2K President Says Emotion Requires Photorealistic Graphics

The leader of one of the most important publishers in the video games industry believes that no new genres will be introduced before the graphics technology allows developers to deliver photorealistic experiences.

Christoph Hartmann, who is the global president of 2K Games, has told Games Industry that, “Recreating a Mission Impossible experience in gaming is easy; recreating emotions in Brokeback Mountain is going to be tough, or at least very sensitive in this country… it will be very hard to create very deep emotions like sadness or love, things that drive the movies.”

He added, “Until games are photorealistic, it’ll be very hard to open up to new genres. We can really only focus on action and shooter titles; those are suitable for consoles now. To dramatically change the industry to where we can insert a whole range of emotions, I feel it will only happen when we reach the point that games are photorealistic; then we will have reached an endpoint and that might be the final console.”

A number of developers have said that the future of games is linked with emotions and a deeper connection with protagonists.

Quantic Dream created a feeling of heavy experience with Heavy Rain, allowing players to inhabit the bodies of a number of characters and understand their inner workings.

The company is now working on Beyond: Two Souls, another title which seeks to deal with emotions over a period of 15 years.

2K Games has been focusing on the creation of sports titles, including the very popular NBA 2K series and relies on titles from Rockstar for much of its revenue.

Parent company Take Two has announced less than impressive financial results for the last three months, but the potential launch of Grand Theft Auto V before the end of the year makes analysts optimistic about its future.

Via: 2K President Says Emotion Requires Photorealistic Graphics