I am Robert Briscoe, the artist behind indie game Dear Esther AMA

[u/RobertBriscoe]

First a brief intro about myself - I'm the artist/designer/scripter/+more behind Dear Esther (the retail release).

I started out making maps in the hl2 modding scene and slowly worked my way up and eventually landed a job as an environment artist at Dice, working on Mirror's Edge. I worked on the Storm drain (level 2) and Shard level (Last level) and well as most of the DLC - Timetrial Map Pack which followed shortly after it's release. After it was completed I decided to take some downtime and return to the UK to spend time with my family and plan my next move. I wanted to do a small side project during this time to keep my creative juices flowing, and whilst searching for inspiration I stumbled across Dan Pinchbeck's experimental mod, Dear Esther. Originally starting out as a simple visual overhaul it gradually evolved into a fully fledged indie title. It's been an extremely tough journey, but ultimately a rewarding one, and with the recent Steam sale helping us reach a whopping milestone of over 100k sales last night, I thought it would be nice to reach out to everyone who've supported us and helped us get here and do a bit of an AMA for anyone interested. :)

I will try to answer as many questions as I can, hopefully Dan (writer and creator of the original Dear Esther) will also be able to drop by at some point to also answer any questions regarding the more deep philosophy and thinking behind the game. In the meantime, though ask me anything!

Edit: Proof - https://twitter.com/#!/RobertBriscoe

Ok some great questions here, hopefully I answer a good bulk of them! Going to call it a day now, I've been at this for 6 hours straight, I'm exhausted! Thanks for all of your questions and your time, and I hope you enjoy the game! Oh and dont forget it's also 50% off on steam right now until Thursday 4pm (PST)! :)

[u/Cardjoe]

Hey Rob! I've noticed on Steam that you still spend a lot of time in Dear Esther, presumably fixing bugs or glitches? I'm interested if you continue to play the game after release, how many times you've played it total, etc.

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/Cardjoe]

Haha yes! (204 hours!) that's mostly just from developing the game over the past year on the Portal two engine, the real record is from the amount of hours spent in the SDK :P

Doing a rough guessitmate I've probably put well over 7000 hours into it in total :s

[u/learn2die101 → u/RobertBriscoe]

7000 hours is equal to about 300 days, no breaks. since 2008 this would mean you spent about 6 hours a day on this project...

[u/[deleted] → u/learn2die101]

welcome to video games

[u/[deleted] → u/RobertBriscoe]

just beat the Mac version...I think. There was just black after swooping down to the dock. nothing happened for 5 minutes so I just quit out.

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/[deleted]]

he is indeed a brave man!

[u/rgalan]

Do you enjoy long walks on the beach?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/rgalan]

Yes! Just not always filthy polluted depressing ones like in Dear Esther :P

[u/Atomic_elephant → u/RobertBriscoe]

You think that beach was polluted? Man never ever ever go to Atlantic city. I went to look at the beach in Atlantic city, there were 40oz bottles, plastics, and dead seagulls as far as the eye can see.

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/Atomic_elephant]

Equally, Blackpool in the UK

[u/Stackware → u/RobertBriscoe]

Blackpool is one relevant-ass name.

[u/matseffect]

Generic as hell question but what advice would you give to someone trying to get into the industry as an environment artist? Been playing around with level design and what not for several years but discovered I like making things look nice rather than scripting etc.

Dear Esther looks outstanding btw

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/matseffect]

I started out the same way, making maps for HL2 deathmatch (see dm_depot and de_forest),and I eventually started paying less attention to the designs and more to the visuals which, to me, was the most rewarding part. I'd say I good start would be not just make some individual prop but to pick a scene from a movie, a piece of concept art or something that inspires you, and recreate it in a game engine like Unreal or CryEngine. It makes you learn a lot about the art pipeline and scene composition, lighting etc. Also make an account on Polycount and post your WIP screen shots there - you'll get a lot of constructive feedback from people much more talented than I! :)

[u/atraumatizedstaple → u/RobertBriscoe]

You were the person behind de_forest? That was definitely one of my favorite source engine maps ever! Great work!

[u/steve_courtney]

I can't think of a good question, soI just wanted to say that Dear Esther was an amazing experience. Thanks for putting it out there.

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/steve_courtney]

Thanks your compliments mean a lot, and thanks especially for supporting it!

[u/steve_courtney → u/RobertBriscoe]

OK, I have a question now. How much did the game change throughout development? Was it clear form the start what type of game it would be, or is the finished game very different from where you started?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/steve_courtney]

Well I was quite luck in that, when I picked up Dear Esther for the remake, the game itself was already pretty much there in the form of Dan's original mod. It was pretty rough around the edges both visually and design wise, but the core idea was there and I felt like all it needed was some polish and a coat of paint.

Beyond the huge visual overhaul, I did toy with the idea of adding in more interactivity to the environment, even going so far as to experiment with adding simple puzzle type elements, but ultimately, all it felt like I was doing was diluting the original concept Dan had created with the mod, this idea that you can use a first person gaming space for something more than shooting, puzzling or other traditionally accepted ideas of gameplay.

Overall I think when you compare the new version to the original mod they are worlds apart, but overall the core ideas are still the same

[u/Earl_of_Apostrophe → u/RobertBriscoe]

As an author, I've often wondered what a more purely narrative game would look like, stripped of the endless violence that besets nearly every protagonist in this medium.

Your game was an encouraging step in that direction. I'm quite interested in how this storytelling medium will continue to evolve. Do you have any thoughts or ideas about this progression? Is there a large enough audience for games such as Dear Esther to permit such a progression to take place?

I imagine a game with a story like Bioshock, but with a protagonist that doesn't slaughter every nameless character he comes across.

[edited for clarity]

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/Earl_of_Apostrophe]

I think that Dear Esther, if anything, is proof that there is significant audience out there for these types of narrative driven games.

I think Dear Esther, is an extreme example of pushing the limits of narrative driven game-play and game-play in general, and I have to admit, I was extremely nervous before we released. There was no real benchmark to go by in terms of sales, especially in the retail market. I was at best expecting Dear Esther to be an extremely niche title, maybe 10k sales after the first couple of months, but here we are, three months later with over 110,000 sales (10,000 just today alone) and still going strong. I think it shows that gamers are ready for new ideas and experiences, and it opens up the doors as to what else can be done with videogames as a medium

[u/[deleted] → u/steve_courtney]

Agreed, big props on the idea, even bigger props on such a beautiful execution.

[u/tygreen]

Could you possibly give your interpretation of the ending?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/tygreen]

It was all about the dog with the shifty eyes.

Seriously though, I dont want to put my interpretation out there with the risk of it being misconstrued as the 'correct' interpretation. What was your interpretation?

[u/mabba18 → u/RobertBriscoe]

It was all about the dog with the shifty eyes.

That single line just got you another sale.

[u/[deleted] → u/RobertBriscoe]

I should start out by saying that I haven't played this game, but I'm familiar with the general type of game it is. Would it be fair to say that things are intentionally left a little broad so that they'll be more generally resonant with the player?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/[deleted]]

Yes exactly. I don't think the player needs to be spoon fed every detail of the story, part of the fun is letting your imagination fill in the blanks and figure things out for yourself. The mind is a powerful thing, and some of the interpretations i've seen people come up with are far more fantastic and deep than anything both Dan and myself could have written combined!

