Hey there everybody! Wanted to let you know that we hit Beta on Sunday, September 16th! That’s a huge milestone and it means we’re one step closer to finishing Uncharted. The team really pulled together to help achieve this deadline and we couldn’t be more excited about the progress we’ve made. Finally, most everything is in the game and we are just chasing down the last bugs and making a few minor balancing tweaks here and there.
We’ve had our last major focus test week last week too, and we received the data we need to make sure that the gameplay is finely tuned for our final release. This is a process that we take very seriously here at Naughty Dog and something we’ve been doing since the Crash Bandicoot days. We test the game over the course of a week and track a huge number of statistics from the types of weapons used, the amount of time spent in each area, and the number of times the players died. We then use this data to smooth out the difficulty and fix any puzzles or layouts that are too tricky to figure out. This will be the fourth time we do a full focus test like this and we are actually going to squeeze a final mini test in right before we Gold Master to make sure a bug didn’t creep in to mess up our tuning.
It’s also at this stage that a bunch of people in the office who have been so busy making the game, finally get a chance to sit down and play it. A lot of people have been so heads down that they are discovering areas in the game they’d never seen before. And because the cinematics are usually some of the last elements that go in, most people haven’t really seen the story unfold in its entirety. Our own Naughty Dogs make great gameplay testers too!
So we have a little less than 4 weeks to go now, but our bug count is actually shrinking instead of growing. There are going to be a lot of late nights ahead of us, but we’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. And as a sign that we’re almost launching, the official game website has gone up – Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune.
Also, we partnered with GameSpot to give you a sneak peak behind the scenes of our game. Check it out here and here.
(Average: 4.00 out of 5)
222 Comments
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1
XxBigP123xX | October 3rd, 2007 at 9:37 am
i NEED this game! i loved jak and daxter, jak 2, and jak 3! and daxter on psp was genius!
you guys are my heros!
2
Daver | October 3rd, 2007 at 9:42 am
thats a good news! cant wait to try it out
Will there be a demo of the game on PSN before the release? Thx
3
Evan Wells | October 3rd, 2007 at 9:48 am
Yes, we will be creating a downloadable demo for the PSN. We don’t have a final date on when it will be up, but it will be before our release date.
4
XxBigP123xX | October 3rd, 2007 at 9:49 am
will there be online play? not that i care because i know the single player will be amazing =)
5
Daver | October 3rd, 2007 at 9:50 am
Great! Thank you for the answer
6
Hellblazer | October 3rd, 2007 at 9:53 am
Will there be any integration with Home? Also, for the love of god enable v-sync if you haven’t already. Can’t be having tearing spoiling this visual masterpiece.
Looking forward to it!
7
Enedok | October 3rd, 2007 at 9:54 am
So will gameplay time be just as long as a Jak games? :)
8
TwinsDad | October 3rd, 2007 at 9:58 am
Killer article. I love to hear about processes. Nice to know your going Gold soon. I loved the game version you had at PAX 2007. It made me want the game more then ever. Which a demo should as well. So thank you for the news on a Demo.
9
Kratos_ate_Snake | October 3rd, 2007 at 10:01 am
Why no multilayer? did you guys give it a shot and it didn’t work out so good, or did you guys not even bother with it?
10
JordanBlack68 | October 3rd, 2007 at 10:16 am
Great work, this game is a must have,
Take care :)
11
LiquidMetal14 | October 3rd, 2007 at 10:17 am
Did Tomb Raider need MP Kratos? Geez be logical. And congrats ND, you guys never fail me.
12
leetfoo | October 3rd, 2007 at 10:20 am
Will this game be in 1080p, or at least be 720p-with-software-scaling-to-1080i so that those of us with 1080i-only TVs can play in hi def? If not, you’re going to lose at least a few sales of what looks to be a great game.
13
Carl | October 3rd, 2007 at 10:21 am
AWESOME! I may just have to import this from America instead of waiting for the UK release date, because thats ages away. This game is looking mighty excting, But that isnt entirely surprising, as this game is made by the creators of Crash Bandicoot, and Jak and Daxter!!
Hope this game is nice and long.
This game is going to rock. And thanks for the update Evan.
