Inside the Developers Studio: Hermen Hulst

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Killzone 2
1. What game do you have at E3 this year?
We are very excited to be presenting Killzone 2 this year.

2. Describe it in five words or less.
Killzone 2 is a Hostile Theatre of war where every hit has a dramatic impact (sorry, Killzone is just too big for five words).

3. Tell me about the game, what’s the story?
It’s two years later and the ISA are invading the Helghast home planet of Helghan. The goal is to capture the Helghast leader and bring the war machine to a halt.

4. What did you do on this game that you couldn’t do on another platform?
For us, we need a great deal of processing power to make our vision come to life. The PS3 really allows us to build Killzone 2 on a grand scale with a level of detail that is truly eye-catching, and something that we knew we could do, but needed the source of raw horsepower to make it happen. To give you an example, our character models on screen use the same amount of polygons as an entire level of Killzone on PS2.

5. What do you think is the coolest aspect of this game?
One cool thing to note is that we can now do many of the things we envisioned when we were creating the original Killzone. The PS3 hardware really gives us much more freedom in the development process. In my opinion though, at the end of the day, the thing I think about as a coolest aspect of the game really is the iconic Helghast image with the glowing eyes (as you can see in the screen above).

6. If you could sit one person in front of your game for an hour, who would it be?
No big names really, I would most like to see the game in the hands of our fans. We want Joe six pack to play the game and beg for more time with it than just one hour. We’re really looking forward to getting our fans’ reaction to the game.

7. What game do you most want an hour to sit in front of yourself (besides your own)?
Probably Resident Evil 5, I’ve always been a fan of that franchise.

8. How many E3’s does E3 2007 mark for you?
This is my 10th. I’m very happy to see this change in the format this year. There should be much less noise and an overall better experience for attendees.

9. Describe the pre-2007 E3 experience in five words or less.
Again, it’s impossible to do this in under five words. My pre-E3 experience has left me buried in our project. Now that E3 is here, it feels like I’m about to get out of a very long tunnel. It will also be nice to get re-acquainted with my wife.

10. You are asked to make suggestions for an E3 survival kit- what three items HAVE to be included?
For us, E3 is all about exchanging an umbrella and coat for a nice pair of shades. Our team loves to adopt the California gear: sunglasses, flip flops and a nice convertible.

11. What advice would you have for someone who has never experienced E3?
It is a very inspirational time for us as well as everyone who is a fan of games. E3 is where many great teams get together to show off a variety of amazing products. So my advice is to enjoy every single minute of it…it’s a great rush when you get to see some of the very best work from each of the companies involved.

12. Describe what you anticipate from 2007’s newly formatted E3 in five words or less.
I believe this new format for E3 will really allow for more tailored, intimate and customized experiences. A prime example is the event we did tonight for Killzone 2.

13. What’s your favorite part about developing games for a living?
It is definitely the people. I enjoy working with the wide range of talent we have, including extreme creative types as well as the analytic, technical members of our team. It is this collaborative process that magically comes together during each project, allowing us to bring our vision to life.

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217 Comments

  • Anyone know the frame rate for Killzone or how much of space on the Blu-Ray it eats up!

  • I think E3 2007 is going to be a massacre from Sony.

    Of course everyone has its things, but with all of the things they are showing us…imagine the things that they left just for the E3

  • @40cal

    Well, I read that the levels were 2GB each, so if you have 12 levels thats 24 GB.

    If the add some more heavy textures maybe 2.5 gb which makes 36 GB and then maybe extras and stuff.

    40 GB maybe?

  • i watched the microsoft press confrence on G4TV it sucked really bad. it was more fun reading the killzone pre-view last night. hopefully sony actually uses E3 this year to announce new games/features for my console of choice unlike how microsoft used thier time. and i hope for some PSP stuff there too.

  • blueray FTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • thank u sony for some awsome footage. U made me a believer.

