Warren Spector Interview

Solving puzzles can be fun, but making your own plan, finding your own solution, having your own unique experience is more satisfying, I think. More detailed worlds HAVE to allow more varied interaction -- if developers just use processing power to create prettier backdrops, we're in trouble.

Just added this to my profile page; notice a theme within Ion Storm? They're just as sick of >1GB walk-through semi-interactive real-time-rendered motion picture scripts as we are.

This man seems to have a good idea on interactivity. Deus Ex was a good example... something isn't interactive just for the sake of being interactive. Do I care that I can play pool in Duke Nukem? No. Does the fact that I can get a soda from the vending machines in Half-Life impress me? No, not really.

Anything that's not there to add to the gameplay is not needed. Now, if in Duke you were able to play someone in pool and earn something cool (like a weapon) if you beat them, that's another story. Or if in Half-Life you were able topple the soda machines to use them as cover, that would be excellent.

Don't get me wrong, damage effects are cool (shooting the soda machine in HL, and having it spit out tons of cans) -- it's always a blast for the player to see the effects of his damaging actions on the environment. But shit like going up to a urinal and taking a piss or playing a slot machine doesn't do much for me.

I'm just a purist, I guess.

Keep at it, Warren. Much respect!

Warren Spector is God.