It’s been revealed that the iPhone 4’s newest and hottest hack-n-slash game, Infinity Blade, was originally destined to be played on Microsoft’s Kinect.
The game’s graphics are one of the factors that set it apart from others on iOS devices, but if it had been released on the Xbox 360, would it have been as highly rated? I doubt it.
In an interview with Joystiq, Chair co-founder Donald Mustard explained:
“We always have some cool ideas on deck, and kind of the inception of Infinity Blade began as a discussion around: ‘If we were going to make a Kinect title, what would we make? What would a Chair Kinect game look like?’
“That discussion happened, you know, a year and a half ago. We had this really cool design, and it’s not that dissimilar from the game you’re playing today; it’s just been refined and adapted to the iOS screen, which honestly I think is where the design works the best.”
The Evolution of Infinity Blade
Infinity Blade’s journey from a conceptual Kinect game to a touch-screen masterpiece is a fascinating one. The game was initially envisioned to leverage the motion-sensing capabilities of the Kinect, which would have allowed players to physically engage in sword fights and other combat scenarios. However, as development progressed, it became clear that the touch-screen interface of iOS devices offered a more intuitive and immersive experience for the game’s mechanics.
The decision to pivot to iOS was not just about adapting to a different platform; it was about enhancing the gameplay experience. The touch controls allowed for more precise actions, such as swiping to attack or parry, which are integral to the game’s combat system. This level of control would have been challenging to replicate with Kinect’s motion-sensing technology.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
Infinity Blade’s success on iOS devices has had a significant impact on the gaming industry. It demonstrated that mobile platforms could host graphically intensive and deeply engaging games, challenging the notion that high-quality gaming experiences were exclusive to consoles and PCs. The game’s impressive visuals, powered by the Unreal Engine, set a new standard for mobile game graphics and performance.
Moreover, Infinity Blade’s success paved the way for other developers to explore the potential of mobile gaming. It showed that with the right design and optimization, mobile games could offer experiences comparable to those on traditional gaming platforms. This shift has led to an increase in the development of high-quality mobile games, expanding the market and providing gamers with more diverse options.
Perhaps due to the gameplay, Infinity Blade was always really destined for a touch-screen device rather than a full-blown console title. Either way, it’s a smash hit on iOS devices and already has a new update coming out next week.
The game’s success also highlights the importance of adaptability in game development. Chair Entertainment’s ability to recognize the strengths of the iOS platform and adjust their design accordingly was crucial to Infinity Blade’s success. This adaptability is a valuable lesson for other developers looking to create impactful games in an ever-evolving industry.
Via Kotaku
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