Trade Secrets: Jean-Francois Dugas
[one_third]Trade Secrets continues into round three with Deus Ex: Human Revolution’s Game Director, Jean-Francois Dugas.[/one_third]
Eidos Montreal
Developer: Jean-Francois Dugas (Game Director)
Game: Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Due: Out Now
www.deusex.com
Eidos Montreal had a monumental task ahead of them: resurrect a franchise that began with what many still hold as one of the greatest games ever made, due to its systemic choices, attention to detail and bold blending of established genres. Part of that blend is a viable stealth approach, and it’s what we’re speaking to Eidos Montreal’s Game Director of Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Jean-Francois Dugas, about today.
What is it that attracts you to stealth gameplay?
The fantasy of being invisible, to be the one who can see but nobody knows I’m there. The feeling that I can take you out, and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Why do you think stealth games fell out of popularity?
Good question. I think that the rigidity of stealth rules found in most games of the last decade might have turned away a lot of people. I think gamers nowadays expect more flexibility within their games.
If they fail, they want to be able to recover using different means. They don’t want to be forced into it.
The rigidity of stealth rules found in most games of the last decade might have turned away a lot of people.
What are your thoughts on stealth gameplay being included as one possible path or playstyle, as opposed to the main focus of a game?
I think it’s smart. Let the players be creative, let them live the fantasy of their game the way they want, let them role-play!
What would a way forward for stealth gameplay be?
It’s all about flexible rules where failure is accepted in the gameplay loop, and there is better feedback and a stronger focus on the rewards of stealth (in terms of the emotional experience of being the predator, in regards to narration, gameplay, etc.) – basically, we should understand and promote what can players can get out of it that shooting can’t give them.
Thanks, Jean-Francois! For more, check out our stealth review of Deus Ex: Human Revolution, or return to the Trade Secrets hub for more stealth interviews.