- Present day or near future?

- ESRB Game rating. What is the targeted audience, A Teen game or Mature or... well you know

- Auto aim? Manual or Auto Targeting? difference between PC and XBOX?

Bubbling under: Any romances?

[wolfen]

I have a few questions.
1. Since there was a train shown in one of the screen shots does that suggest that there might be another way out other then the road?

2.The mention that Alan doesn't like light much and the fact there are dark looking hooded people after him at night makes me wonder if the supernatural will be in this game? To be more specific is Alan one of the few in the world who have vampire like traits?

3 If so could it be that there are people after him that want to kill him since he is a half?
(the whole vampire idea came up from the words about his enemy's not liking light and him not liking light so much either)

4. Where will Alan be able to hide from these enemys, in motels,homes,lighthouses,any buildings?

5.Will Alan go to sleep when he finally get in a safe building? and how will we know the differences from safe building and not safe buildings?

6. Back to the train. Is the train a possible mode of transportation or is it just for looks?

8. Were you planning on making this a reason for people to buy a Xbox 360? if so it's working.

There are my questions. Hope I get some answers

[vividly_pathetic]

As a wannabe games designer, I have to ask (sorry if it's been asked, but I'm in a rush thus didn't read everything here):

How many poly is the character Alan Wake, roughly? And also non-playable characters?

About how many poly is a typical interior scene (excluding characters)?

Thanks! :cool:

[Morry]

About how many poly is a typical interior scene (excluding characters)?

Thanks! :cool:
Since the entire engine is designed to stream information about the game world, a question like that could get complicated since the indoor-outdoor areas would be combined..

[vividly_pathetic]

Ah, nuts. Okay change that question to a Max Payne interior then... :P

[Maddieman]

I've decided to resurrect this thread, so people can post their 'Ask Remedy' questions, in case we do another community interview. This is not an indication of anything, and we can't guarantee that your questions will be answered directly. Otherwise, knock yourselves out. :)

Since it has been over a year, a reminder of the ground rules:



Read the FAQ! (http://www.alanwake.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1216/) - That's what it's there for. Also, check the Alan Wake essentials (http://www.alanwake.com/forum/announcement.php?f=2) for previews and interviews. Everything publically known about the game to date can be found there.

Questions only please! - if we're to use any of these questions, this thread has to remain concise and to the point. Off topic remarks and general chatter will be deleted.

Alan Wake / Remedy specific - This should be obvious, but ask them about the game, not what their favourite colour is. Ideal topics would probably include: gameplay, technology, story & characters. Questions about life at Remedy are fine, too.

No go areas - A few questions have been done to death, including: "When is it coming it out?", "Why won't you release a new screenshot/video", and "Why aren't you making a XP/PS3 version?".


That's it, enjoy! :)

[Dennis]

My question to Remedy is if Alan Wake will have a cover-system like gears of war or gta iv?

[Kitt]

Awesome. :) Alright, let's see.

1.) What are Alan Wake's literary influences? E.g. Stephen King, Dan Brown.. JK Rowling..

2.) I've heard mention of a rifle in one article, because the residents of Bright Falls have some sort of deer hunting season or somethingrather? Is this true?

3.) For in-game music (guessing that there IS in-game music) what instruments are mainly used? Are there solo piano scores, full orchestras, choirs, synthesizers, etc.?

4.) What are some (large or small) aspects of Alan's car? E.g. Radio stations with classic music players can listen to as they drive, need to fill the car with gasoline occasionally, can you 'pimp' your ride, etc.

5.) Does Alan have any other gadgets besides the gun and flashlight? Maybe a cell phone with GPS for missions, a tazer, night vision, or a small Transformer robot?

Those are the only serious questions I have. :D

[Danzaiver]

Does Alan has a "special power" like Max Payne had "bullet-time" ?
And what is this hability?

[sidetwo]

Does Alan has a "special power" like Max Payne had "bullet-time" ?
And what is this hability?

That's questions been asked already:
http://www.brightfalls.net/alan-wake-faq/#s2q09

Though they didn't reveal any specifics.

[Danzaiver]

That's questions been asked already:
http://www.brightfalls.net/alan-wake-faq/#s2q09

Though they didn't reveal any specifics.

Upps sorry :p

[chowda]

Will Alan wake be compatible with Windows 7 ?

[yensed]

Will Alan wake be compatible with Windows 7 ?
Of Course... Microsoft is the Publisher of Alan Wake. And the chances are W7 will be out before Alan Wake anyway.

