Ueda: "I'd Like To Make An FPS"
See Full ImageHe has already given us two of the most artistically accomplished titles in gaming history, and a third is on the way.
But even with ICO, Shadow of the Colossus and The Last Guardian to his name, game designer guru Fumito Ueda isn't immune to the seemingly universal lure of the first-person shooter. In speaking to Edge about his development future, Ueda said he would like to branch out and try something new:
"If I get the chance, there are things that I'd like to make or challenge myself with, yes. For instance, I'd like to make 2D games. Right now, that's what I'd like to do - it may change tomorrow. Oh, and an FPS. Yes, I'd like to make an FPS. I play quite a lot of FPS games in my free time."
Interestingly, he also said both ICO and Colossus didn't sell very well because they "weren't good enough." ...that might one of the most bizarre statements ever, but let's not forget that Ueda is one of those perfectionists. Our theory is that there just weren't enough people to appreciate those gems, but we could be wrong.
As for a Ueda-made FPS, don't freak out. Look what he's done in the past; he could really put a very interesting twist on a genre that desperately needs an evolution of some kind. Try to be optimistic.
Tags: team ico, fumito ueda, the last guardian, sotc
3/10/2011 10:40:31 AM Ben Dutka
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Comments (54 posts)
ronny_rtw
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 2:57:19 PM
War scenerios are mostly generic and not distinguishable. First Person View is the best perspective to immerse a player.
It would be great to see a game from him with creativity overflowing from every corner.
But I wouldn't mind a war game made by him.
The fact is it will be epic.
Last edited by ronny_rtw on 3/10/2011 2:58:01 PM
3 up, 0 down
shootu
Sunday, March 13, 2011 @ 9:41:20 PM
1 up, 0 down
NoSmokingBandit
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 10:55:28 AM
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I dont think i like hearing Ueda talking about future projects until TLG at least has a solid date.
1 up, 0 down
556pineapple
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 11:03:13 AM
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1 up, 1 down
Temjin001
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 11:03:23 AM
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No you wouldn't Ueda. That's just crazy-talk. Just stick to what you've been doing. The FPS side of gaming is a crowded clot of fanboys and stagnated ingenuity. If we're ever to ever overcome this FPS crowded market we need more guys like you to give gamers reasons to look somewhere that than the online twitchers fix.
16 up, 2 down
shadowscorpio
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 11:30:16 AM
4 up, 1 down
Jawknee
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 1:43:36 PM
6 up, 2 down
OPHIDIAN
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 6:41:38 PM
Even Ueda himself says he is an FPS fanatic.
@shadow:
I've given him an extra thumb up for you even though I disagree.
Last edited by OPHIDIAN on 3/10/2011 6:42:53 PM
2 up, 1 down
shootu
Sunday, March 13, 2011 @ 9:43:19 PM
1 up, 0 down
kraygen
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 11:05:37 AM
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If he just wants to do it because he likes the standard fps and he thinks it would be fun to make one like the others, I'd be sorely disappointed.
5 up, 1 down
just2skillf00l
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 8:14:43 PM
Couldn't have said it better!
0 up, 1 down
tridon
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 11:28:03 AM
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On a side-note, I found it to be incredibly sad that IGN recently published an article that essentially made Ueda look like a giant sexist. So what if his main characters are always male. You don't go asking Eidos why Tomb Raider always features Lara Croft, do you? Absolutely ridiculous! It's that kind of Western bull$#it that scares away the Eastern geniuses. I was so pi$$ed off when I read that article!
3 up, 0 down
jimmyhandsome
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 11:35:47 AM
0 up, 2 down
Miggy
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 11:59:19 AM
1 up, 0 down
jimmyhandsome
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 12:05:19 PM
However the reason they singled him out was because of the comments he previously made at the TGS. He wanted Ueda to further clarify the comments he made, and unfortunately he seemed to dig himself a bigger whole in the interview.
Last edited by jimmyhandsome on 3/10/2011 12:09:02 PM
0 up, 2 down
Underdog15
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 12:29:04 PM
In case no one noticed, part of humanity's diversity involves the fact that not everyone is the same gender! *GASP* It should be expected, that although there are exceptions to the rule, as there are with most rules, each gender is pre-disposed to certain strengths that the other, on average, does not always match!
Guess what? For example, women are often more predisposed to being people-focused, and in many cases, are much better at seeing a person for who they are than men, on average, are. Again... there are exceptions, but as a rule, it's true.
And in this case... guess what? Women are pre-disposed to having less -MUSCULAR- (not physical, as that's too broad) strength (particularly upper-body) than men. Again, some exceptions, but as a rule, it's true. Effing accept it (not talking to anyone here specifically, just in case).
I mean... look at the olympics! How come race times for men are faster than women? Why not have men and women compete with each other directly? The answer is obvious. So, to me, in the case of his belief that a male character is more likely to possess the physical strength of a certain requirement, he's got a point.