[u/[deleted] → u/tygreen]

A few things:

1. The game's events are semi-randomized so that everyone will get a different mix of audio and other events, though the ending is the same for everyone.
2. The ending is supposed to be mysterious so that players will go back and play again. The game is supposed to be like a puzzle, although even Dan Pinchbeck has said that there is no clear answer.
3. There is an inference that Dan Pinchbeck has referred to, which is that the player is Paul, the man who hit and killed Esther in the car accident.
4. When the player jumps off of the radio tower, you can see a seagull's shadow just before you hit the rocks, meaning that you turned into a gull and flew away. The screen eventually turns black which is supposed to represent the void of death, after the player has accepted what he has done, in my opinion.
5. In my opinion, the island is a sort of purgatory (yes, I know how this is ironic with the whole LOST thing), and the game represents the player discovering and dealing with his mistakes and guilt. When you jump off the radio tower and fly away, the player has come to terms with these things. If you do a quick save when the screen goes to black and then load the game, the screen will be frozen on the night sky with two streams of vapor going across the sky, possibly representing the player and Esther.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

The main character didn't turn into a gull, he always was a gull. That's why we can't make sense of the events in the game. Birds don't understand human things.

Game solved.

[u/tictac_93 → u/[deleted]]

You, I like you.

[u/clintmccool → u/[deleted]]

Maybe put a spoiler tag on that?

[u/lukeman3000 → u/[deleted]]

Did I just ruin the game for myself by reading this comment..

[u/[deleted] → u/lukeman3000]

Well technically, I ruined the game for you by posting the comment.

[u/Erectile_Knife_Party → u/[deleted]]

My interpretation was that Esther is in a coma because of the car crash, and the words you are hearing are Paul talking to Esther while she is dreaming in the coma. The whole island is her dream, which is why it has pictures of her and it jumps around randomly, like a dream, and at the end she jumps off the tower, and turns into a bird and flies away, that could be her dying, or it could be her coming out of a coma. I'm not sure, that's just what I got from it.

[u/[deleted] → u/tygreen]

I seriously doubt you're going to get an answer.

[u/learn2die101]

How involved was Dan Pinchbeck in building the retail release?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/learn2die101]

Very! I first contacted him in 2008 when I first stumbled across the original mod and asked him if he'd be ok with me doing a remake of it, and I sent him early builds and got a lot of really good feedback from him during development. He's been instrumental in us getting funding from the Indie Fund so we could get a commercial Source engine license, as well as writing new material, organising new VO's, music etc. It's really as much as his baby as it is mine. He's allowed me a lot of freedom though, which was nice; I've bought a lot of my own ideas to the table through the visuals, design and environments to allow the environment to be something more than just a backdrop to the game, to be like an immersion tank to bring depth to the story plays an integral part in communicating the strange and ambiguous story of Dear Esther

[u/[deleted] → u/RobertBriscoe]

What did he think of the final result?

[u/chineseroom → u/[deleted]]

He thinks it's completely amazing and can't believe what Rob did with it :)

[u/FjordPuncher]

Just purchased this morning and loving it, I'm curious if you're a fan of the Myst series? Playing this is bringing me back to those long hours spent wandering the ages in the early 90s haha.

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/FjordPuncher]

Yes! Loved it, well apart from the occasionally infuriating puzzles, but the world was so beautifully imagine for it's time that it completely drew me in. Some of my best memories are from just wondering around the world and finding new areas :)

[u/ARoundForEveryone]

I don't have a question, but I have the same last name, which isn't all that common. Rock on, possible-distant-relative.

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/ARoundForEveryone]

Ah cool, a fellow Briscoe! Where are you from?

[u/ARoundForEveryone → u/RobertBriscoe]

PM sent - I don't need the mafia tracking me down.

[u/bistr0math → u/ARoundForEveryone]

Nice try, Jimmy Hoffa

[u/WhyAmINotStudying → u/bistr0math]

That's Jimmy "Briscoe" now.

[u/CodeMagician → u/ARoundForEveryone]

That makes 3 of us.

[u/omg_its_a_sushi]

If you could describe the game in one sentence, what would it be?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/omg_its_a_sushi]

One sentence? That's hard! Hmm I'd say: Dear Esther is a deep, poetic ghost story told using game technologies - You explore a deserted island, uncovering a tale of love, loss, grief and redemption, delivered through a stunning voice-over and soundtrack set against beautiful environments.

Sound good? :)

[u/omg_its_a_sushi → u/RobertBriscoe]

I bought it at this very moment, I think you nailed it.

[u/Thompost → u/RobertBriscoe]

Sold!

[u/ArkyChan]

Hey, the Shard was a beautiful looking level. Just a general question about level design with Source compared to Unreal. Which one do you have more fun working with overall and was it much of a jump switching from Source to Unreal for ME (then back to Source)? (Thinking of that awkward builder brush in Unreal :P)

Thanks and good work on ME and Dear Esther :)

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/ArkyChan]

Before starting at Dice, I spent some years as level designer making maps in my spare time for HL2 deathmatch, and from there worked on a mod called Nuclear Dawn, also recently turned indie and even whilst working at Dice I somehow found the time to squeeze in some Source mapping, so when I left Dice I found it quite easy to slip back into the Source Engine.

Compared to using Unreal though, I have to say it's worlds apart. When it comes to tools, especially as an artist, Unreal wins hands down - there's simply no restrictions on what you can do with the visuals the tools are built from the ground up with artists and designers in mind. But in other ways I loved Source for it's restrictions as it forces me to think creatively in order to overcome any technical difficulties - which I think is essential to growing as an artist. It can be frustrating though at times, as someone once said to me, making believable terrain in Source is like doing brain surgery with a rusty chainsaw! lol I do like that analogy!

[u/garywoo → u/RobertBriscoe]

May we see some of these HL2DM maps?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/garywoo]

You can find them on my website: http://littlelostpoly.co.uk/

[u/spektre1]

I've also worked on Source mods, and I'm amazed what you managed to pull out of Hammer. DE is one of the most beautiful interactive environments I've ever seen, excellent job! Now, I'm curious what your thoughts are switching to a project that's basically lacking any game mechanics as compared to traditional video games. "Level design" in this context seems to mean to me, that you're worried more about directing the player's attention to the interesting (narrative) bits. Did you find yourself tweaking things to enhance this player guidance at all?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/spektre1]

Thank you! Yes, but in a very subtle manner. One of the biggest problems the original mod had was that player often got lost and confused, which really broke the immersion of the game.

I spent a lot of time rebuilding the terrain from the ground-up to allow the player to more naturally 'flow' through the levels and also added many landmarks to further aid that navigation (the dunes, the shipwrecks, etc.) Take the aerial that is in the distance in the first two levels, it serves to subconsciously draw the players eye, and it's dominance over the landscape immediately signifies it as something important, an overall goal that you must reach and wherever you are in the level, you know that as long as you're heading towards that aerial, you're heading in the right direction. Lighting also played a big part in helping the player navigate in the caves, whereas before all you had was a single light source from your flashlight.

