During this generation, game developments costs have seen record breaking numbers with some studios shutting down as a result of the financial strain. In order to cut costs some studios have opted to collaborate on projects and share technology. New IP’s have been extremely susceptible to financial issues. Heavy Rain, the PlayStation 3 exclusive developed by Quantic Dream, was released in February to critical acclaim. Despite its issues, it’s the closest example of a movie-like experience on a game console. Heavy Rain has proved that there is room in the market for a game of its kind.

Fast-forward a bit to this part of the year. Alan Wake, an Xbox 360 exclusive title developed by Remedy, released a little more than 2 week ago. The initial reception has been very positive. On the sales side, we will have to wait to see how it competed. Heavy Rain as stated before is boasted as an interactive movie, Alan Wake is more comparable to a TV experience. Rob, these are two different experiences, why compare them?

In many ways both Heavy Rain and Alan Wake are very similar. Despite how different they are from a gameplay standpoint, they have subtle similarities in presentation. They are both incredibly focused on story. Heavy Rain focuses on a more open-ended story, allowing players' decisions to shape the story. On the other hand, Alan Wake is more closed in that regard, but overall a better piece of fiction. In both experiences the characters are the key to the stories success. The characters are incredibly well written and, more so than any other games, are effective at communicating emotion. Both Remedy and Quantic Dream are looking to create emotionally charged experiences with the use of characters. Heavy Rain expects the player to be in for the long-haul, giving a 10 hour movie-like experience. Alan Wake is more focused on cliff-hangers, teasing the player to play five more minutes, overall lacking the hook that a title like Heavy Rain has. It’s important to look at Remedy’s sources, which include Stephen King, Lost, just to name a few. Heavy Rain is heavily influenced by Seven and even Saw. Saw? Yeah, just play the game.

It’s important to note that both of these developers are incredibly talented and are trying new and interesting things within the industry; I commend them for that. The use of cinematic presentation from both of these developers is nearly unmatched. Both studios have a lot of respect for each-other. In a recent interview with Destructoid, Alan Wake writer Mikko Rautalahti had this to say about Heavy Rain, "But while we're on the topic, I have to say that I loved Heavy Rain. It's a great experience, and I think anybody who hasn't played it should play it, if only because it does things in its own way without compromises or excuses, and that's always a welcome change of pace in this industry."

It’s apparent that both of these studios have respect for each other. Other sites talk about collaboration between studios but no one ever mentions Remedy and Quantic Dream. If they collaborated on a project it could potentially shift how we view video games. Heavy Rain was a step in the right direction and so is Alan Wake. These two studios more than anyone in the industry are capable of delivering emotional experiences. If anyone can give the industry a change of pace, it’s these two. I need a Remedy for my Quantic Dream.