As for his comment about a female character having to wear a skirt, I see that as more of a commentary on the society of gaming. It's true. Female protagonists are often shown with lots of skin revealed. I mean, this site has entire articles dedicated to Aya Brea having shredded clothing. I don't read that as him saying that's where women in gaming belong, but in order to conform to the society of gaming that has already been established... he's got a point. He would have to. You KNOW people will just talk about female protagonists who aren't hot and sexy or not wearing revealing or tight clothing as "meh" characters with boring character design. It just IS that way. (doesn't mean I think it's right. It's just the way it is.)
So yeah. His comments can be seen as "off-color", but they're honest, and they hold some truth.
On the other hand, it's not like everything in his games is exactly "realistic", either. So why can't an impossibly skinny and shapely woman grasp a thin mountain ledge by the tips of her middle and index fingers after falling 50 feet? I mean, if it's in the name of equality and fairness, just go for it! No one will blame you! Unless, of course, you cover her up with something silly like clothes.
4 up, 0 down
jimmyhandsome
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 1:09:46 PM
He could've just said "I wanted to make a male character" and I would've been okay with that.
Its pretty clear that by him just saying these comments in passing like its no big deal, there is a pretty big cultural difference between the Japanese and the more sensitive American culture.
Last edited by jimmyhandsome on 3/10/2011 1:11:14 PM
0 up, 3 down
Jawknee
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 1:13:38 PM
Sexist? Give me a freaking break. Talk about Political Correctness at its worst.
Last edited by Jawknee on 3/10/2011 1:14:00 PM
1 up, 0 down
Lawless SXE
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 4:12:51 PM
The argument of physicality is also questionable. While it's true that men and women generally have very different body structures, at the age of ten, most of those differences are still largely negligible. The argument of strength when his characters are so young is slightly misguided. Perhaps though, it is because of the growth of the character mentioned in the article here the other day.
Above all though, we must remember that this is Japanese sentiment, and doesn't come from our culture. Over there, women are still largely subservient to the whims and wishes of their man. They are, in general, far daintier than our women, and they still attach themselves to the oldentime notions of what a female 'should' be. It's a cultural gap, and the author of that asinine simply needs to grasp that fact.
Peace.
1 up, 0 down
Excelsior1
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 11:33:28 AM
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1 up, 1 down
Alienange
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 12:41:42 PM
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However, if there is a man who would more than likely make one of the best stories in an FPS ever, it would be him. Now that to me sounds like a very interesting game. I know I'd buy it and if Ueda can make a fortune off of some FPS, then I think after all these years, he deserves it.
But does an FPS sell into the millions upon millions without superior multiplayer? Not really. And there's not much room for Ueda's talents in a mp component. So would his FPS really sell that much? Would it end up being an exercise in futility?
My only comfort is that the original Bioshock did ok, and I would imagine his FPS would be similar.
It's your call Ueda, and I wish you all the best.
3 up, 0 down
Excelsior1
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 1:01:52 PM
0 up, 1 down
Victor321
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 5:00:21 PM
1 up, 0 down
Oxvial
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 1:00:13 PM
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Last edited by Oxvial on 3/10/2011 1:00:23 PM
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DjEezzy
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 1:10:00 PM
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I hate to admit it but many aspects of gaming are looked into way too deeply. By critics and gamers alike. Every thing from a characters hair to how violent a game is taken to a whole new level by many people. Sometimes i think people just blow things out of proportion on purpose. To get a rise out of others. Seems like many people forget that they are just games. It's a hobby. I'm a dj and i don't freak out everytime a bad song is released. I'm an avid movie watcher but i don't go crazy when a bad movie comes out. I think people just need to chill.
1 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 1:18:34 PM
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4 up, 1 down
Qubex
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 9:11:01 PM
Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
0 up, 0 down
Kiryu
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 1:24:41 PM
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4 up, 1 down
Oxvial
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 5:40:07 PM
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nilos95
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 2:01:48 PM
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In Ueda we trust&freedom to dev's creativity!
2 up, 0 down
ronny_rtw
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 2:41:18 PM
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I have to agree with you, Ben. This statement is really bizzare. Sales are not an indicator for the quality of games. Many games have proven themselfs to be the new reference in terms of quality and playability. One example is Demon's Souls. Though, I can't judge how ICO and SotC were, because I unfortunately missed the PS2 era, but I am dying to get my hands on the remastered edition. All in all Mr. Ueda should not equate quality with sales.
"Oh, and an FPS. Yes, I'd like to make an FPS. I play quite a lot of FPS games in my free time." This statement worries me much more.
FPS are the most popular genre at this moment. The numbers of FPS are rising and he wants to do an FPS? Seriously, this generation is exploding by the pressure of incoming FPS. But I have to say that I would instantly buy an FPS made by him, because of his sheer creativity, but it ultimately will fail, because sales will be close zero when the next CoD arrives.
If he really wants to make such a game, he should make a game with First Person View but not a FPS.
Last edited by ronny_rtw on 3/10/2011 2:41:39 PM
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Minishmaru
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 3:13:34 PM
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2 up, 0 down
Snaaaake
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 3:24:45 PM
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I don't know why but this statement reminds me of Capcom and SE and it worries me.