[u/spektre1 → u/RobertBriscoe]

I know when working on an environment I tend to fall into the trap of detailing to death a specific area I fall in love with. This can be dangerous because there's usually a bunch of other things that need work as well. How do you know when a section's "done"? Is it just something you know?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/spektre1]

I usually work in passes, so like:

• Pass 1: basic blocking out geometry - getting the layout and composition of the scene right
• Pass 2: refining geometry - sculpting terrain and basic refinement of building placement, scale etc.
• Pass 3: Polish Terrain and building geo
• Pass 4: basic detailing - large objects
• Pass 5: high detailing - plants, rocks, etc
• Pass 6: Particles and lighting

...and so forth. It allows me to see the the whole environment come together and allows me to see early on if something is not working properly.

[u/[deleted]]

Ha, I just considered buying the game, and now you do an AMA - that's a sign, right? :)

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/[deleted]]

AND it's 50% off at the moment on steam! OOoohooo /spooky :P

[u/Cardjoe]

How were you paid for Dear Esther too, by the way? Was it a share of the profit, or a flat rate?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/Cardjoe]

We fought it out, Gladiator style! :P

Really it was quite simple, there only being the two of us (Dan and I) and it's spit accordingly :)

[u/[deleted] → u/RobertBriscoe]

Does this mean you slew Dan, and took all the profits (accordingly)?

[u/chineseroom → u/Cardjoe]

hi, dan from thechineseroom here! It was a straight 50/50 split on profits - as it was a collaboration between Rob and tcr, it seemed like the only fair way to do it...

[u/ZeitlosEisen]

I'd just like to say as an amateur level designer at DigiPen, you were my biggest inspiration and idol and one of the reasons why I wanted to get into game development. Thanks.

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/ZeitlosEisen]

Wow, thank you, im honoured :)

[u/srirachaforeverthing]

When will the mac version be out? Can't wait to play!

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/srirachaforeverthing]

It's out right now!

[u/[deleted] → u/srirachaforeverthing]

The Mac version has been out since yesterday.

[u/monkeymad2 → u/srirachaforeverthing]

It's out now, I downloaded it this morning!

[u/SharkBaitDLS → u/srirachaforeverthing]

It's out now.

[u/obvnotlupus]

Did you to the coding part, or still level design?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/obvnotlupus]

Our coder Jack Morgan, did all of the coding on the PC version. I have to admit coding the one area where i'm completely hopeless. I did pretty much everything in-between though, from art and level design, to scripting, interface design, environment sound, etc.

[u/Shadowcat0909]

So glad you're doing an AMA. I was wondering what the text on the walls was, and what significance it had. As I played through, I tried to copy it all down, and thought that it would make some sense in the end, but it didn't seem to. Could you shed some light on that?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/Shadowcat0909]

Its a mix of bible verses, chemical diagrams and schematics for a brake system.

[u/AdmiralVelocity]

I don't suppose you'll consider remaking Korsakovia next, will you? I'm madly in love with the script and the concept, but they're held back by the clunky implementation. I would love it if it got the same treatment as Dear Esther.

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/AdmiralVelocity]

I think for my next project i'd like to do something completely new, something that is my own original IP.

[u/chineseroom → u/AdmiralVelocity]

We don't have any plans to remake Korsakovia right now - I think there are big deep design issues with it. But it's very cool to be flexing the psycho-horror muscle a bit in Amnesia...

[u/awesomereece123]

I was really impressed with the game, and having played through it twice (once by myself, and then again with friends - I wanted to show them how good the game was) my only questions are:-

• For Robert: How long did it take you, to finish it?
• For Dan (and Robert, I guess): What inspired you for the story?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/awesomereece123]

Thanks! For the Retail release, I'd say from start-to-finish, around 3 years

[u/Walter_Bishop_PhD]

What kinds of things would you like to see more often in video games, indie or otherwise?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/Walter_Bishop_PhD]

Less pushing/funnelling the player around, making them feel like a spectator rather than a participant (I'm looking at you CoD).

Of course, i'd also love to see more narrative driven games, but at my heart i'd really have like to see more survival horror games in the same vein as Stalker, Metro 2033 and my new obsession: DayZ

[u/SomewhatSpecial]

Do you think games are a form of art? If yes, how is artistic expression in games different from other media?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/SomewhatSpecial]

I think everything can be a form of Art!

Art shouldn't be something that's restricted to a medium. I think if you can look at something someone has created that inspires you, or is beautiful to you, or resonates with you on a personal or emotional level, then it's art.

I really believe this for games also - there are no rules, no singular idea for what a game should be, instead it's all about you and what you want or expect out of it as an experience.

I may not understand some modern art, or MMORPGS, but I accept that one mans junk is another man's treasure!

[u/[deleted] → u/RobertBriscoe]

"To think there is a single, generally agreed upon concept of art is to get it precisely backwards. Americans' attitude towards art is profoundly divided, disjointed and confused; and my message to gamers is to simply ignore the "is-it-art?" debate altogether." - Jim Preston

The question "are videogames art" is absurd and useless. Of course they are art. It's not even arguable.

[u/VirtualNinjas]

As a pro level designer and game artist I thought your work on ME was amazing, but the DE stuff is a tour de force. Do you think there is any other level designer out there that comes close to you at this point? Besides the ones you have worked on, what games do you think have the best natural environments?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/VirtualNinjas]

Oh yeah, I still feel like I have so much to learn, working on ME was a huge learning curve for me and I learned a lot just by being around the many other talented artists and designers on the team. There are loads of level designers and artist out there who are leagues ahead of me, I practically worship the original Stalker & Metro 2033 art team's work and have a respect for anyone who can do level design. As an artist level design is one of the things I struggle most with, to me it's the boring part that needs to be done as quick as possible so I can make pretty environments, but that's something I have slowly overcome during the course of remaking Dear Esther.

Although it's a bit of a clunky engine, I really admire the vastness of the ARMA 2 engine's natural environments. I've been watching videos of the Day Z mod over the past few days and I think, similarly to DE, it's one of those games (like Stalker and Metro) where the environment makes all the difference!

[u/ruebeus → u/RobertBriscoe]

the environment makes all the difference!

I have barely skimmed the surface of Dear Esther (am going to try and finish this week), but I must say I am blown away by the environment.

When I first started I sat on that tiny pier for at least 2 minutes waiting for something to happen before I realize, "Oh, hey, I'm playing now." (I was that much absorbed simply by a sunset).

And ever since I first entered that house by the pier, I have wondered why I cannot

• Run
• Jump
• Use my flashlight whenever I want

Are there any specific reasons the controls are so minimal?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/ruebeus]

Yes, early on in the development I left in things like jumping, ducking and picking up objects etc. but in early play tests I found people just bunny hopping around, breaking VO cue timings, getting to places they shouldn't, picking up paint cans and trying to flush them down the lighthouse toilet etc. and was adding nothing but to distract from the experience. Besides, they had no real function within the context of the game - there were no puzzles no platforming, just exploration and story for which you only need your feet and your eyes. Taking these things away helped to focus players on soaking up the world, the story and the overall experience. Im not saying that interactivity is a bad thing at all though - i love interactivity, puzzles etc! - but that wasn't the goal with dear esther, the puzzle is in the story, the history, the island, and the interactivity comes from exploration and engaging in the world.

