Quantic Dream: Heavy Rain Success Would Be Good For Industry

If you follow PSXE on a frequent basis, you know how excited we are about Heavy Rain. But did you realize that the developers take a similar stance in regards to the game's importance...?

Thing is, we always hear gamers complain about too many generic titles hitting store shelves over and over again. While it's true that most sequels to top-quality franchises are pretty damn good, we always acknowledge the need for freshness and uniqueness in the industry. We also like to see the strides taken in the realm of storytelling, which is why Heavy Rain always resides in our top 5 "most wanted" of the upcoming 12 months. In a recent CVG interview, Quantic Dream CEO Guillaume de Fondaumiere first explains why the promising title was pushed into 2010; we heard it before:

"The first and most important reason [for the delay] was the fact that I don't think that such an innovative game like Heavy Rain and a new franchise should be released at the end of the year in the crowded period when everyone's releasing there games.

A game like Heavy Rain needs space, needs to be explained and shown. At the end of the year, people can't afford to buy all those games so we wanted to give Heavy Rain the chance to have its own release window, and for us to really talk about it so people really understand it."

But beyond this, he made a statement which we respect- he admits the industry does get a little stagnant with so many copycat titles out there, and he warns that if Heavy Rain fails, other developers will simply say, "yep, see...innovation can't succeed." This, of course, will only exacerbate the problem. Said Fondaumiere:

"If Heavy Rain doesn't succeed it's going to have important implications for other developers and for ourselves - maybe people will think 'those innovative games don't work, games cannot really convey realistic emotions.' And they will continue to do the standard shooters and the like that we have been doing for however many years.">/p>

For the good of us all, you are now obligated to buy this game when it comes out, whether you like it or not. Seriously. ;)

Related Game(s): Heavy Rain

9/2/2009 12:29:44 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (Beta)

Lord Alucard
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 12:43:56 PM
Reply

Then to decide the fate of Heavy Rain.... we MUST buy it!!!

3 up, 0 down

Mista
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 12:49:13 PM
Reply

Day one buy for me!

5 up, 0 down

Jalex
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 12:50:02 PM
Reply

I try to do what I can to help the gaming industry (like not buying Activision titles and instead supporting their competitors), and while I don't need any more encouragement to buy this title, I'll certainly continue spreading the word to every gamer I know (they're amazed when they see me play 'Fahrenheit', so I can only imagine they'd be excited for 'Heavy Rain').

3 up, 0 down

bOnEs
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 1:01:50 PM
Reply

i'm still on the fence about this... i like the fact that they want to release it later in order to establish what it is on the market before it hits... that's exactly what someone like me wants to hear... someone who is unsure what this game is really about and would like them to take their time in trying to convince me...

this can only do good things for the game itself... but, it damages the ones who are over-hyped about it because, it will be a disappointment to those poor souls... and since they have to wait, the hype continues to build...

0 up, 0 down

TheHighlander
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 1:05:47 PM
Reply

It seems like the big thing here is to avoid creating a negative impression among the gaming media and audience. The game needs to be fairly reviewed without an agenda. Quantic has to control the level of expectation for the game, and ensure that the game itself, when launched, is reviewed on it's own merits, not in comparison to some other title.

Heavy Rain, like KZ2 before it, has created some pretty high expectations. There are already some gaming journalists who are itching to beat it up. Did you see the accusations regarding the QTEs and comparisons to Dragon's Lair? The people writing those articles and pushing that agenda are the ones that will kick Heavy Rain regardless of it's quality.

It's petty and pathetic if you ask me, but it is what it is, and Quantic has to deal with it the best way they know how.

7 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 1:06:36 PM
Reply

After watching David Cage explain his emotional inspiration for this game to IGN, I'm sold. Excited for something new.

3 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 4:00:10 PM

what was his inspiration?

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 4:37:00 PM

He and his wife lost their child one day while out. Said they completely freaked and wanted to use those emotions he felt for the inspiration. He said it's easy to make any kind of game with the lead being a zombie killer or a WWII hero but you can never portray those characters 100% accurately because there's no way we today know what's it's like to be those people. We can only guess. The route he's going is using personal experiance for the inspiration. It's quite a good interview. Head over to IGN and watch it.