  • Just saw the game trailer. HOLY MOTHER OF GOD..

    Game over Nintendo, Microsoft, Game over.

  • color me impressed very good job with killzone 2 , now im anticipating it>

  • Lmao, im sorry to have doubted killzone 2! Amazing stuff. Not only halo killer, but i think this kills anythat that isnt sony in a megaton blast, then pee’s on them and records it on a camera phone for laughs.

    Good stuff!

  • I have been away for 5 days now and i made a comment here earlier about that pic on the top. Now when i was reading ps3 news i found the Killzone2 vid and i must say that take that picture and change it to another one…the vid looks much much better than that picture.
    I was really amazed how realistic the ppl was and i liked the big enviroments that you saw on that vid. also the broking walls and pillars were excellent, realistic.

  • Wow this will bring playstation to the top

  • I was a bit of a naysayer early in the thread because of the one screenshot. Now that I’ve seen more shots and the gameplay footage and read the reactions from everyone in attendance… yeah, I’m ready to shut up now. This game looks amazing.

  • I just saw the new trailer from E3 and nearly crapped my pants! I flippin’ Love my PS3!!

  • im sick of waiting, my ps3 has been collecting dust for months now… i do quite like rainbow 6 but it is no killzone, MGS4 or warhawk…….. i know great games take time but you guys are just taking the pi$$…a playable demo in the ps store once every blue moon might ease the pain a little bit. PLEASE HURRY!!!

  • Great job on the trailer Sony! Killzone 2 has now become my most wanted game ever. I probably watched the trailer about 10 times now…lol

    Hope you guys have a great conference in a couple of hours. Looking forward to it.

  • And this game isn’t the final version! OMG, I think you guys shut up your Critics. Congrats.

  • We Need Games Like This. Lots Of Them. We Need Them Earlier than the Holiday Season for PS3 to take the market back.

  • I’m watching the Nintendo conference right now and I’m so not impress so far. All I’m seeing are PR [DELETED] ! “Buy more nintedo product bla bla bla” DS seems to be their stronghold. I’m not seeing anything to solid on the Wii that makes me go wow. Basically we already knew of super smash, mario galaxy and metriod. What else are they going to offer the real gamers? The people that actually goes out and spend major cash on gaming?

    I’m really looking forward to seeing sony’s conference. Please do not let me down. So far, I’ve been very impress with the Killzone2 HD trailor. Keep that momentum.

  • Wish you the best of luck Sony at your keynote in a couple of hours. Show everyone what you are made out of…. :-)

  • Wow, Killzone 2 looks amazing. Can’t wait for this one.

  • @hotpocket

    You misunderstand me. I am not talking about a mini series game. but a tv show that would be made available via the playstation network. Example you see the tv show heroes? Well imagine a monthly CGI tv show that would be only available via the playstation network. It would chronicle the story behind Killzone and would go all the way up to where killzone 2 startes. It would be really original content number 1, two it would really differentiate the PSN store from xbox live. I mean yeah you can get movies and tv shows from xbox market place but do they have original content, especially content based on one of their top franchises? It could really be something, if done right.

  • is anyone taping the Sony conference?

    Or better, Sony, is it going to be available for download at PS Store later? I am at work and w/o sound and don´t wanna miss it

  • yeah blizzard it will be on the PSN store tonight or so Sony has said

  • Avatar photo

    It will be available, as will the Killzone trailer later this afternoon

  • Such a sweet looking game. Great job guys. Halo 3 looks like poop next to this, no joke.

  • i just watch the trailer… OMFG!!! that was amazing!!! :) i just found the mouth movements a little odd

  • Another echo of thanks from a grateful fan. The game looks really fun.

    Also, I would like to add some support to mustaphadamus’ idea – game-exclusive storytelling on the PSN really COULD be something unique for Sony. Sounds like a great new venture to explore.