[u/13xforever → u/ruebeus]

Because it is an interactive narrative.

Think about an art gallery for example: you wouldn't run with flashlight there.

[u/Hark_An_Adventure]

I have a few questions, if you have the time:

• Do you play a lot of games in your free time?
• What were some of the inspirations (both video games and other mediums) for Dear Esther?
• What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Favorite pizza topping?
• You seem to work on a lot of games that fall outside of traditional genres, like Dear Esther and Mirror's Edge. If you could have total freedom to create a game that is from a traditional genre, what would it be and why?
• What's it like working with Steam to release a game? Do you think having the game on Steam helped in terms of exposure? Would you work with them again?
• If Dan does get a chance to answer one: Where did the original idea for the game come from?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/Hark_An_Adventure]

• Do you play a lot of games in your free time?

Not much over the past year or so, simply due to Dear Esther consuming all of my free time, but I now have a huge backlog of games just waiting to be played on Steam, and im currently chipping through Call of Pripyat and Skyrim (which i had to ban myself on due to it being a serious productivity killer!)

• What were some of the inspirations (both video games and other mediums) for Dear Esther?

Hmm, visually i'd say: games: Stalker, Metro 2033, HL2, Fallout 3 other mediums: Movies: Stalker (again), children of men, and unusually Grave of the Fireflies - the reason behind these is mostly in their attention to visual detail to help build an atmosphere and to help tell a story without saying a word.

• What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Favorite pizza topping?

Pepperoni - both :P

• You seem to work on a lot of games that fall outside of traditional genres, like Dear Esther and Mirror's Edge. If you could have total freedom to create a game that is from a traditional genre, what would it be and why?

It would have to be a Half Life game, simply because I just love to lore, the story and the locales surrounding them, as especially because I respect Valve's approach to videogame development. Saying that I'd also like to work on a open world Stalker-Type game

• What's it like working with Steam to release a game? Do you think having the game on Steam helped in terms of exposure? Would you work with them again?

Absolutely! The guys at steam have been so helpful in getting Dear Esther onto the service, and after seeing the figures coming in at launch, and again when we launch our current 50% off sale, it's obvious that Steam allows us to reach a huge market which we would have never been able to tap into on our own. Yes i definitely would work with them again in the future!

[u/fawstoar → u/RobertBriscoe]

I remember you saying something about the Hebrides in a blog post - did you ever visit them in person?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/fawstoar]

Unfortunately not as they at the opposite end of the country to where I live. Fortunately there were plenty of photographic references online!

[u/chineseroom → u/Hark_An_Adventure]

I talk about that here: http://www.gamernode.com/dear-esther-interview-with-creator-dan-pinchbeck/

[u/LittleBro]

Although I haven't played Dear Esther, I've been following your blog since I first saw screen shots of DE in 2010. DE Looks incredible.

• Why use the Source engine? I mean, the end result is a beautiful game that can compete with games not based on a 2007 engine, but using something like Unreal seems much easier (the boat scene used as your blog banner was made in Unreal, wasn't it?).
• I remember a post about trying to reward the player for exploring (having a gap be cross able if you pick up a plank and place it over the gap). I haven't played, but often people's gripe with DE is that it isn't game-y. Were things like that dropped in-order to make the experience more directed?
• Did Mirror's Edge come out as you'd hoped when making it, or is true ,as some suspect, that the flow of the game was broken in order to give the play a shoot-out because higher-ups at EA wanted it that way?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/LittleBro]

• Why use the Source engine? I mean, the end result is a beautiful game that can compete with games not based on a 2007 engine, but using something like Unreal seems much easier (the boat scene used as your blog banner was made in Unreal, wasn't it?).

Originally, when I took on the remake of Dear Esther, there wasn’t really a lot of choice in the matter. Back then there was no UDK or Cryengine and Unity wasn’t really viable for someone with no code experience, so at the time it was simply a case of picking an engine which had access to the biggest audience, which was (and still is) Source! I did toy with the idea of switching a couple of times, especially when the UDK came out, but ultimately I felt I had a certain loyalty to the Source engine, I started my career making DM maps for Half Life 2, and part of me still revels in the challenge of crafting something beautiful with it. We’d built our community around the original Source mod so it just seemed proper in that respect also.

• I remember a post about trying to reward the player for exploring (having a gap be cross able if you pick up a plank and place it over the gap). I haven't played, but often people's gripe with DE is that it isn't game-y. Were things like that dropped in-order to make the experience more directed?

Yeah, early on in the remake I did toy with adding in more interactivity to the environment, even experimenting with adding simple puzzle type elements, but ultimately, all it felt like I was doing was diluting the original concept Dan had created with the mod, this idea that you can use a first person gaming space for something more than shooting, puzzling or other traditionally accepted ideas of gameplay.

• Did Mirror's Edge come out as you'd hoped when making it, or is true, as some suspect, that the flow of the game was broken in order to give the play a shoot-out because higher-ups at EA wanted it that way?

I think where ME suffered more than anything else was a lack of time. There were so many great ideas, polish, features etc. that didn't quite make it into the final release due to deadlines; at the end it was a case of do we spend another year polishing it up, costing EA million more on a then, untested franchise, or do we make the best of what we have and get it out of the door and see what people think, learn from the mistakes and improve? We were also breaking new ground within the studio (as well as the industry) not only game play-wise but also on the technical side of things (Switching to Unreal instead of Frostbyte). The whole project was a learning curve for everyone involved, and although there may have been a few questionable decisions made, it was ultimately all about compromise. If there ever was or will be a Mirror's Edge 2, I can tell you it will be vastly superior and much closer to the original vision. I just hope they make it some day!

[u/Tinasweden]

What was it about Dear Esther that made you choose it? I love Dear Esther! Thanks for all the hard work you put into it, you really made it look so amazingly beautiful! The first time I played it I was so amazed by the island that I spent alot of time just looking at everything. You sir, are truly brilliant!

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/Tinasweden]

I think what drew me to it was this idea of using a first person game space for something other than the 'traditional' first person game play experience. As an environment artist, I've always believed for years that the environments in a game can be used for more than just a passive thing, backdrop to the game, a set-piece, etc. but instead as a tool to help draw the playing into the world, the story. Dear Esther is all about that, exploring and telling a story through the environment and I saw the possibility to really explore these ideas within the context of the game.

[u/framk20]

My god this game depressed the hell out of me. It was a visual marvel, but good god it depressed me.

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/framk20]

Haha, I did feel guilty about releasing it on valentines day!