14
zookey | October 3rd, 2007 at 10:22 am
Meh…… LOLJK this game looks like it will rule–I like that it is a more approachable Tomb Raider style game–I say more approachable because, lets face it, a lot of TR’s marketing was around Lara’s assets–which made it seem less accessable to someone who could give a crap less (sexuality does not make a game playable!!)—-this took more of an Indiana Jones style approach with the average Joe character and I think that kind of storytelling rocks–sweet that we will be getting a demo too!
15
redDragon | October 3rd, 2007 at 10:47 am
This game is looking great as usual Naughty Dog. Always holding up your rep ;)
And its so nice to hear you guys are doing a demo and BEFORE the release no less. Thanks so much, here’s to hoping everyone will love it and you’ll sell more copies that way.
Can’t wait to get a release date for the demo! I’m really excited!!! Btw, is the demo of the final build or close to?
16
nmc75 | October 3rd, 2007 at 10:50 am
Keep up the good work Naughty Dog devs., can’t wait to play this one. Thanks for the update!
17
Destroyer41139 | October 3rd, 2007 at 10:52 am
Thanks Naughty Dog a demo goes a long way towards increasing the sales of any game.
18
gardea | October 3rd, 2007 at 10:52 am
Waiting for the demo + game to release :)
The game looks really good (from what I’ve seen in the videos), but I just hope that fists do not = guns in terms of power. It would be better if they got knocked out when you hit them rather than them dying. Unless they get hit in a place that could kill you irl.
19
elutej | October 3rd, 2007 at 10:53 am
Nice..This game is looking great..can’t wait to play it! Bring on the demo..
20
scott | October 3rd, 2007 at 10:56 am
if the demos is as good i hope it will be then im going to get the game on nov.20.
were is the demo
21
Kratos_ate_Snake | October 3rd, 2007 at 10:59 am
@ 11 LiquidMetal14
first of all, I don’t care about tomb raider…
second, I am just asking if they considered multiplayer. I am not saying “omg this game sux! no multiplayer crap crap crap” so stop being so defensive.
Maybe the question sounded too negative, let me repeat it.
Ahem….
ND I love all your games and this one one looks to be one of my favorite you have created so far. I will be buying it it day one blah blah blah kiss up to ND.
could you please be tell me how your brilliant team approached multiplayer? Did you guys consider it, or though it was not a necessary feature? Either way I back you guys up with your decisions 100% keep up the good work. :-)
Thank you, your loyal fan K.a.S! ;-)
22
lakaihigh | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:01 am
Uncharted looks soooo sick. I want it so bad. I am part of that 35% that are going to buy this game on its release date. When you said that you hit the Beta on the 16th of September, what does that imply?
Lh
23
GAME-HERO | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:06 am
CAN’T WAIT!
24
Jenovah | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:07 am
Congrats Evan, I a cannot wait to pick this game up. Can you comment on screen tearing (v-sync) in regards to Uncharted as it is one of my graphical pet peeves with some next gen titles coming out. Good luck on the final phase.
25
Top_Shelf | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:08 am
XxBigP123xX: Of course I don’t have an answer for you, but based on the screens/videos we’ve seen so far — I somehow doubt it — unless it’s just an after thought… I completely agree though. Even a coop mode alone where one of you could be Drake and the other could be the girl would be awesome… Based on what I’ve seen so far, a multiplayer death match of this game would be amazing… I sure hope it’s in there! — but I doubt it. :-/
Ya know what we need… Jumpman and Jumpman Jr. on PSN. hehe. :D
I miss that game… Maybe Epyx would still be around if they had just made remakes of that game and did nothing else!
26
Deviation | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:09 am
This game is at the very top of my PS3 most-wanted list, even ahead of Ratchet and Clank Future. I can’t wait to get my hands on that demo and I’ve got my $60 ready for the game.
27
AwRy108 | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:16 am
Can’t wait! The team at Naughty Dog is one of the most talented and creative in the business, so I know this game will be awesome.
28
Makasu | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:17 am
Looks great guys!
29
naughtyco | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:18 am
I appreciate Naughty Dog and what they do with the medium. They bring something new and fresh to the playing field. I’m sick of seeing FPS after FPS where you run around and kill aliens.