  • Excelent Game , Great Job i just hope this one looks much better then Halo 3

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  • i just want to congratulate you guys for your in game trailer …. i have never in my life felt such excitement over something i didnt even care about the last time around ;)

  • that looked awsome.totally worth the ps3!!!!!!!!!!!:D

  • its real silent in the 360 camp
    now thats what im talking about

  • THIS is impressive !! SOny owned this “E3”, good

  • The trailer really told me a lot about the upcoming Killzone 2. First off, it looked amazing. Killzone 2 has the potential to be unbelievable, look at the subtle things, like the lighting affects when lightning is striking as they are landing. Also look at the draw distance and everything going on in the background, there is so much going on it is really like watching an intense war movie, no other game has had that much happening on screen while looking that good before. Everything about the trailer was rich and saturated with intense action and thrilling moments.

    The AI looked really good as enemies react to where you shoot and where you are in relation to the environment. The destructibility looked very appealing and although there were some textures that were somewhat bland and not as polished as everything else, I think that by the time it is released it will be one helluva experience to play through. Hopefully it will continue to show realism through depth of field and motion blur. But really, I hope the gameplay mechanics are as well tuned and perfect as the graphics. It must play well to be received well and that also includes having interesting and exciting multiplayer features, not just the same ole’ thing.

    I’m really looking forward to this game and I hope it turns out extremely well. Good luck to you. Hopefully there will be a playable demo on the PSN soon, or at least one when I go to E4All.

    -DH

  • Hermen Hulst….you and your team deserve an award! Been watching that extended trailer over and over again…..mindblowing! How the hell did you pull this off??
    This is meant to be pre-pre-alpha as well??? Are you kidding me?
    Sony was right to put faith in you guys, you did a sterling job and shut up a LOT of critics (including my friend who’s jaw hit the floor while watching the conference here in London :))

    I hope the game is as innovative as it looks, well done. Hope Sony sends you guys on an all expenses paid holiday, it seems deserved.

  • i just want to say this games look crazy but like a gamesite said about the demo u show its like the first one, linear… but the games look so awesome i think ppl will not care but i have 1 question i hope we will can jump :) that frustrating me at the highgest point in the first, that why i dont buy it …… and for the multiplayer if there no jump button that will be bad :(

  • Vassago: Are you kidding me? This is no bunnygame, this is a combat action-game. Put on some armor and rifle etc and try jumping around.

    The best thing about the original Killzone was the playeranimation, reloading, throwing handgranades and climbing ladders, and sprinting. Hopfully all that will come back in this game.

  • Mr. Hulst,

    I want to congradulate your entire team at Guerrilla Games. The work you have done to make Killzone 2 or is it 3? come to life is simply amazing! Keep up the amazing work and know this I will have this game on the first day it will be released!

    Now go spend time with your wife! :p

  • impressive Killzone2 :)
    Sony owned this “E3″, good

  • I wanna play the Killzone demo shown at E3. Gimme Gimme Gimme!!!
    What about the extended trailer on the PSN?

  • Great looking game so far nicely done. But i most of you need to realize the game still needs a lot more work cut out for it. And i hope the game doesn’t turn out like the pervious one did with loads of issues and it just wasn’t a enjoyable game by any means. Your psp killzone title was a good game. So i’m hoping that it’s all about looks and not much gameplay keep up the good work and that it hopefully turns out to be great.I still think the one i’m looking forward to the most has to be UNREAL T. 2007 can’t wait for that one. Not sure sure about HAZE yet it doesn’t impress me all that much.

  • You guys did it. Great job. Keep up the good work and make sure the AI is top-notch. I can’t wait to play this, day one purchase all the way, my PS3 is sitting here waiting for Killzone 2.