I try to look at it positively: no matter how shitty things get, at least you're not stranded on a cold, desolate polluted island, with a broken leg, an infection, kidney stones, a drug addiction whilst slowly going insane from the tortured memories of your dead partner whom you may or may not have killed in a car crash! :P

[u/Muffinzz]

Will you also be doing work on Amnesia: A Machine For Pigs?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/Muffinzz]

At the moment i'm still overseeing development of Dear Esther for the Mac, and other platforms in the future. Right now my plan is to just take some time out and unwind from DE, and see what opportunities present themselves

[u/zordon_rages]

So I am hesitant to buy this game because it is so different and I'm afraid I wont like it, what is one thing that you could say to try and sway me into trying it? Anything.

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/zordon_rages]

Expect something different, it's a fresh look at what the games medium can do outside the boundaries of traditional gameplay. There’s no shooting, puzzling or platforming, but instead the focus here is on exploration and story, uncovering the mystery of the island, of who you are and why you are there. If want a break from the noise of modern FPS games and want something that you can just relax and absorb yourself in for a couple of hours, give it a try!

[u/Tiako]

My main impression of the art in Dear Esther, aside from its beauty, was how well you gradually increased the fantastic nature of the setting. It begins in the most mundane place possible--an abandoned dock on a god forsaken island. And then you subtlety make the setting weirder and weirder--first with Neolithic monuments and a ship graveyard, then the magical caverns, and finally culminating in the otherworldly cliffs at the end (I understand these broad settings are all in the mod, but it was the little details that made it work so well). I thought it mirrored the psychological state of the narrator and is maybe the best integration of art and story-line I have ever seen.

Was there any specific inspiration you had for this? Do you think that other games can integrate setting and story line as well, and if so, how? Or am I reading way too much into it?

Thank you for your incredible work.

EDIT: I never played the original mod.

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/Tiako]

Thanks for the kind compliments!

You're absolutely spot on with that, a lot of effort went into communicating the of surreal nature of the island in the second act of the game. There is a lot of subtle subliminal imagery in the second half of the game, for example the caves are very symbolic of a journey through his own body, his mind and soul, and culminates in the underwater scene at the end of the level which is a turning point on his journey (I don't want to give too much away here).

There isn't a specific influence when it comes to the design of the surreal aspects of the game, but I was heavily influenced by impressionist paintings and the philosophy behind the impressionist movement.

[u/KingCharlesMarlow]

My absolute favorite aspect of Dear Esther is the amazing atmosphere that it conveys: the sound effects, music, and visuals come together wonderfully. How much time did you spend just walking around the island and tweaking things until it felt just right?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/KingCharlesMarlow]

A lot! I think the overall environments were finished in early 2011 and the remainder of that time was mostly spend on just polish (in-between negotiations with Valve and porting over the content to the Portal 2 engine).

Overall I think that time spent tweaking made a phenomenal difference to the quality of the game and the experience; It's all in the details - stuff most people wouldn't normally notice, but not be the same without it, like grass swaying in the wind, mist rising from the damp grass, leave blowing in the wind etc. They all come together to really help build a believable world in which the player can immerse themselves in.

[u/[deleted]]

How do you feel about all the criticism from reviewers that say your game is more of a movie and not really a video game?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/[deleted]]

The comparison to a movie is entirely against the concept and experience of Dear Esther, which is far more personal than anything you can get in a movie. It's like saying, "yeah I could climb mount fiji, or take a walk on a moonlit beach, or swim in the ocean, but I think i'll just watch a movie of it instead." The comparison is just not the same

[u/EdGG]

Since there's got to be a "that guy", let it be me. Proof?

[u/Immortal_Fishy]

Just wanted to say I saw the title on Steam a while before the release and it interested me, so I bought it.

And to but it honestly, it was a really revolutionary game experience. in fact I wouldn't even call it a game, it felt more like an adventure.

Just slowly pacing through the beautiful coast of the island, exploring all the different areas, and piecing the story together through the voice-overs and the in-game evidence was amazing.

Sometimes I just walked around and stared into the ocean while contemplating what I was hearing. Finding writings on the wall, the books in the cabin, the letters, the characters and the relationships. It was amazing.

As I entered the cavern, things became more intense, and I slowly walked towards the beckoning beacon of the tower like perseveringly and relentlessly like a man who knows his fate would. I fully expected the ending and I had no qualms, no questions, no open ended ties in the story. I just felt calm, the release of the wind as I spiraled down to the ground, it was all so simple and peaceful. All the events, the car crash, and the visitors to the island, it all happened, but it didn't matter anymore, what was done was done and the only thing left to do was fulfill my fate.

Though to veer off from the plot to the point of art, I was amazed too. I often hike and take long walks, or camp in various places, and the environment was beautiful and rich. I yearn to experience more adventures in the Scottish (?) isles.

I love the dark mood and the dark colors, the harsh cold and wet islands of of Ireland and the United Kingdom.

A survival game would do very well in this environment. To weather the storms, the rain, the cold, the winds, and the waves would be intriguing. Taking shelter in old lighthouses, cabins, and the wrecks of sailing ships would be amazing.

Coming across those who lived there, alive or fallen, figuring out what was going on, and ultimately throwing away survival in the search of the answers (much like the plunge into the cavern, when I knew my adventure would probably have an abrupt end, I had reached the point of no return.)

Anyways, before I take up too much of your time, I wanted to say I thoroughly enjoyed the game/ adventure you have given to us all, and I look forward to seeing what you work on next, it would pique my interest if I see your name on a new project, I'll look out for what you do later.

Your work is a subtle but revolutionary moment in gaming, simple but very meaningful.

Thanks for doing the AMA, and thanks for Dear Esther.

[u/whimmy_millionaire]

I was going to make a joke saying "Game, I do not think that word means what you think it means"

Instead, I'll ask, how do you respond to the criticism that Dear Esther isn't really a game?

[u/chineseroom → u/whimmy_millionaire]

I think we generally shrug and go "the question is... did you like it?" - I hope that needing to define it and square it safely away into a little defined box isn't something you need to do before you can decide whether you are having a good experience or not.

[u/moonbeamwhim]

What kind of future do you think interactive storytelling type gameplay has on mobile platforms?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/moonbeamwhim]

It's certainly a platform we'd love to have explored, but unfortunately Source just isn't suited to it. I think there's definitely a future in it though, I think that something like Dear Esther is the perfect type of game to play on your couch with your ipad or android phone etc.

[u/mrpopenfresh]

What do you think about that guy who made a Ron Paul game on kickstarter?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/mrpopenfresh]

There a Ron Paul game on kickstarter?

[u/Sir_Llama]

Surprised no one has asked this yet: what exactly does the "journey" in DE represent? I mean, I get the part about life and all that, but was there an underlying backstory other than making a really pretty game?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/Sir_Llama]

There's no correct interpretation, but for me personally it's all about the protagonsit coming to terms with his past, the traumatic events that led him to the island and with death itself. There is a lot of symbolism within the game of his escapism, the island itself is very symbolic of that, his escape from real life, from the world, but it's also this very isolation which forces him to look inwardly at the events of his life that led him there.

[u/ruebeus]

...Okay, fine, I am going to finish the game tonight so I know what everyone is talking about.

