Jul
5
Inside the Developers Studio: Dylan Jobe
+ Posted by Dylan Jobe // Game Director, Warhawk
1. What game do you have at E3 this year?
Warhawk, baby!
2. Tell us more about your game. What’s the story?
Warhawk isn’t about a story – plain and simple. Warhawk is about fast, fun, full spectrum warfare with the stuff that players should expect to see in a war game. While there are numerous clever elements in Warhawk that we’re very proud of, we actively tried to adhere to proven conventions that players are already familiar with.
I’m not about to write a bunch of marketing and PR spew here…if you’re interested in learning more about Warhawk, check-out Warhawk.com.
3. Describe it (your game) in five words or less.
OPTION#1 = The love child of Unreal Tournament and Battlefield.
OPTION#2 = The fastest war-game you’ve ever played!
OPTION#3 = One of our Public BETA testers referred to Warhawk as a “Super Hot, psycho, girlfriend”. This description works pretty well.
4. What did you do on this game that you couldn’t do on another platform?
It’s hard to answer this and not sound like a gratuitous SONY sales pitch 
Although I would say it’s the sum-total of all of our natural phenomenon in the game. Our clouds, procedural water, atmospheric scattering, terrain, etc. All of this stuff runs in parallel on all 7 SPUs simultaneously every frame – I’m still not sure if the game community is giving enough credit to just how fast the SPUs really are.
5. What do you think is the coolest aspect of this game?
I’m really proud of our Quick-Split technology. It’s something that once people see how easy and fast our split-screen works, they are often left wondering why it isn’t done like that in other games.
Players might remember back to the last game I produced, War of the Monsters; we had a cool split-screen to single screen transition in that game. Split-screen is really important to me as a developer and I’m a firm believer in “couch-appeal”. Games that are not only fun to play, but fun to *watch* being played.
“Couch-appeal” is a common denominator among most successful titles. I kinda got of topic there for a second
6. If you could sit one person in front of your game for an hour, who would it be?
Jade Raymond (Assassins Creed) – I have a purely innocent, *professional* crush on her
7. What game do you most want an hour to sit in front of yourself (besides your own)?
Hmmm, probably Starcraft 2 — I’m a Protoss Zealot IRL! Most people don’t know that about me. I have a Pylon in my office. One of the other games that I am dying to play isn’t announced yet – The PR folks will shank me if I say anything about it.
8. How many E3’s does E3 2007 mark for you?
Since ‘99 – so this year will be 9…OMG, I feel so old now!
9. Describe the pre-2007 E3 experience in five words or less.
Well last year’s E3 was insane – needless to say my pre-E3 experience last year was not spent refining my SIXAXIS interpretive dance!
10. You are asked to make suggestions for an E3 survival kit — what three items HAVE to be included?
Who knows what the kit should have in it for this new format? Probably a great map or GPS since people are going to be driving all over LA!
The old-school E3 kit would have included earplugs, Excedrin and a small sketch book. It was always great to play so many games and take notes about what they were doing well and what elements didn’t work.
On an unrelated note, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to attend E3 with a high-powered directional mic. It is *truly* staggering how open some people are with confidential information. An acute ear at the cafeteria can yield some really interesting info
11. What advice would you have for someone who has never experienced E3?
Wow, not even sure where to begin! It’s like 3 separate high schools having high-budget pep-rallies all in the same gymnasium.
Sadly, people won’t be able to experience the sensory pressure cooker of E3s past – Who knows how this new format will turn out.
11. Describe what you anticipate from 2007’s newly formatted E3 in five words or less.
Not much – I’m skeptical. (that’s actually only 4-and-a-half words so I should get some kind of prize)
12. Most over used phrase or expression during E3 season.
The team and I are soooo sick of devs saying that they are “taking things to the next level!”
I think the press should call shenanigans on any dev who drops a line like this in an interview. “So what we’re trying to do here with Super-Ultra-Tea-Party-Turbo EX-HD is take the first-person, turn-based, MMORPG, Tea and Biscuits simulation genre to the next level!!”
*dylan vomits on floor*
*dylan takes note of stomach’s evacuated contents*
*corn is observed*
13.When is it being released?
Warhawk is coming to the PlayStation Store *and* on Blu-ray at brick-n-mortar Stores nationwide in early Fall.
14.What’s your favorite part about developing games for a living?
This will sound giga-dorky but…I really like the people. This industry pulls together such an eclectic group of people – it keeps work very exciting.
Filed: Developer Corner
(Average: 4.25 out of 5)
Pages: « 1 2 3 4 »
159 Comments Add your own
51
chase | July 5th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
is this game going 2 be in 1080 or 720
52
Kraken | July 5th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Omg! Split screen and online!
That’s awsome, I wasn’t aware of that.
Yea, I think to many games omit the split-screen feature. Way to go guys.
Looking forward to this one. It’s been bumped up on my list.
53
Cagalli | July 5th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
The beta was fantastic. I didn’t plan on getting the game before, but now I do.
