Guerrilla's Killzone franchise has found itself in some contentious positions over the course of its life span. The development of the first game in the series brought about cries of "the Halo killer" from the press. The second game found expectations dramatically raised due to a target render video prominently displayed during a Sony Electronic Entertainment Expo press conference, which prompted questions of whether or not its high visual standards could actually be achieved.
Despite all of these things, Guerrilla has seemingly remained steadfast in delivering its own vision for Killzone, and with the fourth game in the franchise completed, GameSpot got a chance to speak with Hermen Hulst--cofounder and managing director of Guerrilla Games--to talk more about the design process behind Killzone 3, the franchise as a whole, and the good and bad characteristics of the video game industry.
The Amsterdam-based studio reflects on its humble beginnings, beloved franchises, and growth through the years.
Up there with the top tier in the industry. Love Guerrilla Games - Horizon Burning Shores is simply STUNNING.
Same. They nailed it with Horizon. The trouble is I also want a new Killzone! Can't I just have it all?!
I have yet to play Burning Shores as I just started Forbidden West (bought at launch, just unwrapped last weekend LOL) and playing on PS5.
man...I still can't believe the graphics especially now I'm playing it on my LG OLED. that graphics and with stable performance backing it up, GG really is the master of their craft!
32.7M sales in the Horizon franchise! With 8.4M coming from Forbidden West alone! Truly a hugely successful game and franchise as a whole. Looking forward to Horizon III
One year after realease HZD sold 7.6 million.
https://www.noobfeed.com/ne...
So not a drop off.
Unless you're saying a HFW should have sold as much now as HZD sold in 5 years?
It's been 3 games, this includes Call of the Mountain. Also no, its a great improvement over HZD.
lol you are comparing:
HZD: 28 February 2017 - May 2023 (6 years+)
HFW: 18 February 2022 - May 2023 (1 year+)
We will see if it surpass original number.
@shane, 2 full main games, 2 DLC add ons, 1 VR spin off game, oh and a an official LEGO set.
Not too bad for an ip that's only been on market for 6 years
Wow, very impressive. I didn't know the numbers were so high for Forbidden West. Still playing through it myself
Yooo, when I first saw that Killzone 1 footage at E3, my friends my brothers and I were like, Holy shit! When it came out, it didn't look exactly like it, but we sunk so many hours into 1 & 2.
I even liked Killzone: SF, it was a spectacle to look at, and even today it looks good. I hope they make a new one. Can you imagine how that will look, and they can get some modern FPS pointers from Bungie.
Such a wonderful studio. They deserve all their success.
The Decima Engine is absolute 🔥 I'm just mad they have abandoned Killzone.
They are probably working on mutiple projects. One of them is Horizon 3, but another is a multiplaer game and probably somehting else.
Famitsu : We will also ask about the increase in PS5 exclusive titles, porting strategies to PC, and the future of Japanese IP due to the reorganization of JAPAN Studio.
Were you able to get the link to work for the article? I’m curious to read it, but it says it couldn’t translate when I click it.
Visit the website, click on "Go to original page", translate the website via google translation of your chrome browser.
Well if its true zero dawn is being remade then things are off kilter.
Tlou is technically a ps3 game even if it got a ps4 port not much actually changed so I guess that one is arguable. Full price though dunno about that.
If theyre going to pour resources into rereleases remade or remastered Id rather they were ps3 titles or older.
Me too, assuming that the HZD is a remake and not a remaster, at this point no one seems to be 100% sure whether it's the former or the latter, personally I think a remaster would be more than adequate.
SIE Bend Studio's new project is hiring again, and will feature a 'great new concept,' according to PlayStation Studios boss Hermen Hulst.
Replies(6)
@Raiden
you want them to butcher Syphon Filter like Ubisoft did with Tom Clancy games?
@badz149
You're comparing Bend with Ubi?
And this concept was somewhat already tried in SEGA's Alpha Protocol in 2010. Though it wasn't much success due to rushed development. But it was wayy before Ghost Recon Wildlands.
They actually said NO to the studios pitched idea not NO to days gone having a sequal? Maybe one day it'll get a second game and certainly can't rule it out but looking fwd to this new game for sure great studio 😊
I'm just glad they didn't close shop after Days Gone. It's really underrated and I want to see what they can do next.
