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Broken
Sword Rus
(BSR):
'Broken Sword Rus' has heard that you're involved into the developing of 'So
Blondy' and that's why we're eager to ask you, as a script writer, a few
questions.
At first we can't keep from asking you about this: in your blog you've
written that you were asked to lecture in some European university. Won't you
reveal some details of it?
Steve
Ince (SI):
I was approached by another game designer
who’s taken up a position to teach on a course that covers game design. I was
asked to do the same and would have covered the narrative side of game design.
Although I’m a strong supporter of game related education, I much prefer to be a
creator than a teacher and had to turn down the chance. The course looked very
good and the people involved were top class, but I felt I had to go with my
heart.
BSR:
Now let's get to the point of our conversation - 'So Blonde'.
As it is clear from the press-release, you are writing the script for this game.
Won't you specify whether you are occupied only with a script or also with
puzzles, etc.?
SI:
So Blonde has been wonderful to work on because I’ve been
able to mesh the gameplay, story and characters really well together. Although
the original idea and a number of the characters started with Wizarbox, I’ve
been able to take those and build from that solid foundation. The team has been
very supportive and although there has been regular feedback and excellent
suggestions, I’ve been able to weave the main gameplay and story in a way that
takes the player from the beginning to the end in a satisfying manner.
BSR: A few questions on the plot. Recently adventures with various
plotlines have come into fashion. What about 'So Blonde' in this sense? Will
there be a choice of several storylines or will we have to follow a straight
plotline?
SI:
At this stage we’re not giving too many details away about the
story and plot. However, the ending of the game may depend on how you play it.
I’d actually like to say that a game’s linearity is always going to be
subjective. If you play a game straight through once then the story the player
experiences will seem to be linear.
BSR: A lot of storyline surprises were
promised. Will you often make us be surprised?
SI:
I hope so. There were a
few things that surprised me. Again, it comes down to the way that I’ve woven
things together and how the characters have developed – sometimes they do or say
things I wasn’t expecting, which kind of implies they have a life of their own.
BSR: What has inspired you to create a story about a blonde and a desert
island? Maybe some serial or celebrity?
SI:
As I already said, the
original premise came from Wizarbox, so I guess you’d really have to ask those
guys where the idea originated. However, as I developed the story and her
character she became a bit of an amalgam of all kinds of characters from TV and
film.
BSR: The press-release told us about a 17-years old blonde with rich
parents. What can you tell about her?
SI:
I’m tempted to say that she’s a
typical 17-year-old, but there’s much more to her than that. Yes, she has rich
parents, air-head friends and relies on her Dad’s credit card for everything,
but what will happen when she’s faced with adversity? Only playing the game will
really answer that and if I say much more it will spoil the enjoyment you get
from getting to know her in the game.
BSR: Please, tell us about other
characters she meets with. Of course we understand that she's on a desert island
but maybe she'll meet a talking parrot or something?
SI:
The cast of
supporting characters are a wonderful variety that all fit together very well,
weaving in and out of the plot. There’s the handsome poet, the villain and his
side-kick and a whole host of rugged pirates... Is there a talking parrot? I’m
afraid that’s top secret.
BSR: Is 'So Blonde' a classic point'n'click
adventure?
SI:
Most definitely! Though there are a number of gameplay
surprises throughout the game, the point-and-click interface perfectly suits the
style of the game.
BSR: And certainly we must ask you about 'Sapphire
Claw'. How is the work going?
SI:
Currently the development of the game is
on hold (which is why I’m able to work on So Blonde) and at this time it’s
unclear when I may get the chance to kick-start it again.
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