54
PS3_123106 | July 5th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Looks like a damn fine game coming down the pipes, I really can’t wait to get on-line to try this one out, thanx Sony
55
chase | July 5th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
theres going 2 be alot of dead newbs
when this comes out
56
Devin1498 | July 5th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Speaking of chase’s comment, will there be a match-making system? Also will you guys support Playstation Home in the form of trophies or anything like that?
57
chase | July 5th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
thats cool when is home suppose 2 drop
58
derrickgott007 | July 5th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Dylan Jobe is an awesome Developer…He talked with all of us Beta Testers, took what we said into account, made changes to the game to fit us, etc…..
HE IS THE POLAR OPPOSITE OF SETH LUISI…
DYLAN JOBE IS THE MAN!!!!
Warhawk is a MUST BUY!
59
missionAvs | July 5th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Thanks for the update Dylan!!! This game is looking great!!
60
chase | July 5th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
i cant wait 2 play my old school music when im flying around killing people by that time xmb should be up and running
61
Prolo | July 5th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
I’m so happy i got into the beta for this game. Like the others said, its a shame its over, but that just means its time to show the real deal. The game is great, great graphics, great physics, great gameplay period. This is a must have. Thanks for the interview!!
62
self.confessed.cynic | July 5th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
I’m getting this at the same time I get my PS3 - no doubt about it.
All I need now is the money.
63
Stoffinator | July 5th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
I loved the beta and can’t wait for the game.
64
Herby | July 5th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Great Interview !
I like the insight into the 7 SPU running at the same time. I am sure the game looks great. I was pissed I didn’t get into the beta, oh well you can’t get into all of them.
I wonder what game you where talking about. I hope they show it at E3.
65
omegasyde | July 5th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Dude, this game is beter than Halo 3 (mulitplayer). I traded Playstations with a friend just to play the beta.
You studio rocks, is there going to be a sequal of war of the monsters?
It was a awesome game and I can’t wait for the next twisted metal!!!!
66
chase | July 5th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Rumor: Circuit City employee says PS3 will be cut to $499.99
http://n4g.com/industrynews/News-49754.aspx
it only an rumor
67
ziggyd24 | July 5th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
i cant wait!!! I wish they had those playsation cards realeased though.
68
dagundam | July 5th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
The other unannoucned game he’s dying to play….????
must be a sony game… since he knows about it and he talks of the PR shanking him. hahah
Warhawk is one of th games on the top of my list .
Great to know!
69
Zomah | July 5th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
I’m getting tired off this bull, every game for the PS3 is getting released later. We never know why cause no-one tells us anything. Why not make a article about that! And whats going on with the F1 license, did MS get that one also
70
mycococo | July 5th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
THIS GAME IS BY FAR THE BEST GAME I HAVE EVER PLAYED!!!! i bought the ps3 for this game and i am so happy i got a tast of it through the beta. MY ONLY GRIPE!!!…on the mini map the red and blue warhawks look the same. i am color blind! make the blue bright!
71
DrFurbs | July 5th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Im going to buy this game. Well done chaps.
72
Garinol | July 5th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Warhawk is soaring once again, this time on PlayStation 3!
73
Mattjk | July 5th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
looks great, cant wait to buy it.
74
PSFaithful | July 5th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
I can honestly say that I did not spend more than 1-2 hrs a week playing anything else on ANY console for that month the beta was out. This is an awesome game and trust me… you all WANT to buy it!
75
HanSolo | July 5th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
100$ ps3 price drop is coming july 15!!!!
just in time for all this great games!!!!
76
Gothdom | July 5th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
I beta tested this too, and I can say this game is awesome! Also, everytime I read this guy’s comments, I love them, he says he likes people and it shows (moreso in the beta forums). All beta users gave some ideas and he took some of them, which is great.
If you have a PS3, you have to buy this title!
77
Gavi | July 5th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
Another developer stepping up to the plate and showing the boys how it should be done.
Splitscreen online multiplayer!! The way of the future!
Also, the price drop, is it a limited time offer? Is it a temporary drop to increase sales and add buzz? Sony PR are sure to enter and say no comment to speculation or rumours.
Anyhow, looking back into the past, the PS2 didn’t drop price for 18 months, but then again it was at a much lower price point. I’m curious about the manufacturing costs of the PS3 and how much Sony is able to cut off the price, but I guess they won’t be revealing that kind of information here or anywhere else to be frank.
78
HanSolo | July 5th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
100 $ price drop on the 60 gb in north america, starting july 15, so far cc only has an ad, but expect the annoucnment at e3, its GAME OVER for the competition, with all these great games, reliable hardware and a price drop, the end!
79
MasterCharged | July 5th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
this game looks awesome and has the gameplay to boot. the beta was more fun then a real game. i can’t wait for this
80
ROBZ. | July 5th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
They need more lighting effect on the plane. it looks like ps2 graphics. I know this is only a beta but come on. Use the ps3 power.