Yep agree also Sony never said NO to days gone 2 they just said NO to the studios pitched idea of DS2 and going off the MP co/op vibe they pitched I'm glad Sony said NO.
I just want the same massive open world single player story continued tbh
The PC release prob made enough money back to keep them afloat. Dangerous territory when ur 5-yr triple AAA game has avg scores and sales on release. I want to try it just havent found time yet.
We are going to get DG2 before this gen is over I will hope. But this game isn't it.
@RaidenBlack that was made by obsidian. That's their trademark :D
I'd play a more polished version of that!
Tell us you didn't read the headline without actually telling us you didn't read the headline....
I remember Days Gone's reveal and how the media and people were like "it's just another zombie game, lame". Days Gone is still one of the most underappreciated games of last gen. Now it seems that the devs want to try something completely new cause of dumb people who probably never played the game.
Exactly when announced people called it bland and boring and now that Sony gave bend another chances to do a new IP people wants DG2
This is me trying to be fair and objective.
The game sold decent enough. The game reviewed decent enough. But the majority isn't clamoring for a sequel.
I liked the game, but I would rather them try their hand at something different.
A lot on N4G may want a sequel, but many on N4G treat the game as this biased travesty that didn't get its dues, simply because it happened to be one of those Sony backed projects that didn't resonate with people, and got below the reviews Sony exclusives typically get; blaming just a handful of reviews calling the guy a cis white male to blame, when there were multiple stumbles in the overall design, and was buggy even when I played it at multiple patches post launch.
There's definite talent in the studio. It's probably better for them using it towards a new idea.
TheRealTedCruz
It was Sony bends first attempt at a AAA console game in a while so I think whatever they are working in next will be better and more polished. But your points are valid
I don't see how you can rush a game in a few days and enjoy. I always have to take my time.
I agree. I played and beat Days Gone 2 times and had an absolute blast both times. The story, while not amazing, was very good and engaging. The leveling and upgrade system was expansive and refined. The gunplay was polished. Hordes were an amazing dynamic to the game. The motorcycle aspect of the game was where it truly shined. As a motorcycle enthusiast myself, it was really fun getting to upgrade and outfit your bike and cruise around the world with non-stop encounters to keep you engaged.
A few minor gripes with character development, lack of player outfit choices, and repetitive scenery were the only issues I had. I wish the game had some more urban areas to explore instead of mostly just counyside and forests. Some clothes options and story refinements would have also pushed further. I would give the game a 9.2/10. Extremely addicting imo.
Bend studio evolution with days gone was huge. It's a good studio. Let's see what's coming
Exactly. For their first time developing a console game, I say they did a fantastic job. I really liked DG. Looking forward to what they do next. And since they used Unreal engine 4 last game, I'm guessing they're gonna use 5 for this new one. We are in for a visual treat. Can't wait....
Bend used to make playstation games.... and vita games. If anything, this is the first time they made a game that was on anything BUT Sony consoles.
...i love bend studio, golden abyss is my fave psvita game! Hoping to play days gone one day. So im looking forward for their next game.
Sony bend can easily surpassed Naughty dog. Days Gone >>>>> The Last Of Us Part II.
Naughty Dog went from Sony' Top developer to bottom developer.
The ranking from best to worst
1. Insomniac Games
2. Sucker Punch
3. Guirrela Games
4. Sony Bend
5. Naughty Dog
He just need to quickly put up a list to show how much he hates naughty dog, he doesn't care what is in 1-4.
I hate how the story went in The Last of Us 2, but it's a technical masterpiece and its gameplay is something out of a movie, the writing doesn't take that away. They're still PlayStation's top Dog.
That's what annoys me, you dont like the story? I respect that, it's cool. But everything else about the game, from graphics, to attention to detail, and by god the gameplay was in every way shape and form better than the original. Such a snappy, fluid, satisfying set of mechanics. To deny that is just childish
Just because the story didnt go the way you like it, doesnt mean its not a good story. TLOU and Uncharted make ND take the top spot
Bro, if we're talking top 5 Sony studios then Bend isn't on the list. Sucker Punch, SSM, Guerilla, Insomniac, and Naughty Dog.
Bend are talented and have made some good games, but they are not quite on the level of any of those other teams yet.