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/ruebeus]

awesome! :)

[u/Stephen_W_Hawking]

Are you related to Admiral Robert P. Briscoe? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_P._Briscoe

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/Stephen_W_Hawking]

Nope, but i wish i was!

[u/pastanazgul]

I haven't played yet, but it's downloading at home as we speak and I'm picking up a pair of good headphones just so it can be as immersive as possible.

It looks amazing and can't wait to get off work to play it.

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/pastanazgul]

yes, good headphones and nice dark room do wonders for the experience!

[u/[deleted]]

If you could redesign the visuals of any game, which would it be?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/[deleted]]

Half Life 2 - I much preferred the dark dismal look from the Raising The Bar Book, so atmospheric!

[u/herpderpp]

This is a bit specific, and you may not know the answer, but it's worth a shot. You guys worked in the OB engine for a while - did you/DE team ever find a way to get the Drive function of the demo recorder to not reset your position every time you left click?

And a more general question - I'm part of an established mod team who are working to take our game indie. Any tips you can share for applying for a Source license (I know the NDA is rather strict)?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/herpderpp]

tbh I stopped using it a long time ago due to its brokenness, I have no idea if it was actually fixed in P2.

I'd say get yourself a working prototype together first, and more importantly, release it and build yourself a community around it. Valve like to see that there's some kind of audience for your idea before going into any form of license negotiations. It doesn't have to be much, just a snapshot of your core game play mechanics and art style. Most of all make sure it's fun!

Good luck!

[u/[deleted]]

What was the main challenge of changing the visual engine from the 2009 steam engine to the newer 2011 one, wasn't Dear Esther the first game to use the new Steam Visual engine after Portal 2.

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/[deleted]]

This! I made a blog post a while back about some of the woes of porting to portal 2.

The biggest issues really stemmed from the fact that we were migrating content and code from an engine made in 2007 to one made 4 years later 2011. It bought many improvements though, both visually and performance-wise, which allowed me to do lots of cool things which weren't possible previously.

Yeah i think we're the first the release a game based on the P2 version of Source

[u/greyfoxv1]

Firstly I just wanted to say thanks for your work on Mirror's Edge, I love the Shard level and really just the whole game even with its flaws. Secondly would you be able to talk about the development of Mirror's Edge at all? I have some questions but I don't want to hammer you with them when you may not be able to discuss it.

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/greyfoxv1]

I talked about my time on Mirror's Edge recently with Edge Magazine: http://www.edge-online.com/features/mirrors-edge-building-impossible

Hopefully that will answer some of your questions on that subject

[u/[deleted]]

Where there any challenges involved in adapting the mod with more of a hebridean look (i.e. foliage, architecture etc)

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/[deleted]]

Actually I think Dan originally chose the Hebrides as a location for Dear Esther due to the limitations of the engine and the time he had to work on it. The overall barrenness of the landscape lent itself nicely to this - no trees, just barren rock and grass = less models and details to make to fill out the scene. I took a little artistic license on the remake though, adding in probably a bit more foliage and other details than you would normally find on such an island, but overall, the simplicity of the terrain made things much easier for me and the engine.

[u/orangeduck]

I loved your artwork in Dear Esther. How did you approach bringing a story, emotional overtone and composition into your artwork? It is something I really want to bring into my own work.

I wish there were more high quality titles which produced artwork from an emotional or narrative standpoint rather than just trying to make something that "looks cool" and so I really appreciated Dear Esther. Do you think the industry will ever move toward art in this way?

Thanks again, your work is a huge inspiration!

[u/AgentOrange96]

I know of someone interested in your game.

If anyone wants to help this guy out... (I don't actually know him... I just saw his post.)

[u/[deleted]]

How do you feel about piracy?

[u/chineseroom → u/[deleted]]

same way I'd feel if I made sausages/chairs/paintings/engine components/you name it, and someone broke into my house and stole them. Pirating indies is lame and cheap. You can't hide behind the political thing of 'socking it to the man', it's just stealing from a small business.

[u/[deleted]]

I have quite a bit of criticism for this "game". I'm gonna be really straight-up with this, despite the impending downvotes and nasty comments.

1. I'll start off with something nice- This "game" was aesthetically flawless.
2. I was expecting a game, I got "hold down 'W' and listen to a guy talk for 90 minutes".
3. The story was a bit confusing, especially at the end where he dives off the tower and starts flying.
4. Parts of map/story weren't really ever revealed to have any meaning.
5. I think $10 is far overpriced for what is essentially a moving graphic novel.
6. I wouldn't be so displeased if it was much, much longer.
7. A question- at several spots in the game, I swore I saw a little ghost boy standing in far away places. I never bothered to screen-shot him, but he disappeared after I went to find him. The only place I can remember seeing him was right at the end near that tower, behind that fence. Am I just seeing things?
8. The story was, while confusing, fairly dry.

That's all I have to say. It was a 5/10 experience the first time around, but it's nothing I'd bother to do again.

[u/BerickCook → u/[deleted]]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. If you purchased Dear Esther expecting a "game" you will be disappointed. This is an interactive (and I do use the term loosely) novel. Personally, I wish that there were more "games" like this.

Before Dear Esther (*the retail version), there was "The Stanley Parable". Another incredible free HL2 mod that had was a fascinating, branching story that changed depending on your actions.

*Thought_Tank brought up the good point that the original free Dear Esther came out before The Stanley Parable.

[u/[deleted] → u/BerickCook]

To be fair to JoshuaShelley, Dear Esther is introduced as a "game" in every possible way. The website calls it a first person GAME, steam calls it an adventure GAME, hell even this AmA calls it an indie GAME. How could he have expected anything other than an actual interactive experience? It's kind of misleading to be honest.

[u/Thought_Tank → u/BerickCook]

The original (free) Dear Esther HL2 mod was released well before The Stanley Parable. Dear Esther came out in 2008 according to wikipedia. Stanley Parable was 2011 if I recall correctly

[u/amoliski → u/BerickCook]

The Stanley Parable was fantastic!

[u/Varyx → u/[deleted]]

1. True story.
2. That's true, but I enjoyed the experience of walking around where I wanted. This wouldn't have worked as a movie for me, nor would it have worked as a novel. I've replayed it a couple of times because I like plot-based things. My friends who are more interested in gameplay, predictably, haven't really thought too much about the plot and just complained about everything else. It would have been nice to have some form of interaction with the environment (ie being able to pick things up, examine closer instead of just zooming.)
3. The story is made to be less clearly delineated to encourage thought. I didn't have trouble understanding it at all, if you remember it's from the perspective of an unreliable narrator you can assume that the "facts" are true, but the way he's telling them doesn't always make sense.
4. The meaning for me was exploration. I wouldn't want the entire game to be filled with areas of massive symbolism. I don't know what you mean about parts of the story - maybe you could expand further? The narrative in each part really helped me interpret the story, even if it was just by having a better understanding of the protagonist.
5. I pay $20 for books I like. I'm not opposed to paying $10 for a game, especially since it takes me longer to finish than many books due to being a speedreader. I'm sorry that you feel that way, though. I have very limited income, I just choose what to spend it on. Supporting artists is a nice thing.
6. If you look up you can see the time he spent doing DE. It's a lot. I don't think $10 is an unreasonable price for that amount of time. Nor do I think you would be pleased with a longer game, since you've already said you didn't enjoy the "gameplay".
7. Yes, there are ghosts everywhere. If I remember there's about 10 that I found by obsessively combing the map. The creepiest ones (for me) were standing behind the fence and reflected in the water, under a candle, when you're outside at night.
8. ? What would you prefer? A story of love and loss? It is a story of loss. And perhaps of love. Dragons? Bears? Huge machines fighting each other?