They found their kid by the way.

2 up, 0 down

Banky A
Thursday, September 03, 2009 @ 1:23:08 AM

He actually told us that story during the GamesCom presentation ^_^

Or did he reveal it to IGN before???

0 up, 0 down

Button Masher
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 1:06:44 PM
Reply

I'm all for great and unique gameplay. Never played Farenheit so I don't have a frame of reference. But I think this will be a rental upon release to test it out before buying.

0 up, 0 down

DGo8
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 1:14:34 PM
Reply

I agrre 100% with him...its smart move because not many people will look at heavy rain and want it there and then when everyone is playing Uncharted 2..GT5..MW2(i wnt be playing that)..Tekken...AC2..its smart there gonna release it whens there not much else coming out around tha time good move

2 up, 0 down

Lotusflow3r
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 1:15:15 PM
Reply

Innovation is key

3 up, 0 down

laharl
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 1:40:08 PM
Reply

This is a day one buy for me.But someone should tell him that other developers also make innovative games.Katamari,okami,ico and sotc,lbp,valkyria chronicles etc.Heavy rain is basically a niche game and i suspect it will sell accordingly.In all the creative arts the best is never the most successful.

Last edited by laharl on 9/2/2009 1:41:41 PM

1 up, 0 down

piratedrunk
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 1:45:53 PM
Reply

This is the same sentiment I saw when Madworld came out for Wii. People were saying "if you don't buy this then there will be no hardcore games coming out for Wii"

I just can't justify a purchase I'm not interested in for "the sake of the industry." If I think a game looks good or I hear enough good things about it that appeal to me I buy it. I am interested in Heavy Rain but not enough yet to decide on a purchase. If you buy games you don't like all you are enabling is more games you don't like.

I never rent games anymore.. but this one I will be because of the nature of the game.. it just doesn't look to me like it will have much in the way of replay value.

2 up, 4 down

Ultimadream
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 1:58:09 PM

This game will have fantastic replay value, with all the changes of each scenario, this game will finally give us what Fable failed to deliver a game where your actions decide the consequence. HR is the major title im most anticipating.

7 up, 0 down

piratedrunk
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 2:28:36 PM

That sort of thing just doesn't hold much appeal to me beyond a rental still. I think there will be plenty of people who enjoy it as a niche title and it will be worth a purchase from them.. but not for me at least not from what I've seen so far. A choose your own adventure style story is just not what I'm into.

2 up, 2 down

godsman
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 1:57:13 PM
Reply

It's funny how during launch, Wii was considered the revolution in games. Like they would create the best innovation in the gaming industry.

It was surprising, back in 2006 people predict PS2 to pass the baton to the PS3. I would least likely expect PS3 to be innovative, because they have such great games in the PS2 library, they can just make the same sequels and it'll sell like hotcakes.

Now, Wii has went down the drain with its mini-games, Xbox continues to be copycat. Only Sony tries to explore different experience in gaming and breaking the boundary of last generation gaming. Sony gets thumbs up for this.

6 up, 0 down

kevyd09
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 2:35:55 PM
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to be honest when ben was going on about this game i wasnt to interested, but i downloaded the trailer of the psn and now its a day 1 perchase for me!! i cant wait for this to come out it will be a refreshing change from the normal 1st person or 3rd person shooters out there

2 up, 0 down

Imagi
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 2:45:31 PM
Reply

Def buy for me, should be a breath of fresh air.

1 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 3:10:17 PM
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I downloaded the trailer with one of the main characters and his son it, and now my wife wants to watch me play this game.

This type of emotional response is going to be key for this title to succeed..

3 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 3:23:48 PM

Indigo Prophecy is amazing and based on dated technology. That game evokes tons of emotion and is one of the most brilliant uses of story I've ever seen used in a game. I have very high expectations for Heavy Rain.