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  • Great game, great trailer!!
    I did the Killzone 2 Game Flipz books of the first Killzone 2, and Killzone Liberation trailers. I’ve sent samples to Mathijs De Jonge at Guerrilla, who like them. I’ve started a new Game Flipz for this new trailer. You can check out sample pages at my blog site http://dragonflyent.blogspot.com/
    The Killzone fans, world wide, like my flip books as you can tell by the fan movie view counts and comments on Gametrailers.com and Youtube.com. I’d really want to produce Killzone Game Flipz Books for all the fans. So, who do I contact to talk about a licensing agreement?

    Sorry to be so pushy. But , I have a great idea and product I want to get out there.

    Thanks for all the great games.

  • Beste Herman. Ik heb altijd geweten dat jullie dit konden. Ik heb altijd geweten dat Lost Boys eens zou uitgroeien tot een developer die wereldwijd erkend zou worden. Sony had de lat hoog gelegd maar er voor gezorgd dat jullie het talent en het geld kregen om Killzone zo te maken zoals hij nu is. Aangezien de game nog in de Pre-pre alpha fase zit weet ik bijna zeker dat jullie de target render van 2005 gaan halen.
    Ik heb diep resepect voor julllie, jullie hebben Guerrila en nederland op de kaart gezet in developers land. Killzone 2 is DE game waar ik het meeste naar uitkijk op de PS3. Killzone en Killzone Libaration heb ik kapot gespeeld op de PS2 en PSP.

    Wij van http://www.ps3 focus komen bij jullie op bezoek in augustus.
    Please laat ons even ruiken aan Killzone 2, want dat illzone een ubergame wordt ben ik van overtuigd.

    Breng van deze game ook een comic uit please, en vraag eens aan Sony of zij niet het Killzone verhaal kunnen verfilmen. Want als Halo verfilmt kan worden kan Killzone het zeker. Het verhaal achter Killzone is dieper en beter als dat “Great american Hero” verhaal van Halo.

    Rene aka DooM http://www.PS3focus.nl

  • The game does look nice.. not E305 nice, but it’s up there with the other games that should be releasing around the same time. Personally I think that the game would do better if the developers didn’t have to feel like they had to prove themselves… They have many great games to stand on so I expect that this game will be at least average gameplay wise, but go ahead GG… surprise me… in fact I’d like to see some good AI for a change… and you shouldn’t dance around that 4th question like that… you know you want to work with unified shaders :p

  • Haha.. I accidentally stumbled into an Xbox 360 forum searching for information on Killzone 2. Here I found that they were comparing the Killzone 2 screenshot (Shown above) to screenshots of Halo 3 and calling the graphics crap already.

    Well I read the comments, the last one a little bit before Sony’s Killzone 2 conference. :) Looks like they saw something that left them speechless!

    Watching Killzone 2 in action– absolutely amazing! Great job, can’t wait to pick this one up– just do us all a favor and keep the gameplay on par with the graphics– you’ve got one very large chunk down, now bring it on home!

  • You guys have done a very impressive job, but i fell ther is little more.
    Killzone2 did delivered esp. in the area of animation, ai and destructible environment. For those moments, every thing semed real; no slide walking, good foot planting and good rag doll physics.
    Graphically, the begining of the trailer did match the cg that close. What i saw was the absence of enough polygons to match the cg. If ps3 could do theoretically 2bil polygon on screen, PUSH the polygons to have a polygon rich character to match cg. The best polygon modelling ever seen is the card in GT:hd and GT 5.
    Smoke needs to thicken like how gasoline will burn. I love those fire effects from those burning it makes it real.
    Then also there is little work to do with the lighting engine;NB: all surfaces do not reflects the same amounts of light in the view of the eye. To date the best lighting seen in a game is in crysis.
    Further more, Cloth dynamics and hair system needs to show its head up as the cg showed.
    Don’t get me wrong, this game is the best among all console games i’ve ever seen and i will like it to exceed the cg which i belive the ps3 can.
    Killzone delivered, but i want it to be an exemplar and a yardstick in the game industry. We are not kids anymore and are actually interested in this game and how we can help mold the game we love. Keep it up Sony.

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