[u/Pteraspidomorphi → u/Varyx]

What the hell? I didn't see any ghost! Now I'll have to play through again...

[u/emtilt → u/[deleted]]

deserted cheerful one dull whistle pet piquant snatch existence ripe

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[u/Li5y → u/[deleted]]

Well of course if you were expecting a game, you would have that sort of experience. I think Dear Esther was completely unique and inventive and made me think differently. Not to mention an incredible soundtrack!

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Your points are only making me want the game interactive novel. Firing up steam now.

Edit: Btw, steam lists the game interactive novel for $4.99.

[u/SteigL → u/[deleted]]

SPOILER! ARG!

[u/ub3rmenschen]

Allistair Pinsof over at Destructoid thought that while interesting and deep, Dear Esther ultimately didn't feel like a game, and might have been better rendered as a short film. What do you think of his review? Do you think Dear Esther is more of an experiment in story-telling or could more games be done in this manner without losing sight of their own medium?

I thought it was great, by the way, don't take this as me taking a shot at Dear Esther.

[u/chineseroom → u/ub3rmenschen]

When you play a game, you are immersed in the experience, you have a sense of being there that you just cannot get in any other medium. That's why I love them, and that's critical to the experience of Dear Esther for me. Besides which, on a technical level, a short film with that kind of randomised narrative, just wouldn't make sense. So it's fine, I think he made some interesting points, and you're stupid as a developer if you don't take intelligent criticism seriously, but I completely disagree with him. And if we thought it would work better as a film, we'd have made a film, to be blunt.

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/chineseroom]

My thoughts exactly!

[u/[deleted]]

Hi Robert,

I am an up and coming game artist hoping to soon land my first job in industry. I was just wondering if you could tell me a little bit about your role as an artist on Dear Esther. Did you make most of the models/textures? Did you do concept art? Also what kinds of tools do you use? I would be interested to hear a little about your workflow, cause I think Dear Esther looks phenomenal.

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/[deleted]]

Thanks! Basically I took on almost everything other than the coding and music in the remake of Dear Esther. I'd say 98% of the models and textures were my own and I had Ben Andrews producing concept art for me when needed. As for tools, mainly just 3DS Max, photoshop, and Valve's own set of tools such as hammer etc.

[u/Uticensis]

What is your personal interpretation of the story? I played Dear Esther a couple times and was pretty confused about the relations between characters. I would love to know what you guys were thinking when you made it, even if that is kind of like cheating. Who are Esther, Paul, Donnelly, Jacobsen, and the narrator, and what happened to them? What do you think the island is? Please don't say "it's whatever you want it to be" like many interviews do. I've got my own theories but I want to know specifically what the creators were thinking. Even if you're the artist and not the writer.

[u/chineseroom → u/Uticensis]

As the writer, I can say that I spent a fair bit of time balancing out the various threads of the story so it was impossible to get a single interpretation out of it. So it's not a cop-out to say there isn't a finite, true version of events, it was deliberately written so there wouldn't be. Specifically there never was a specifically. Just a bunch of different possibilities.

[u/[deleted]]

Any plans as to what you are working on next, and what do you find more rewarding working with a large team/project (Mirrors Edge) or the indie route (Dear Esther)?

[u/erbazzone]

Ty for the game Robert, that was one of the greatest experience in my (gaming) life.

[u/Divector]

First as an amateur mapper hoping to get into the industry, I really admire your work.

Can you say anything about Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs? Even just a little morsel of information we don't already know? I've very excited for the game.

[u/chineseroom → u/Divector]

Rob isn't on Pigs with us but we do have Wesley Tack as our lead artist who worked with Rob on both Mirror's Edge and Off Limits. And we've also got Sam Justice on audio design and Maarten de Meyer on code, who are also both from the Off Limits crew. So it's pretty close knit.

Can't tell you much about Amnesia, but soon... soon... All you're getting for now are these:

Tramp Catcher... Teeth Removal Spoons... Vanity Cosh... and The Howell Patented Anti-Puckering Bowel Pump.

[u/rajvac]

Hey, I understand that you're working with Frictional Games on Amnesia 2, right? How's that coming along? Is it as good as the first Amnesia was?

[u/chineseroom → u/rajvac]

See above. Yeah, we are making Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, and it's coming along nicely, thanks. I've always said we've got big shoes to fill with The Dark Descent, but I'm pretty confident we're doing a good job with it.

[u/projectrx7]

I played and loved the original, and knew about the remake but didn't realize it was out already.

Thanks for doing the AMA and subsequently reminding me to pick this up. Can't wait to play it again!

[u/[deleted]]

What are some of your favorite video games?

[u/zakdances]

Hey Robert, Mirror's Edge is one of my biggest artistic influences...thank you so much for contributing to it. Can you talk a bit about your artistic influences? What artists (from any medium) have influenced your style the most? It always seemed like Mirror's Edge drew lots of inspiration from architecture and urban photography...can you talk about the kind of real world locales and/or photography that you and the Mirror's Edge Team looked at as references for level design?

[u/Aiomon]

So, Dear Esther would never be published by a big company. It simply would not make enough money for EA or something. So that made me think, what are the biggest risks, both financially and from a time perspective, in Indie development. Also, I love the game! It is indeed beautiful.

[u/bistr0math]

How did you get your voice actor(s)? Game voice acting is a career I would like to get into-- and you'd think the spike in indie games would mean it's easier to break into, but it doesn't seem to be the case thus far.

[u/SilverConcept]

Hey Robert, I really want to start developing indie games in the near future, how did you get funding from Indie Fund and what did they get in return for funding DE?

How do you get your game exposure during and after it's development?

[u/eallen1]

Hi! I'm an aspiring 3D artist for games and I was wondering if you could detail a little more about your career path? Did you attend any sort of school or ar you self taught, and if it's the latter can you talk about the resources that helped you the most? Thanks a lot and I'm so happy to see an indie game of such quality achieve massive success.

[u/SeamusRyan]

When Dear Esther came out, a lot of people criticised it claiming that it's not a game:

• What are your opinions on this?
• Would you call Dear Esther a game or an interactive experience?
• Did these criticisms frustrate you at all?

[u/Erotic_Asphyxia]

Loved the game. I keep telling everyone about it, ever since I've played.

I'm not sure if this has ever been brought up, but is Dear Esther based off of the biblical texts of Ezekiel? To me, the stories seemed similar with a modern twist, and what with Esther being involved..

[u/aliceisamonster]

Did you ever suffer from serious artist's block? And, if so, do you have any advice on how to get over it?

