SPOnG: It’s rather interesting that the PlayStation 2 version of the game will play differently to the Xbox 360 one, with different missions. What was the reason for this, and what other alterations can we expect between the two generations?
Jonathan Zamkoff: When you are sim-shipping a current-gen and next-gen game I feel it is a big strategic error to simply pump out a lower-pixel, lower-res version of your next generation SKUs (Stock Keeping Units). By giving Pi Studios (
Call Of Duty 3, among others) creative freedom we are creating a PS2 game that stands on its own legs, has its own feel, and is a compelling SKU on its own. Personally we think it is good enough that owners of a PS3 or 360 and a PS2 will consider buying both the next-gen and the current-gen versions.
SPOnG: You mentioned that you wanted to improve the game dramatically over the original
Mercenaries game. What things in particular did you feel you could improve in the sequel, and how will you achieve this? You mentioned characters and personality…
Jonathan Zamkoff: That’s the big stuff; going with a classic three-act story; having a real and constantly present antagonist; better humour in our movies, in our chatter. Really making the over-the-top often-ridiculous nature shine through in the writing and situations we put them (the characters) in.
SPOnG: What challenges arose when developing a game this vast? And what was the thing you enjoyed most about creating
Mercenaries 2?
Jonathan Zamkoff: Scaling to next-gen has been an exponential not an additive jump. For me simply trying to manage a team of 80+ developers at times is incredibly taxing. I could go on about the tech complexities, the art pipeline, the QA process, streaming, PS3 vs 360 coding techniques, but the basic point is that first-generation games on these next-gen SKUs are HARD. But it’s that challenge that makes delivering the product so rewarding to me. And my absolute favourite part of the project, bar none, is the great team of developers that I work with on a daily basis.
SPOnG: Finally, what games other than your own projects are you looking forward to this year?
Jonathan Zamkoff: I’m a pretty mainstream gamer so the games I’m the most looking forward to at the moment are:
COD4,
Halo 3,
GTA IV,
Mass Effect,
Lair,
Assassin’s Creed,
Wii Fit.
SPOnG: Okay, thanks very much for your time, Jonathan.
