Thread: How Deus Ex blended genres to change shooters forever with Warren Spector

Vyse

Blue Rogues Captain
Platforms
  1. PC

Today Ars Technica is joined by Warren Spector, designer and director of the highly influential Deus Ex. Released in 2000, Spector set out to create the game of his dreams, one that would blend aspects of stealth, role playing, and first person shooters in innovative ways - and the legacy of his success can be seen across all modern shooting games.

Deus Ex really is one of the best games ever. One of my favorite video game series anyway. I love it!
 
I really wish more game designers took a lead from what Warren Spector was talking about when it comes to the differential between games and other mediums in terms of the opportunity to afford players agency within the frame of the experience and that being the unique quality that sets it apart from them. I remember WS after DS but the collapse of Ion Storm was briefly involved with Valve and I was like 'Hell yeah!!' but unfortunately nothing ever transpired because Valve is firmly trapped in the mindset of a curated on rails Single-Player Experience because anything else is a waste of development time if players don't see it. Which I think is kind of BS and antithetical to what gaming as a medium should aspire to be. For what it is worth at Valve are always pushing the envelope of the medium in other ways though.

@Grand Theft Scratchy great video dude. Honestly, if you're seeing this thread and you're passionate about the medium I definitely recommend taking the time to watch the video, even if you've never played DS. It's essential viewing. Especially when we are living in a day and age where the movie game is increasingly receiving endless plaudits.
 
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What's interesting is his respect for gamers. We don't see that so often these days. There's a genuine love of the people out there who play his games, it comes over loud and clear, not in a pandering way, but from respect, from knowing that we know our medium.
 
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One of the best games of all time. Easily top 5.

I really fucking hope they finish this trilogy. Then pull an FFVII:Remake quality version of the OG.
 
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I really like how he talks about it like being the author of your own gameplay experience, coupled with the game's moody conspiracy theory-laden setting and catchy music, made it for me an instant classic. I didn't play Deus Ex when it originally released, only after finishing the prequel Human Revolution a decade ago. But these games felt refreshing and have great replayability (Invisible War has some flaws). It's like Warren said, the little things, such as when MIBs explode near other enemies and blow open a nearby door are pretty neat and add to the experience.
 
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