Thanks, Naughty Dog, for helping evolve the industry by trying something different, and not contributing to its mediocrity.
30
Globox82 | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:22 am
NAUGHTY DOG you RULE!
31
Evan Wells | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:23 am
In regards to the UK release date, I believe its December 7th. We’re doing simultaneous localization in 13 languages (most, if not all, of which will be in the US version) and should be released in all territories within 3 weeks of each other.
As for multiplayer, we opted to stick to making the most compelling single player game possible this time. But there is a lot of game there and some pretty good replay value with multiple difficulty levels, hidden treasures, medal points, and some really cool unlockables.
32
XxBigP123xX | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:25 am
does it support home trophys? how about a new trailer on the psn so i can watch it on the 40 inch :)
also is there going to be a new jak? what about the lost frontier?
33
Agriel | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:27 am
sweet, man I can’t wait for this game, quick question do you guys plan on making any DLC via PSN for Uncharted? Be cool if you did
34
zookey | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:32 am
Good work dude–can’t wait to play the game!!!!!!!!!!!!! I like it when they use an everyday average joe type character—it makes the story easier to connect with—plus that video feature on GameSpot was cool–especially when one of your MoCap guys talked about how he explained his job to his son–that was pretty cool—-BTW does anyone else have problems with submitting a message and it doesn’t even pop up on the board? I tried to say this same thing above (about the average joe type guy and the like) 3 times now and the first 3 times the site acts like it was submitted properly but nothing shows up–I know I am not banned or anything cause I am still replying in the Lair on iTunes thread—what is up with that? Either way, already got Uncharted, R&C, Folklore and HAZE paid off–going to be a good Q4 hehe!
35
Skyzlimitz | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:34 am
THANK YOU!! Damn, I can’t wait for this game its going to be amazing!! I am looking forward for the demo..Keep up the hard work Naughty Dog and best of luck to you guys.
36
scott | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:35 am
when will the demo be here
37
scorpio | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:35 am
This looks great, I will be getting this game. Not enough of these adventure games….
38
Dubbedinenglish | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:41 am
Woo Hoo looks great!
39
Coke-a-Cola | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:58 am
Fantasic News……………I am so thrilled there are People Like You out there making stuff of this quality FOR PS3
EDGE OF SEAT BABY
Many thanks
Leif Ostlund
40
foolio_67 | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:58 am
Games looks great! We need more games like this.
41
DrPirate | October 3rd, 2007 at 11:58 am
Are the hooks in place to support PSHome trophies when it comes out?
Also, will it support rumble out of the box, so if I import a dualshock 3, I will get the rumble feature?
42
hostes | October 3rd, 2007 at 12:01 pm
@ Evan Wells:
congratulations to uncharted! the games looks great!!!
but i have an important question from the european community:
will the blood effects change? – when u r shooted then there is this blood effect and nearly everyone thinks that the blood effect looks very “cheap” … :(
i think that u could make better blood effects..
thx for the answers
hostes
43
lostboy85 | October 3rd, 2007 at 12:05 pm
The game looks like a lot of fun. Hopefully it wont be as difficult as Jak 2 + 3. I still havent finished either of them.
BTW thanks for tweaking the female characters appearance, something was off with her face.
44
B1ack_Mage | October 3rd, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Awesome, this is my most anticipated title this year. Naughty Dog has never let me down before, and this game doesn’t look to disappoint. Hopefully in the inevitable sequel there will be multiplayer or co-op. Keep up the great work.
45
ShinnokDrako | October 3rd, 2007 at 12:17 pm
This game will’use Home features or something like that?
46
drdre74 | October 3rd, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Just wondering since there is no online game play, how long is the game in play hours? I bought my PS3 just for this game and Heavnely Sword!
47
aaquib | October 3rd, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Awesome, thanks for the update Evan. I can’t wait for the demo and the final game :)
48
rique | October 3rd, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Great news, but I am having trouble with the site =(
Anyone with the same problem?
49
TyranX | October 3rd, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Me wants! NOW!
Man so many games coming out!
Whether I get Uncharted, Ratchet and Clank, of Haze…. :(
50
lyfestory | October 3rd, 2007 at 12:30 pm
game looks amazing.. can’t wait.. definitely will be buying it soon as i can get it……
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