After all the build-up, we’ve finally reached the end of E3. Not coincidentally, we also present our final E3 developer interview: Insomniac Games President and CEO Ted Price. In this segment, Mr. Price talks about the best way get a foot in the door of the videogames business, his most difficult days as a developer, and answers the questions *you* asked (question-asker in parentheses):
- Do you think huge trade events like E3 are going to last? (Jeigh)
- If you get the chance, what game(s) do you most want to go hands-on with at E3 2008? (Genki-Rocket)
- Who in the industry would you most like to collaborate on a game with? (indigovenom)
- If you could re-make any previous-generation game for the PS3, which title would it be, and what would it be like? (KazeEternal)
- When did you know for sure that you belonged in the video game business? (Sindress)
- What kind of advice would you give those currently in college and would like to pursue a career in video game development? (Voozi)
- What is the hardest part about game development today? (osirisomeomi)
- If you could say one thing to the fans of your game/series out there, what would it be? (Xanog)
Thanks to Ted, and everyone at Insomniac Games and SCEA Santa Monica who helped me put these interviews together. And thanks to all of you that watched (tens of thousands), commented, and asked the questions we’ve used.
While this wraps up our E3 interview, it does *not* wrap up our E3 coverage. Stay tuned to the blog for more, including MAG details.
IDS Series Links:
* Inside the Developers Studio: Brian Allgeier
* Inside the Developers Studio: Matt Morton
* Inside the Developers Studio: Rusty Buchert
* Inside the Developers Studio: Tsubasa Inaba
* Inside the Developers Studio: Kyle Shubel
* Inside the Developers Studio: Deb Mars
Cannot wait for R2 and R&C game. PS3 is loaded.
I love this company!
Just Awesome! :)
I LOVE YOU TED!
the Peopel at insomniac are genious for bringing us the rachet and clank series and now resistance
also you shocked me at E3 with R&C Quest for booty and resistance for the PSP
Interesting…
hey a few questions 1 for ted and one for jeff.
ted- will Ratchet and clank Quest for booty have co-op or online play?
Jeff- jsut a question, is it possible to upgrade the ps3’s web browser’s flash to 9? is this possible and i know a lot of people from the fourms have asked for this, i just want to get you guys to see that we do. ( but if its not possible no worries : )
Ted is it true that with the opening of your new East Coast studio you guys will be going multiplatform??
I loved the first Resistance, was my first PS3 game actually, and I will diffidently be getting Resistance 2 and Gears of War 2 in November(best month for online shooters evar).
Cool video!! I have that Resistance stand up poster in the background :P.
you guys are the best. keep up the nice work and keep the games coming.
Ya Insomniac is Awesome!. The best company developing for the PS3 IMO. I have never been treated so well as a customer by any company in any business… seriously! YOU GUYS ROCK!
Thank you, Ted! I really enjoy your interviews. You are giving just the information everyone wants to know and I like how you do it. Hang on. I am looking forward to Resistance 2!
My first meting with Insomniac games was on PSX, my first game was Spyro the Dragon, personally, I prefer it over Crash Bandicoot series. Unfortunately, Insomniac dropped Spyro series and others company destroyed the legend of purple dragon :(
Please, do Spyro on PS3 ;) (I know it’s kinda unreal).
Hi Ted,
First of all let me give you and the guys/gals at Insomniac a big “thank you” for all the great games you’ve done over the past few years. Also congratulations on the E3 presentation, Resistance 2 was finally unveiled and it was great.
I just have one question, is there an ability to run ,similar to the way you run in COD4/Killzone 2, in Resistance 2? Looking at the presentation I’m afraid there isn’t but I must urge you guys to include that “feature”.
It really adds a lot to get the game in terms of immersion and strategy. It will also make the kind of action sequences you showed at E3 more exciting. When I saw that sequence I felt that something was missing…and after a while I realized it was that sense of urgency you get from seeing your character running. As it is now, Nathan seems to be chilling, taking his time to go up the stairs even though a 300ft monster is attacking him.
Well, sorry for writing such a long post but I felt the need to tell you this since Resistance is one of my favorite games and I want Resistance 2 to be the most enjoyable FPS this year. The only way I can help is by giving you guys feedback and believe for most of my friends it’s hard to play Resistance 1 after playing COD4 and the main reason it’s because they feel “slow” since they can’t run. Something that is completely in their mind because the average speed in both games is the same…but that running animation has big effect in people’s mind.
anyway best of luck putting up the finishing touches in Resistance 2.
Cheers!
Great interview. I’ve been working towards the field. Currently work in QA department for a small company would love to make the jump into the industry.
Is it ever too late or can someone be too old to become involved in game development?
Ted Price is the man!!
I agree with haran_elessar, please consider adding a sprint button.
Definatly need a sprint button.
Ted, do you help out with both Q4B and resistance 2? Do you have time for both?
Hey Ted, this year there are two notable FPS, Resistance 2 and Far Cry 2. Both are awesome in their own ways. Tell me, why would I go with your Resistance 2 over Far Cry 2? I am a kind of a player who loves to invite his friends over to split-screen multiplayer, should I be exited for this? Does this game have any cool PS Eye feature? Last question, will you support this game with major DLC, I am not talking about your regular map pack.
Thanks bro
@15
haran_elessar
ditto
The question about “What game would you like to see brought to the PS3?” should be asked to us, the fans, as well.
I would love to see Shadow of the Colossus broght to life with the power of the PS3. It’s already an amazing title on PS2 but on PS3 it can be visually even more stunning to be looked at and enjoyed that much more. I also think that the frame rate could be a whole lot better on the PS3. DUH!
@ 15
Also, ditto. A running feature should be standard on modern FPS’s these days.
