The team wanted to create ”affecting characters” in Enslaved and not just ”cardboard cutouts.” If it had of been successful perhaps others would have deemed it a ”worthwhile pursuit”.
Enslaved was welcomed warmly by critics and even earned a Writer’s Guild Award for Best Video Game, but commercially it flopped. This extinguished sequel hopes.
What impact did Enslaved have on the gaming world? ”I’m not sure. We wanted to create affecting characters that felt more like real people than cardboard cutouts. If the game had been more successful, perhaps other games would follow suit and deem it a worthwhile pursuit,” said creative director Tameem Antoniades.
”But perhaps instead it will be held as an example of why it doesn’t matter. Either way, it won’t stop us from trying. I truly believe characters and story can elevate the gameplay and affect people in deep and satisfying ways.”
Fortunately Uncharted developer Naughty Dog absolutely loves character driven, movie-like experiences and so can carry the baton forward. Ninja Theory is currently developing Capcom’s DmC. Did you enjoy Enslaved?