What's funny and interesting is that they use to be in the top 5 back in the PS1 and PS2 era with Syphon Filter
Lol, that's a crappy way to (intentionally) spoil it for those who haven't played it yet (don't know what they are waiting for).
Well, i'll certainly agree that TLOU2 sucked. Not only was the story crap, the game was just dull and boring. I still don't think the whole studio needs to be thrown to the wolves over it.
But, Neil Drukkman is delusional and thinks his game was flawless and ignored all criticism.....so, it's possible anything he directs in the future, will show nothing learned from TLOU2.
Dull and boring? Lol TLoU2 has some of the most memorable action and stealth sequences in video game history. Also, where did Neil say the game was flawless? The whole studio thrown to the wolves? For making the most awarded game in history? You're delusional and obviously has your feelings hurt by the game lol
@F0XH0UND922 That's funny, there's no part of TLOU2 that stood out as memorable to me. That's the real problem, the game made me feel nothing. Dull and Boring remember? Next to Kingdom Hearts 3 it was one of the most boring "kept playing to say I finished it" experiences ever.
The first game was such an icon, it's amazing how much of a joke 2 was. I said I don't think they need to be thrown to the wolves and Neil IS that kind of guy, he's not worth jumping to his defense. "Most awarded game in history", now that's a true delusion. The only thing impressive about the game is how much people simp for it.
You comedians are getting better by the day...
Yes, the game is controversial but cmon this game is a masterpiece where it matters the most: Gameplay. Flawless, no but as close to it as any other game out there in its niche.
AshleeEmerson I'm pretty sure I called the game boring. Encounters just got so samey and tiresome. Especially didn't help to restart progress halfway through the game making it feel like you wasted your time searching every nook and cranny earlier. It's the first game in a long time i put the game on ultra-easy cus I simply stopped having any fun with the gameplay partway through and just wanted to finish it off.
No.
Naughty Dog is still number 1. Go back and play TLOU2 on PS5 and tell me there's better gameplay, acting, presentation, graphics and detail in another game... I'll wait.
Yes, this is definitely your opinion but... It's obvious if you either don't own a PS console or don't get games.
They are definitely not at the bottom. If there's one developer who has and can set the standards it's Naughty Dog.
I don't have to tell you this but just watch how their PS5 exclusive game (which I'm sure it will be) shuts sh** down but... I don't have to tell you this.
While it's amazing. Ratchet and Clank beats it out graphically, and presentation. Detailing its specific style game yup, but graphical detail ps5 games are beating it. I'd say Miles on ps5 has the most impressive attention to character detail after the muscle deformation update. My point is while it was an amazing masterpiece that holds up even in the new Gen. It's not impressive on a technical standpoint on current Gen. For ps4 absolutely though. And the game does look nice on ps5 for sure. But it's just how it goes with new gens. Was the same for the first one. Amazing technical masterpiece but compared to ps4 games it wasn't a big deal. The game was just that good though. That's the same situation here
Well the easy answer is God of War....But the problem is TLOU2 isn't very good. How pretty it was, is somewhat subjective. I didn't get wow'd by it's presentation compared to other games of that generation. You can brag about the acting all day, but it doesn't mean much when they all play forgettable/boring characters in a poorly written story.
The only time there were likable characters on screen was when you see the younger Ellie and Joel scenes. I would maybe even say I sort of liked Abby, but that's cus they make everyone else so unlikable (Especially Ellie)....oh and fat pony tail guy at the end lol
Lol, look at this snowflake. Still upset about Last of Us 2 being a phenomenal game huh?
Even if you dislike the story. Everything else is way above 99% of games. Script, graphics, animations, sound, acting and Gameplay are some of the best ever made.
I like DG but no my dude. If you didn't like TLOU2 because of the story than you should hate DG. The story was trash.
By far the most clueless take on video game developers I've seen in a long time. Naughty Dog has established themselves as one of, if not the, best game developers in history. The fact that your feelings were hurt by TLoU2 does not discredit all the the critical acclaim and game awards that Naughty Dog has earned. However, it's your right to have that opinion; as childish and misguided as it is.
Just looking for that "fully agree because this obviously makes complete sense" button.
His opinion is misguided and he has to have never played their games. I'm really not trying to bash him but we as gamers, regardless of how biased should at minimum recognize the genius creations they put in our hands.