To:
Kaz Hirai, Jack Tretton, Eric Lempel, Jeff Rubenstein and anyone who will listen…
Sony has many interesting and exclusive PlayStation 3 games on the horizon for consumers to look forward to. Whilst that may be the case, Sony should look to deliver more popular, established brands to the PlayStation 3. Proven, quality titles are guaranteed to sell both more hardware and software.
Sony admits to being disappointed with Square Enix bringing Final Fantasy XIII to the XBox 360. The best way to offset that disappointment is to hit back with an even bigger announcement.
In addition to planned software releases, I encourage Sony to invest in another major title as a PlayStation 3 exclusive in all territories. The title should not be something in development. The title should be something with a huge following and interest, something that fans have petitioned for and Sony simply could not possibly go wrong with.
Sony, please buy the exclusive rights to & fund Sega’s delivery of : “Shenmue III” for PlayStation 3.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. Resistance 2 will be a must get for me this year. Can’t wait to continue Hale’s descent into the Chimera’s twisted path. Awesome job goes out to all the folks at Insomniac.
Ted & All the guys / gals at Insomniac,
We love you! There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that you guys are the best developer working on the PS3 today. All your work so far has been nothing short of spectacular. RFOM is still my fave game on the PS3, with R&C TOD a very close second.
It would break my heart if you guys went multi-platform. I would understand the business decision if you chose that route, but I implore you not to! For all those rabid fans that have stuck with you guys over the years, stick with Sony. Please.
I am so excited for R2. Give us a special edition!
Resistance was Insomniac’s first ps3 game and my first played game on the ps3 as well. I was really impressed by the game. With R&C TOD you guys have made a tremendous improvement. I’m looking forward to R2 and R&C QFB. It’s funny coming from me, because I usually don’t like shooters.
*Silly confession*
And…uhm…I love you Ted! You look so pretty for your age.
*The End*
Hey Jeff I would like it if you guys can put together a video or post about different Positions in the Games Industry because I love Video Games and I would like to have a future in it, but I’m having a hard time choosing.
I know this probably isn’t the place for it, but I’m sure MANY people would be interested. Programming is something I’m looking into, but I’m not that great when it comes to math (I need to know Calculus?!). So I’m thinking about Game Design, but I don’t know much on that, so that’s why many people, including myself would greatly appreciate a post on Positions in the Games Industry and what the expireince is like. :)
Hey jeff what happened to Heavy Rain. It was on sony’s press release.
http://www.us.playstation.com/News/PressReleases/479
Cant wait for MAG details.
ISOMANIAC ROCKS!!!
how bout u guys try a RPG game!
i havent seen a grat rpg game on PS3 4 a long tiime!
Hey Ted if you can see this! Thanks so much for the advice =D Currently in college for computer science and always loved your company, and especially had an interest in wanting to work there ever seeing that one career video you guys made back in GDC lol (that music one)
;D Maybe once I get my Bachelors (Get my Associates Spring 09) I’ll try to get in touch with you guys and hope for the best =D
Most def have to agree with 15, sprint is a must!!
Can’t wait for R2.
Oh by the way, when I was watching the R2 demo. I noticed that when the leviathan is attacking you it smashes that top of the building with the people of it. The people don’t move at all. They just kinda stand there and get smashed. I think it would be nice to have them actually try to get out of the way. Just my opinion.
Actually let me rephrase that…. ONCE I get my Bachelors (Get my Associates Spring 09) I’ll deffently try to get in touch with you guys and hope for the best =D
My plan for the past 3 years has been to intern for Insomniac during my senior year of college. I’m a sophomore now getting an Area in Computer Science and Design. I’ve wanted to be a designer ever since I played Chrono Cross in the seventh grade and I was a huge Spyro fan during that time as well. I’ve recently gotten into Ratchet after loving RESISTANCE when I got my PS3 at launch. I’d really like to work at that new place they’re starting up in Virginia though. I dont think I could handle living in LA lol.
I want to say Ted you da man. Plus that the guys and gals at Insomniac rock.
I think Resistance 2 looks great and I can’t wait to see what you added to it.
Plus I look forward to what the gang will make next year.
I wonder if it will be a new Rachet & Clank game or may be even a new IP.
Thank you very much, Ted! I am definitely looking forward to Resistance 2 and the new R&C game coming to the PSN. I was wondering if there would be any special online events for the R2 community once the game is released. I would love to see different tournaments or double xp weekends:) Thank you for everything Insomniac has given us!
Thanks for the interview, I am in college right now and am looking forward to joining the Insomniac team if my first company option does not work out for me
Great interview.
Can you interview Evan Wells next?
ted u and your company are one of the last few reasons to own a ps3 so thanks you for supporting the ps3 .i hope u stay in the ps world and please dont pull a square enix.once again thanks for the wonderful work you and the guys of insomniac are doing for the ps3 exclusively .thanks you!!!!!!!
Disruptor on the PS3 eh?
Hey Jeff do you think you can get us the song from the start of Sony’s E3 Conference? The same song is used in the Playstation Family video. Thanks.
I LOVE THE INSIDE THE DEVELOPERS STUDIO!
Keep it up!
Well, you sure saved the best one for last. Insomniac is by FAR the best gaming studio out there today and it’s nice to hear from the guy at the top. Thanks guys!
Ted Price is the effin’ Man!
Consummate professional
Ted Price is pretty awesome. One of my cousin’s did a math project on Ted Price back in middle school.
Can’t wait for more Resistance 2 information and more news on MAG!
I guess Ted is 2 busy because of his E3 schedule to answer our questions.
Ted Im a huge fan of yours, Im so happy you guys develop games fast compared to other developers.
You listen to the community, you make AAA GAMES EVERY YEAR, insomniac is becoming the best gaming company in the industry, kudos to you guys.
Ted you’re the greatest.