[sidetwo]

Will Alan wake be compatible with Windows 7 ?
I've heard that Windows 7 uses the same driver libraries as Vista so it should be supported.

[TidalSpiral]

I think ADM deserves two thumbs up :whoo:

edit: please pretend that's his thumbs ;)

Your blind loyalty and brown nosing makes me sick...

*presses "confirm" on sending Remedy staff champagne and expensive cheeses in return for first demo playing rights*

[Demite]

Your blind loyalty and brown nosing makes me sick...

*presses "confirm" on sending Remedy staff champagne and expensive cheeses in return for first demo playing rights*

Hah thats genious.

Two thumbs up for Tidal Spiral everyone!:worship::worship:

[Windom]

Q's;

1: Because Alan is hypersensitive to light, does this mean he actually loses HP (or gets weaker) when travelling in daylight?
(I also thought he might be wearing hooded shirt to cover his face with hood in sunlight.)

2: Is there any enemies or surreal sequences in daytime?Or are you just interacting with towns people and getting ready for falling darkness.

Offtopicality; have anyone else noticed shadowy figures in bottom of AW homepage.

[yogibbear]

Questions:

1. When developing a game that isn't another easily classified standard linear FPS (or MMORPG, RPG, Strategy Game, Platformer, Fighting, Driving game etc.) what difficulties does the development team face in having to find a gameplay concept, formula, and structure that lends itself to a fun, enjoyable, immersive and replayable experience?

...continuing from question #1:

2. What were a few of the key decision points that highlight these difficulties and/or how they were overcome?

[sidetwo]

Offtopicality; have anyone else noticed shadowy figures in bottom of AW homepage.

Same ones are in the top banner on these forums here.

[Windom]

Same ones are in the top banner on these forums here.
Oh christ, the are EVERYWHERE!!! Alan has nowhere to run...:eek:

[shwhjw]

Q: Will there be a playable demo available before release? (just first level or summat, like that article describes in the other thread - nothing that gives away plot or anything obviously.) I spose it'd be annoying for the player, as of course a demo wouldnt allow free roaming of the map. Just imagine you can see this vast EPIC landscape & town in front of you, and you walk forward 50 yds and get told NO! TURN AROUND!

Just wishful thinking.

[Demite]

Q: Will there be a playable demo available before release? (just first level or summat, like that article describes in the other thread - nothing that gives away plot or anything obviously.) I spose it'd be annoying for the player, as of course a demo wouldnt allow free roaming of the map. Just imagine you can see this vast EPIC landscape & town in front of you, and you walk forward 50 yds and get told NO! TURN AROUND!

Just wishful thinking.

Would be nice nonetheless.

Is it normally standard for developers to always release a demo before a release nowadays?

[shwhjw]

Would be nice nonetheless.

Is it normally standard for developers to always release a demo before a release nowadays?

umm... no... I just remember there being a demo for CoD2 before release, just a single mission. I remember being awed by the graphics and playing that mission over and over and over again.

They did release a multiplayer demo for CoD5 as well, but i didnt download that. Maybe it's just Activision - I cant remember there being any games published by Microsoft that did have a demo :cry:

Edit: then again, I just googled 'Max Payne demo' and it came up with a bunch of results. Not sure if they were pre-release though.

[Salt The Fries]

Would be nice nonetheless.

Is it normally standard for developers to always release a demo before a release nowadays?
Dead Space, Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway say hello! (I mean they were released after full version was out) Not to mention, the demo itself needs time to be developed separately. It's not that easy and instant just to cut the portion of the full game. It requires additional time, which on the other hand could be spent on developing the full product instead.

[shwhjw]

It requires additional time, which on the other hand could be spent on developing the full product instead.

fair 'nuff, especially if in the time it takes for the demo to be released, the game could almost finished if there wasn't a demo.

[sidetwo]

The Max Payne 2 demo got released after the game got released. Then again Xbox Live is quite big now so Microsoft might want the demo to be out on there before the game is out.

[AnttiApina]

The Max Payne 2 demo got released after the game got released. Then again Xbox Live is quite big now so Microsoft might want the demo to be out on there before the game is out.

But Alan Wake is open-world. How would they put that into a demo. Well...Traveling inside buildings could work...

[sidetwo]

But Alan Wake is open-world. How would they put that into a demo. Well...Traveling inside buildings could work...
Allow only one mission and free roaming but on a 5 minute or so time limit.

[Demite]

Allow only one mission and free roaming but on a 5 minute or so time limit.

Thats a good idea - very replayable for the real fans.

