The Next (R)Evolution in Video Games

February 1, 2011 | Posted by

If you know me, then you know that I am a huge fan of video games. I'm by no means the only addict in the office (I think Jim may have actually checked into a clinic once or twice at the insistence of his girlfriend) so please take my post with a grain of salt. The next evolution in video games is due out in May 2011 and it's entitled "L.A. Noire"

The game was developed by Team Bondai (a subsidiary of RockStar Games & Take Two Interactive) with an unparalleled meticulous attention to detail. The team went to countless buildings still standing from the 1940's in order to capture as many photos as possible to catalogue style guides for the game.  

"We created 'Production Bibles' which are like production design style guides for all the locations in the game," said Wood, "The bibles have floorplans, material, dressing, graphics and signage, lighting details, and any other reference images that are needed to create the locations in the game. We made over 140 of them altogether."

But the biggest technological stride is probably the game's advances in character modelling entitled MotionScan, where actors are recorded by 32 surrounding HD cameras to capture facial expressions from every angle. This gives characters life as they're faces change to indicate when they are telling the truth or lying. This level of detail gives a game play element that could never be seen before now. 

My only regret is I took so many days off to go to Brazil and I could use them to play this game. Naaa. I would still rather go to the beach.