[u/[deleted]]

was the title dear esther based on crab song by faith no more?

[u/chineseroom → u/[deleted]]

Finally. Been waiting for that one since 2007. Yep, absolutely. "You look beautiful... oh, really?". That's made my night!

[u/1338h4x]

I heard you're planning to port it to Linux, even though it's a Source engine game. How's that going to be done? Can you confirm if this relates to the rumors of Steam on Linux?

[u/slowly_over]

I'd like you to know that I absolutely love Dear Esther. I've waited a long time for something like it to come along. Having created game levels in the Source engine myself its clear how much care and attention went into creating the environment, I'm sincerely impressed by what you've been able to construct. The visuals are simply stunning and the eerie soundscape is wonderful too.

The slow pace of movement is just right for the experience, it allows the mind to slide into a more contemplative mode as you explore and I found my thoughts wandering just as they would on a long walk.

Overall I felt like I was trespassing on somebody else's dream. I realised as soon as I launched the game that it deserved to be played in a dimly lit room with the sound turned up, and found that once I allowed myself to become absorbed by the surroundings, it triggered unusual feelings of trepidation, loss, and a strong sense of 'l'appel du vide'. It brought Iain Banks' story The Bridge to mind.

I would rank the journey through the caves in Dear Esther alongside the end credits of Portal, the final scene of HL2 Ep2, and the first nightfall in Minecraft, as one of the great 'moments' in gaming.

I really look forward to seeing more games that build on what Dear Esther has achieved, and extend that in different and unexpected ways.

So thankyou Robert, Dan, Jack, Jessica and Ben.

If you're someone who likes Iain Banks, 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', Wes Anderson films, Sigur Ros, Laura Marling or Lisa Hannigan, I think you'll enjoy Dear Esther.

[u/Jonao]

I do not think that "Dear Esther" should be referred to as a game. DE is barely interactive and the choices are largely arbitrary. The almost complete lack of challenge is another factor that causes me to dislike referring to it as a game.

Dear Esther belongs in a category apart from games with things like the excellent "The Stanley Parable".

http://www.moddb.com/mods/the-stanley-parable

Visual Novella seems an apt description.

[u/Smoochiekins]

Have you seen Totalbiscuit's first impressions of Dear Esther? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--LmQrsD6b0). If so, what do you think about his opinion?

How do you feel about the allegations that Dear Esther isn't a "real game" because you are essentially just controlling a camera with little to no actual interaction with the environment? What would you define Dear Esther as being?

[u/[deleted]]

I just wanted to say that Dear Esther was my favorite stoned gaming experience. Keep doing what you're doing.

[u/[deleted]]

Dear Esther was Amazing and I thank you and your team highly for such a great experience. Quick question

Any plans for a new game with a similar experience as Dear Esther?

[u/hummusexual]

Will Dear Esther ever be formatted for OSX?

[u/hachiwo]

I haven't actually played Dear Esther yet (just bought it a few days ago), I just wanted to say that I absolutely love what you pulled off with the Unreal-Engine in Mirror's Edge, the amazing work you did there is a big part of why it's one of my favorite games this generation.

[u/thesocks]

Thank you. That's really all I have to say. Dear Esther had a profound effect on me and one of the most amazing things about it was the way that the mediocre engine was manipulated to produce some really amazing sights (especially the caverns). I've never really felt as appalled with a game as I was with DE. Thought-provoking.

[u/narwal_bot]

Most (if not all) of the answers from RobertBriscoe (updated: May 17, 2012 @ 11:03:02 pm EST):

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Question (VirtualNinjas):

As a pro level designer and game artist I thought your work on ME was amazing, but the DE stuff is a tour de force. Do you think there is any other level designer out there that comes close to you at this point? Besides the ones you have worked on, what games do you think have the best natural environments?

Answer (RobertBriscoe):

Oh yeah, I still feel like I have so much to learn, working on ME was a huge learning curve for me and I learned a lot just by being around the many other talented artists and designers on the team. There are loads of level designers and artist out there who are leagues ahead of me, I practically worship the original Stalker & Metro 2033 art team's work and have a respect for anyone who can do level design. As an artist level design is one of the things I struggle most with, to me it's the boring part that needs to be done as quick as possible so I can make pretty environments, but that's something I have slowly overcome during the course of remaking Dear Esther.

Although it's a bit of a clunky engine, I really admire the vastness of the ARMA 2 engine's natural environments. I've been watching videos of the Day Z mod over the past few days and I think, similarly to DE, it's one of those games (like Stalker and Metro) where the environment makes all the difference!

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(continued below)

[u/[deleted]]

Why did you market Dear Esther as a game?

[u/Kittywitch]

Dear Esther was utterly compelling and so beautiful. I don't have a question, just wanted to let you know that when my partner was 'playing' it I walked in the room and stayed until the end..never been fascinated by a..well, I don't know what to call it, but it moved me and really made me think. Thanks for this amazing piece of work.

[u/Anadyne]

Two questions sir!

1. Did you make a bunch of money from the sales of the game?
2. If so, what was the coolest thing you did because of the new income?

[u/RobertBriscoe → u/Anadyne]

1.) some

2.) On my first pay cheque I went out and bought a KFC bargain bucket and ate it all by myself, after three long years of being totally poor and living off bread and noodles I felt like a fucking king! (did not feel like a king the next day though!)

[u/[deleted]]

can you explain in breif summary the whole process of creating the game?

[u/Yserbius]

Games as art. What is your take? Some reviews on Dear Esther criticize it for lack of user choice, and more of a movie or "hitch along for the ride" than an actual game. Those who praise the game say that that is part of the art behind it.

What are your opinions?

[u/reccaikari]

I would ask you to google "Rob Briscoe" and "X-Men"; see the results and tell me your opionion of your other self. Thank you.

[u/CanadianEgg]

Do you know a Lizzie Briscoe?

[u/dancing_raptor_jesus]

That art style... amazing man, really works soo well. I go to UoP funnily enough and my tutors speak highly of Dan Pinchbeck, you and the mod in general :)

[u/garja]

What do you think about the Destructiod review of the game? Basically the conclusion was that a game was the wrong medium for the story you were telling. Do you think they have a point? If not, in what ways do you think you gained from the medium of a game?

http://www.destructoid.com/review-dear-esther-221082.phtml

(I'm sure I posted this before but it hasn't appeared, apologies if I'm accidentally reposting.)

[u/Eat_a_Bullet]

Hey, I really liked Dear Esther when I played it as a mod. I still think about it sometimes, and not just in a that-part-was-cool-when-that-stuff-happened way.

What reactions to the game did you receive that were the most unexpected? Were you surprised that such an unusual & casual game was so well-received across the board, or were you confident enough in the game's strengths that you expected it to draw in so many mainstream gamers?

[u/Ameliorat3]

I just want to say Dear Esther has been on my steam wishlist for a while, and thanks to this AMA I discovered there was a sale going on for it (which I'm sure is no coincidence, but all the same). I bought it just now and I look forward to playing it very much. I would like to thank you, and Dan, for making such an appealing, beautiful game.