Either that or make it indoor gameplay - and although they would perhaps have to stop all doors from opening and perhaps create a barricade somewhere, it would be entertaining.

Then again, and as much as the fan inside screams in disagreement, i think the whole experience could be complimented by not having a demo - in terms of the mystery element. Remedy giving only teasers until the release. Man i am going to smile ALL the way to the store. Either that or just pre-order it.

[AnttiApina]

Allow only one mission and free roaming but on a 5 minute or so time limit.

Plus barriers in some place like invicible walls :P . Why? Well the demo would be SO big and if someone actually manages to break that time limit then what?

[sidetwo]

Plus barriers in some place like invicible walls :P . Why? Well the demo would be SO big and if someone actually manages to break that time limit then what?
Well that's the whole point with the time limit.. after the time it'll just fade to black and tell you to buy the game to play more. No need for invisible walls.

And if you mean break it, as in hack it then they can just make it so it's only got 5 minutes worth of things in one direction.. or they could have natural invisible walls like the bridge is down and they can't get across etc.

[Hobo In A Box]

Plus barriers in some place like invicible walls :P . Why? Well the demo would be SO big and if someone actually manages to break that time limit then what?

What game developer would be silly enough to put the whole game on demo with restrictions?

[AnttiApina]

What game developer would be silly enough to put the whole game on demo with restrictions?

Don't you see? It's open world! And if we are given specific area to play with, they have check every corner and scene to make sure that you can see everything in the distances. Okay, I understand what you mean, but wasn't it said that AW had 2-3 km distance view...The area is 32x32 kilometres big. Also, the player can move in this certain area so they have to keep more instances in the game.

I don't know if you guys understand what I am saying, but it would be pretty hard to make an open world game into a demo. Sure there has been some, but none of them have been in a wilderness which makes it much harder to restrict the demo area.

Well we see if there will be a demo.

[northernlights]

Gothic 2 had a demo and was in wilderness. It's not that hard actually, they just have to use natural barriers like bridges, malfunctioning cars, floods.. Take a look at The Truman Show to see more examples :)

[Windom]

Gothic 2 had a demo and was in wilderness. It's not that hard actually, they just have to use natural barriers like bridges, malfunctioning cars, floods.. Take a look at The Truman Show to see more examples :)
Hahahhah Truman Show sure is a good source.:lol:

[jobluesax]

I don't think that the right place where post this question but il try it

The game will be translate in italian?
And if yes, only with subtitles or there be a speech translation, like in the max payne series?

Thanks

[MarkusRMD]

Localizable languages are generally MGS' call. If recent MGS games like Fable, Gears2 have been localized, I'd expect Wake too.

Which do you think Italians prefer, full or subtitles only?

[jobluesax]

Localizable languages are generally MGS' call. If recent MGS games like Fable, Gears2 have been localized, I'd expect Wake too.

Which do you think Italians prefer, full or subtitles only?

depends on the quality of the voice actors.
I'll give some examples:
1- Dead space use the voice of Dario argento, a great film maker, for an important character of the game, but it was ridicolous, and sometime he destroy the atmosphere of the game
2-Max Payne 1 & 2, the voice of Max is perfect, for the tone and the way of speaking.
full translation is better because you don't have to read the the subtitles who can distract you from the scene, everything is more "direct" in this way.
But I repeat, quality voice it's the way, in halo 3 some troopers speak like donald duck...that not good!

p.s.
Sorry for my bad english!

[Demite]

Localizable languages are generally MGS' call. If recent MGS games like Fable, Gears2 have been localized, I'd expect Wake too.

Which do you think Italians prefer, full or subtitles only?

Wow... A decision left to us..

The pressure..... too... much.

[jobluesax]

I have a question for Remedy:

How do you create the music for the game?
Do you give the plot to a composer for create the soundtrack on the story?
Or what else?
And where do you record the music?Do you use a live orchestra/band or synth?

Thanks

[sdrawkcab]

^ Some questions I was on the verge of asking.

I would really like to know at what time the music is created for the game. From my knowledge, it's usually nearly the last thing put into the game...once the scenes are built and they're going to work with those scenes. They hand all the footage over to the composer/producer and, or recording engineer and they create music to the scene. I know, sometimes, some people who direct the music(as to what goes into the game) have an idea about what they want and can ask that something similar be layed out for the piece, or they totally leave it all up to a trusted and capable composer.