81
chase | July 5th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
100$ ps3 price drop is coming july 15!!!!
http://kotaku.com/gaming/rumor/playstation-3-100-price-cut-hits-july-15-275391.php
82
Kittonwy | July 5th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
The beta was great, can’t wait for the real deal, got the retail version pre-ordered already, when Warhawk launches our clan at gaf will be ready. ~_~
83
Gavi | July 5th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
@HanSolo
Woah, I wouldn’t go so far as to say game over for the competition. It’ll take until at least 2009 for the PS3 to get down to the sweet price point for the casual gamer to play beyond. However, by the time they do come on board, think of all the gaming goodness that’ll await them. MGS4, GTAIV, FFXIII, GT5………
If anyone was expecting the PS3 to be selling at previous PlayStation platform levels then you only need to look at the price differences to see why it’s not. Don’t worry this console won’t stay at $599 forever, things will pick up, right?
84
PSFaithful | July 5th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
@big6boy, that’s not true, the character & warhawk customizations were pretty awesome. And aside from the early freeze issues of the beta, it NEVER froze while using splitscreen for me. This game was very impressive… I didn’t expect to it to be so fun & addictive.
85
chacal81 | July 5th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
If it does not run @ 1080P I don’t want it.
86
Indigoo | July 5th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
how big of a file would it be if you download warhawk from the playstation store ???
87
DocEvils | July 5th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
When does Warhawk come out in Europe? I really want a bluetooth headset, but I want to get it with the game.
88
chacal81 | July 5th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
I have a question, how come I can upscale a ps2 game from 480i to 1080p, but not a ps3 game from 720p to 1080p? The ps3 promised full hd, so when will that be the norm?
89
blizzard182 | July 5th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
I am really waiting for this game to come out and buy it. The idea of the headset is really nice since I don’t have one.
Off Topic: You just passed your crush on Jade to me. Gorgeous.
90
HanSolo | July 5th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
now its official, $100 ps3 price drop in july
all stores!!
http://kotaku.com/gaming/truth/retailer-confirms-100-ps3-price-cut-275456.php
91
Pucho | July 5th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
I am really excited about his game. Any idea when this will come to Australia? I was devastated to learn i could not be apart of the BETA because i don’t live in the US. When you say available on playstation store for download do you mean US store or all stores??
92
Figboy | July 5th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
*sigh, i got the wonderful opportunity to be included in the Warhawk Beta for the entire week before it ended.
one of the most fun weeks i’ve had in a long time, especially on my PS3.
it pains me that the Beta is over now, but i got Ninja Gaiden Sigma to hold me over for a bit until Warhawk finally releases.
i had no interest in the title at all (i played it at last years E3, and it was fun, but once i learned it was going multi-player only, i kind of lost interest; i’m not a big online gamer. single player for me!), but after getting into the Beta, i was sold on this title.
it is a day one purchase for me for sure.
it’s fun, easy to get into, and after a while, i got pretty good at actually fighting in the Warhawks, as i was mainly on foot before.
i didn’t use the SIXAXIS controls more than once, because i really wanted to play the game, and didn’t want to spend my 7 days in the Beta getting acclimated to the motion controls.
i’ll do that when it releases.
93
blizzard182 | July 5th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Ohhh sweet deal in the price drop.
And the Blueray promotion.
And the games this holidays.
PS3 is going to kick some @ss
94
PS3_is_cool | July 5th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Are we going to get anything in the store today?? Great read btw on Warhawk, I’ll be buying the retail version that comes with the bluetooth headset since I don’t have one.
95
frito | July 5th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
96
SWANN | July 5th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
I was Warhawk beta tester and enjoyed the game very much. I’m really looking forward to it. People kept asking me what that game was like and I said the best way for me to describe it was SOCOM with jets.
This will definately be a PSN download for me.
Great game, Dylan. BTW, I agree with you 500% on Jade Raymond!!!
97
Lowe | July 5th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
I can’t wait! I can’t wait! Wish I’m playing this right now!
Does anyone know how big is the installation file for WarHawk? Hopefully it’s not too big cos’ I’m on Wi Fi.
BTW, if any admin is reading this, the column “PLAYSTATION CONVERSATION” is spelt wrongly as “PLAYSTATION CONVERSTATION”. Or is it done on purpose?
98
Vassago | July 5th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
this games look crazy i play so much at battlefield on ps2 so when i will get my ps3 that will be a most have !! And i think in this games we will start to see the capabality of the spu
i know and i alway know the ps3 is the strongest 
99
K | July 5th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Great game but I hope the early Fall means late August or early September or else it may get lost in other game’s hype.
100
Keysersoze10033 | July 5th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Off Topic: Hey Lempel, is there going to be anything released in the PS store today? I’m going to let you slide if you bring us some E bombs for next week.
As for Warhawk, I’m a lil pissed I did get in the beat, but I’m looking forward for the game. Count me on for a first day purchase..
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