Dishonored co-directors Raphael Colantonio and Harvey Smith seem like good mates. In a newly published YouTube let’s play of their creation, they sit side by side, both dressed in black t-shirts like a married couple who’ve gone to great pains to coordinate their threads. Would that still be the case if their efforts to make Thief 4 and a Blade Runner game respectively hadn’t ended up being mashed together to form 2012’s sneaky holiday to Dunwall? Perhaps not, given Smith said it felt as though the pair needed couples therapy by the time they wrapped up a game which wasn’t based on a single established work one director would have loved more than the other.
This post offers an interesting glimpse into the creative dynamics behind some beloved games. It’s always fascinating to see how collaboration and differing visions can shape the final product. Excited to hear more about what the future holds for these talented developers!