In regards to the type of instruments used, whether hardware synths, soft synths, instrument sample libraries or live instruments, I think things like price and professional sound are the main factors. I'm a hobbyist producer(for now, plan on making it one of my careers very, very soon) and I've only done work with soft/hard synths & sample libraries in my 5 years of producing. With experience, you can make a synthised trumpets, or sampled trumpets sound like real trumpets, depending on the quality of the sample/sound and knowing how a trumpet is played...and especially, how a human plays a trumpet and mimicing that. Hell, you can create an entire orchestra of sounds and not one instrument was actually played, but all programmed.

[MarkusRMD]

I think there's no set way of how music is created in games. Sometimes you 'order' a set of songs with a certain moods and feels to them, and they can be used thematically throughout. Sometimes there's a more direct need for a certain kind of music to a particular place in the game.

Same goes for the techniques. Synths are fairly common and can provide very good and realistic quality, but a good composer can work with all different kinds of tools, including having a symphony orchestra play a composition for him. You use the tools you need for the job...

[MarkusRMD]

jobluesax:

We (Remedy) don't really have good control over the quality of non-English voice actors, it's really hard to judge whether a voice is a good match or not in a language you don't understand. My Italian is limited to a few dozen words... So we tend to trust the publisher's localization team.

We sure did have fun listening the Russian translation of Max2 though :)

[giuseppe81]

markus, i think we italians prefer full localization....i dont think people would like to read subtitles and dont look at what happens in the game....especially while driving....

[killer7ita]

We Italians prefer full localization... but ONLY if we have same high quality of Original.
So, sometimes the Italian voice actors use for videogames is not so good.

In that case, we prefer only English voice actors with italian sub.

P.S. Yeah, driving with sub is very bad... i remember GTA IV. Long Dialogs is the Hell.

[Hobo In A Box]

Have to agree about that, only use subs, keep original language. Dubs just sound so wrong and take away effect from the game.

Think of it like how if you've seen some anime in dubs, and then watched it again in subtitles, you prefer it a whole lot more because it's the way it's meant to sound and works with the mouth movement/actions of the character.

[Dennis]

I also prefer the original english language because its the most atmospheric except Mafia which had superb german language translation.

[jobluesax]

Have to agree about that, only use subs, keep original language. Dubs just sound so wrong and take away effect from the game.

Think of it like how if you've seen some anime in dubs, and then watched it again in subtitles, you prefer it a whole lot more because it's the way it's meant to sound and works with the mouth movement/actions of the character.

Yeah you're right but believe me...some italian voice translation are really, really bad!
After listening your face it's like this :eek:

in Gta 4 sometimes i had to block the car for read the subtitles, that not good...
in HL2 episode one for xbox 360 there as a part where the subtitles are soo big to cover all the screen, that crazy! And believe me, i love HL2!

[Hobo In A Box]

well, they need to do it right of course. I've played some JRPG's that were in Japanese but with english subtitles and was well done.

[northernlights]

Since just about everything is subtitled in Finland (for example, only childrens programs are ever dubbed in TV), I would except it to be done right. If Remedy is doing it, that is.

Although in general the games I've played usually have had good subtitles anyway.

[Vlado]

I also prefer the original english language because its the most atmospheric except Mafia which had superb german language translation.

The best of mafia dubs was czech.

And i agree - original voice is still better (the best) than another

[nbnt]

1- Can Alan swim ?

2- is the camera angle changable like Fallout ? or it will be exactlly like Gears of war ? (the pic from the office)

*waiting for some footage from xbox 360 version:love:*

[DamianTV]

I'll have to 2nd on that ability to switch back and forth between first and 3rd person.

Easy sale: Developer pride.

Dev's have put a ton of effort and work to add so many details to the world, and a lot of people like me stop and take the time to appreciate the intricacies of the detail

Hard sale: Player immersion. Some players dont feel immersed if they are stuck in 3rd person. Some dont in first person, like you cant see if your character is interacting with the enviornment. Solution of being able to switch makes both sets of fans happy. And since the work has already been done to make the lead visible in 3rd person, switching to first person I would assume is just a bit more coding and switching the camera, without a lot of artwork. Unless the devs decide that players should be able to see Alans legs and feet while running around in first person...

[StonecoldMC]

I have one question Markus, Remedy have been working on Alan Wake for quite sometime now. I wondered if anybody who worked on the game at the beginning has left for another job or moved to another country or something (not that im implying that anyone would want to leave Remedy, who would :)?) In my work we have lost quite a few people recently who have been with the company for sometime and we are having to replace them and it is difficult for someone to come in and just know what there doing and understand what they need to do straight away. I dont even work in anything creative either, just sales, so I imagine it might be even more difficult for guys like yoursleves.