1 up, 0 down

BTNwarrior
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 3:23:08 PM
Reply

I kink of hate it when developers release their game on a schedule, cause it either causes them to rush a game that isn't ready, or it makes us wait for a long amount of time to get a game that would have been ready months ago. A dev should release a game when it is ready and not release it to either hit the holiday season or get an open spot

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 3:24:24 PM

Take a few business classes and you will not only understand but accept their decision.

2 up, 1 down

Zorigo
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 3:50:03 PM
Reply

Recently downloaded the trailer for this. suddenly very excited. wasn't before, but now i reckon im gonna be extra scint. and i reckon i'll love this. loved mgs4, and thats most comparable kind of.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 4:05:10 PM
Reply

I completely understand what this dude is saying about needing to explain his work. It is annoying when you have to explain yourself, but if you don't do so you can run afoul of people who are just to ignorant to understand an intricate work and can't see past the surface to the underlying genius. I really hope HR succeeds because it is clear this game has their blood sweat and tears in it.

1 up, 0 down

tlpn99
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 4:16:15 PM
Reply

Will wait and see what the reviews are like hopefully a playable demo will be out :)

0 up, 0 down

Lairfan
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 4:51:05 PM
Reply

This game is a rental at first for me. No matter how much "underlying emotional genius" this game has in it, I buy games to have fun. If this game doesn't keep me entertained, I don't care if the whole world of gaming depends on me buying it, I won't.

That said, every time I see a new trailer for this game, it looks better and better. Maybe it will be a purchase for me after all. But of course, that's after my rental.

1 up, 0 down

piratedrunk
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 5:01:51 PM

I agree if after my rental I really enjoy it and could see myself playing again and again I will not hesitate to buy

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 5:03:33 PM

If you liked Lair enough to make a screen name then you should rent it, you may be a bit touched in the head.

1 up, 2 down

Banky A
Thursday, September 03, 2009 @ 1:27:13 AM

"I don't care if the whole world of gaming depends on me buying it, I won't"

Okay I know this wasn't serious but are you crrraaazeh?

I would totally buy another game even if I don't like it to save the video gaming world ^_^

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 6:00:10 PM
Reply

Lair reminded me of gay porn in black and white.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 6:43:02 PM

HA.

0 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 7:29:46 PM

Doesn't everything? ; )

0 up, 0 down

laharl
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 6:09:41 PM
Reply

Lair was an example of a great idea let down by poor execution.Sixaxis sucks.Should of had the option to go with sticks from day one.

3 up, 0 down

TheHighlander
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 6:14:56 PM

...or you could have realized that controlling a dragon in flight isn't the same as controlling an F-16, and used the controller the way it was intended, as if you were holding the reigns of a dragon in flight. I know the game did better in markets that were not dominated by reviewers expecting the game to be a Dragon themed flight combat simulator.

2 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 7:37:26 PM

@Highlander

Point taken, but if Factor 5 were really interested in (pseudo-)realism, the dragons wouldn't shoot fireballs like they were missiles. I really wanted Lair to offer a _dragon_ simulator, but it was too much like Rogue Leader (or Drakengard).

Last edited by Fane1024 on 9/2/2009 7:39:28 PM

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 9:01:15 PM

So riding a Dragon is comparable to driving a Semi one handed in Alaska while drunk as hell?

0 up, 0 down

TheHighlander
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 10:16:23 PM

Pretty much.

;-P

0 up, 0 down

slackernz
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 7:00:16 PM
Reply

This game is looking better and better as the days go past. Can't wait

0 up, 0 down

Lairfan
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 7:19:36 PM
Reply

@WorldEndsWithMe:

Wtf. Just because I bought Lair (and liked it fairly well), and am only renting Heavy Rain ATM, I'm touched in the head? Do you know just how much of a jerk you made yourself sound like with that comment?

I also like how everyone else (except TheHighlander) jumps on the bandwagon to make fun of me and the game. You've all had your laughs, so you might as well get back on topic.

If you couldn't tell already, I'm fairly pissed. If I choose a game, I shouldn't be made fun of for it. I don't give a crap if you think its bad or not.

