And creating accessible Xbox narrative game As Dusk Falls.
How about we do that like this?'
It just improves what we’re making."
She’s known for her work at Quantic Dream as lead game designer onHeavy Rainand Beyond Two Souls.
As Dusk Falls is a similarly narrative-driven game.
“I loved the clarity of vision,” says Desodt of Marchal.
“And having a creative director who has that clarity of vision is like gold dust.
Desodt is equally as passionate about developing a multicultural, diverse studio.
I asked Marchal what she learned from Quantic Dream that influenced Interior/Night.
“I would say two key things: not making games as a marathon.
You have to be strong-willed and determined and passionate to see it through,” she says.
“Every game counts, you won’t be making 25 games in your career.
So every game counts, make them as good as you’re free to.
“The second thing is creativity first.
None of us here in the studio are here to rehash things that have been done before.
We’re really trying to push the boundaries at every level of what a narrative game can be.
And what audience it could attract.”
As Dusk Falls is a narrative game, but it’s influenced by prestige TV as much as games.
“And I think that some people get intimidated by a controller.
And they don’t know really how to hold it, and it stops them from doing anything.”
Twitch integration expands that multiplayer experience even further.
The aim is to “engage players' hearts and guts, not their thumbs”.
And a web of possible choices proves how expansive the story can be.
The art style is also particularly striking.
The effect is akin to a moving graphic novel.
“This story deserves its unique, evocative art style,” says Marchal.
What really matters is how you convey the story and the emotional moments to the players.
That’s what we’re able to get across to players.”
So players can really craft their journey in the narrative space and reflect on the themes of the story.
And I think that’s super powerful.”
“I would never work in another industry other than games, I’m just passionate about it.
But it still flows.”
Why not other platforms?
“And that was so refreshing…
They just rolled with it, just loved it, I think from the get go.
And the studio ethos of authenticity and inclusivity has naturally seeped into the game too.
All the ingredients are there, then, for Interior/Night to achieve its lofty ambitions.
As Dusk Falls is out on Xbox and PC on 19th July, and day one on Game Pass.