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Jawknee
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 3:31:37 PM
1 up, 0 down
DjEezzy
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 4:11:04 PM
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0 up, 0 down
Eld
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 4:14:25 PM
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Last edited by Eld on 3/10/2011 4:14:51 PM
1 up, 0 down
Lawless SXE
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 4:19:54 PM
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Peace.
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DjEezzy
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 4:27:57 PM
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A2K78
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 4:28:15 PM
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Kaz Yamauchi have said the very same thing, but given the utter conservative/playing it safe attitude of Sony these days, these guys will never get to realize anything beyond what they've been making. When it come things like this the only solution is for them to completely divorce themselves from Sony and go independent..in fact I long for the day(and can see it happening) that Yamauchi leaves Sony for an independent venture in the same manner as Mikami, Yuji Naka-san,etc..
"ueda should stick to what he does best, imo."
Why should he? For someone of obvious great talent he should be free to explore game types beyond what he have been making.
"Ueda's FPS would be the revolution of the genre so I don't mind him making one."
How can a genre that have been more of the same be revolutionized?
0 up, 2 down
Lawless SXE
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 6:03:06 PM
And your last comment makes no sense, whatsoever: "How can a genre that have been more of the same be revolutionized?"
Just because improvements have generally been incremental, doesn't mean that someone with vision can't come along and cast a new light on the fundamental elements.
But of course, you're the genius, not me.
Peace.
1 up, 0 down
sirbob6
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 4:36:53 PM
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Last edited by sirbob6 on 3/10/2011 5:29:39 PM
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FxTales
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 5:43:20 PM
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A2K78
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 7:28:27 PM
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Its funny you say this, but explain to me why the industry have been seeing a rash of defections into independent ventures. I guess it must have something to do with wanting to do something different as oppose to being on a endless grind of doing the same thing over and over.
"Look at writers and film directors; they tend to stick to one genre as well."
I don't see George Lucas making endless Star War films, even though this what the built his career on; I don't see Pixar doing endless animated films now given the fact live-action films is thier next frontier, and list goes on.
Now what does all of this say? It say that these entities see potential success beyond playing it safe with what they know or good at.
0 up, 1 down
Lairfan
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 7:55:41 PM
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Lawless SXE
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 8:27:24 PM
But I have more to add. Please enlighten me as to these live-action films that Pixar is working on. I'm afraid that there are none, however I do concede that one of their filmmakers is working on 1906, but that is in collaboration with Warner Bros., and has apparently stalled production. Very convincing.
As Lairfan pointed out, the upcoming Red Tails is the first project since 1994 to not be related to Indy or SW. Again, very convincing argument there.
And what 'rash of defections' are you talking about? Companies latching onto the app market... doesn't count. There are more independent projects being released on PSN/XBL, but that's only because it is a viable place for smaller developers to get their foot in the door. I suppose if you want to list Platinum games and Insomniac, I'll give you credit, but they're still attached to larger companies that have some sway over their products.
But, I never did disagree with your comment that devs should be free to do as they will. I just feel that most feel comfortable with what they know.
Peace.
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FM23
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 7:31:31 PM
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Lairfan
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 7:57:46 PM
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1. This guy's a creative and artistic genius.
2. He apparently plays FPS's all the time.
So I say let him make an FPS (not just a first-person game, a full on first person shooter, as long as he wants to do it), and let it be the best FPS ever.
1 up, 0 down
just2skillf00l
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 8:16:33 PM
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LanceNLT
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 8:18:56 PM
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Last edited by LanceNLT on 3/10/2011 8:26:05 PM
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BigBoss4ever
Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 1:13:53 AM
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Last edited by BigBoss4ever on 3/11/2011 1:14:08 AM
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___________
Friday, March 11, 2011 @ 1:32:24 AM
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OH GOD NO!
dont we have enough already???????????????????
a 2D game though would be nice!
id love to see a 2D puzzle platformer like what shadow complexes experimental weapons mode is.
one of my favorite downloadable games!
only thing i miss my 360 for.
0 up, 2 down
jonny_wonny
Sunday, March 13, 2011 @ 11:20:03 AM
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But even games that do involve a good amount of shooting, they can still provide an amazing experience. For example, Half-Life 2 is still one of my favorite games of all time.
Of course, at this point I think it would be good for me to make the distinction between a single play FPS and a multi player FPS. Both the games I listed were great because of their single player experiences. Of course, that's not to say you couldn't have equally compelling gameplay in a multiplayer setting, but for whatever reason, games usually don't. But I'm going to bet that when Ueda says he wants to make an FPS, he's referring to the single play sort, and not another twitch based game like TF2.
But seriously, what's even more important is that Ueda wants to make a 2D game! That should have been the highlight of this post! Of course, that's not as controversial. Who doesn't like a good 2D game?
Last edited by jonny_wonny on 3/13/2011 11:21:38 AM
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OPHIDIAN
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Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 10:51:44 AM
He could provide a FPS with a storyline that doesn't go blah blah blah nuclear weapons... blah. blah, blah... save the world...blah, blah, blah.... only you can do it.
lol Loved duty calls.