Feature: MechAssault Developer On 360 Vs. Wii

In today's Gamasutra cover feature, we present the fourth in our continued "Tour of Chicago" series, this time paying a visit to MechAssault developer Day 1 Studio to have a chat with studio president Denny Thorley. Thorley discusses the studio's future, his thoughts on Microsoft's way of marketing its MechAssault franchise, the recent nondisclosure agreement signed for Nintendo's Wii, and the studio's stance on PC development, as outlined in the following extract: Development for the PC is also something that one of Day 1 Studios’ publisher is asking the studio to consider. Thorley notes the size of the install base, saying it will likely require more new hardware selling, and requires care in making the decision. Still, Thorley believes the PC will be a viable platform. “Until Vista gets settled down, and we know where that’s going to be, we’re not going to be playing in that arena,” he said. “Sales indicate that [PC sales are] declining,” Thorley continues. “Shelf space at the retailers indicates it’s declining. Which probably means it isn't the best time.” Thorley sees the difference between consoles and PCs as a “distance experience thing.” If you’re playing a game that demands you’re two feet from the screen, then the mouse is a better pointing device, and the PC a better game platform.” With the proliferation of HDTV, Thorley thinks the differences will shrink. With HDTV, “you’re going to be playing your videogames in your den or entertainment room, and other people are watching and enjoying the experience,” Thorley says. “The PC is pretty much you in a room. Perhaps playing multiplayer, but none the less, it’s you looking at a screen.” You can now read the full Gamasutra feature on the subject, including plenty more from the Chicago-based independent developer on a plethora of topics (no registration required).