Last edited by Lairfan on 9/2/2009 7:23:55 PM

3 up, 1 down

LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 9:04:27 PM

Dude come on your name is LairFan, you're name might as well be IlikeFatChix. Go ahead and like something but don't be surprised or upset when you get a few digs from people. You've chosen to like something that well sucks and you have to live with that decision.

1 up, 3 down

tes37
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 7:26:38 PM
Reply

I'm excited about this game. Usually when I feel this way about a game I end up liking it, unlike movies that end up being a let down. I would buy this game now, but I agree with QD about it's release timing.

0 up, 0 down

Metal Head
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 7:32:58 PM
Reply

Heavy Rain is a must buy for me.I love to play new and unique games and not a rush sequel.I don't care if it gets low review scores. I know many peple would love to see this wonderful game fail.

2 up, 0 down

Mornelithe
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 @ 11:28:12 PM
Reply

Day 1 buy for me also, and I agree that more games like Heavy Rain will only be helpful for the industry. Ben did an article awhile back on Intelligent Gaming, or Intellectual Adventure Genres (Myst, 7th Guest style games), and I agreed there too. There's been a huge brain drain in gaming...and games like Demon Souls, where you're going to get your ass beat regularly, and games like Heavy Rain that require you to use your head rather than just shoot shoot and more shoot, represent genres that've been on the decline for awhile now. I hope Heavy Rain's success pushes other devs to explore this avenue of gaming again.

0 up, 0 down

Ricochet
Thursday, September 03, 2009 @ 12:38:35 AM
Reply

He shouldn't worry. The PS fanboys tend to recognize innovative gameplay like ICO and Shadow of the Colossus. With no piracy left and all is focused on "teh" exclusives, just needed proper advertising and they'll sell enough to turn devs heads.

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Thursday, September 03, 2009 @ 9:32:40 AM

fanboy is such a hurtful word, how about PS3 users.

0 up, 0 down

___________
Thursday, September 03, 2009 @ 3:37:27 AM
Reply

so instead of releasing it in november where it has competition with MW2 and assassins creed 2.
or releasing it in december where it has competition with the sabatour and possiably GT5.
they rather release it either jan or feb next year where it has competition with max payne 3 mafia 2 bioshock 2 MAG dark void splinter cell conviction and god knows how many other games.
makes seance right?
a game will sell better going up against 20 or so games, than going up against 3 or 4.
someone needs to go back to learn basic math, and it aint me because im doing electrical engineering and that is bloody freaking extremely hard.
im starting to think developers live in a hole and ever come out to see the light of day.
every game that was set back till 2010 has given the reason to be to avoid the holiday rush?
their contradicting themselves.
were not releasing out game because we dont want it releasing with allot of other games, so lets take it from a quiet month to a busy one.
am i missing the reason here? because to me there doing exactly what their saying they dont want to do.

0 up, 0 down

Mornelithe
Thursday, September 03, 2009 @ 4:05:01 AM

Uh yeah, because a new IP from a genre that hasn't been touched upon in years, has a ton of chances against 2 of the largest multi-platform IP's there are, and Sony's biggest exclusive franchise? Riiiight.

0 up, 0 down

___________
Friday, September 04, 2009 @ 9:11:37 AM

well why not release it in december.
if i remember right theres only 1 game due out then the avatar.

0 up, 0 down

Mornelithe
Friday, September 04, 2009 @ 11:30:02 PM

Well, I mean, I'm pretty sure GT5 will be announced for December, come TGS. That's almost a given at this point...and I wouldn't want to see Heavy Rain go up against GT5, no matter how different they are. If people are only going to buy 1 game this holiday season (unlikely, but you get what I mean), I'd prefer them to not have to decide over two ridiculously blockbuster exclusives for Sony.

0 up, 0 down

Lairfan
Friday, September 04, 2009 @ 7:39:01 PM
Reply

@LimitedVertigo

I live with the decision just fine. I don't like it when people try to tell me that something I play "well sucks." And I'm sure you (or just about everyone else on this forum) wouldn't like that either.

And that's all I have to say about that.

Last edited by Lairfan on 9/4/2009 7:39:21 PM

1 up, 0 down

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