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Hydrophobia content - the computer games industry... and moi.



Firstly apoligies if I write something wrong or use the wrong terminology, im not a computer geek and my expertise stretches to setting the 4th quickest time on 'high speed ring' on Gran Turismo when i twas a boy... Secondly apoligies for the messy paragraphing and grammer, i'm peppered.

All this week and a few days previously in the last weeks i've been working for 'Dark Energy Media UK' (i might have sent some on here a link to their newly setup FB fan page). Anyhoo... got the gig through pestering them at an xmas do as my mate works for them as a water concept artist and renderer so took me to the xmas do as a guest and I met the bosses, my mate mentioned my line of work and recommended me... which was nice, anyway word of mouth doesnt seal the deal so in I go to see them early feb and then get asked to get involved after getting the performance guns out (Ron Burgandy style) they are developing a game called Hydrophobia.

(be aware the info is not upto date and doesnt really do the game justice at the mo) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrophobia_(video_game)

I've been doing a few (well three so far) of the voices and characters for the game. I've also been acting as a character and performance realism expert for them, which has been a real eye opener. *Due to the game being bought so to speak, they aren't and indeed haven't, been allowed to release shots of much info since mid 2009.... boy how thats all about to change*

As for the game, It will be the first game in the world to use a new process and engine called 'hydro engine'... which basically gives the water an AI quality, something i cant describe but to look at is brilliant and uber realistic.

(again the shot is old and imagining has moved on so much since)

PS3A_-water_cover-769728.jpg


The basic premise of the story is.

In the mid 21st Century, Thomas Malthus's 18th Century prophecy will finally be realised.

The Great Population Flood has brought the world to its knees. Cities and towns have become swamped as mass poverty spreads, and the rights of the individual are lost in a sea of desperation.

You are Kate Wilson, a Security Engineer onboard the Queen of the World - a stateless supership where the powerful and the wealthy live in exile from the chaos of the outside world, but united in their quest to save it.

For ten years this "City at Sea" has stood as a beacon for progress, prospering as the rest of world slowly drowns.

On the eve of the Queens massive anniversary celebrations, with a breakthrough announcement looming, the great vessel comes under attack.

Trapped behind enemy lines, Kate must fight her own demons as she becomes the last hope against an army of Neo-Malthusian terrorists, whose philosophy is simple: "Save the world, kill yourself".

Its also been taken under the wing of a HUGE computer firm, who will overlook and in effect release the game. i'm not at liberty to say who that is for legal reasons but it'll be revealed at the end of the month with a big promotional push, games con premiere and first showing of the official trailer that will, well to put it bluntly, blow people away.

(excuse poor pic, in corner of studio where they let me keep my laptop and view snippits of my characters when they see fit)

IMG00561-20100302-1221.jpg


My involvment...

Whats shocked me really has been the speed at which i've had to operate in everyway this week. The trailer was asked for last week and its been written, performed, rendered, processed and the process repeated until this evening when it was sent to the big bosses, whilst at the same time I've been performing acts and scenes for characters from the rest of the completed game.

i mean when performing on stage I work with scripts for weeks sometimes months, tv and radio I have a good week or so to prep but with Hydrophobia its been a case of getting into studio in the morning and been given scripts to perform and do my stuff with on the spot right through to the evening (no easy feat I can assure you, but i guess this is why I do what I do) so far performing the roles of a aging Russian Scientist and a chirpy Scottish Mechanic, the final one to do next week will be an American G.I Head of Security.... I felt so sorry for the script and scene director as the stress he, and tbh everyone involved in the game must be under is unbelievable... luckily the gaming company is very relaxed and fair.

its weird really as the games been locked in development for five years and only now alot of things are complete/near completion does the gears change and everything comes to a head. its truly brilliant to be involved in and pretty much single handily see over alot of characters personas and 'realism' in such a big project.


In studio for the last two days we have been pretty much solid concentrating on the trailer ready for the American Games Expo at the end of this month... theres been the director and studio manager there, the studio manager is a french musician, what a guy.

he was a big international musician back in the day and doesnt understand British wit at all but is such a cool guy, the games company asked him if he was prepared to compose a trailer soundtrack as well as juggling a young family and the day to day of the studio... the guy stays up throughout the night and writes a piece that I honestly think will become as iconic as the Halo theme tune, upon playing it to the team back at the offices, people just started clapping, jammy sod... he wrote, performed, sythed and edited the thing in a night.

I think with his involvement (and mine hopefully) a new dimension has been added to the game, well at least i hope. :D

I was prepping this morning when Martin (the studio owner) walks in, now I never get star struck, i'd say Robert DeNiro and Steve Coogan being the only two people that would probably throw me... well martin turns out to be steves brother, I was stood there like a ten year old... Partridges brother?!?! and yes... i threw a minimum of two partridgisms in (he laughed at one...)

When I first started I just saw it as a chance to do some voice work and flex my muscles abit, but as the times passed and i've been included more, looked to for advice and generally been bought into the game more i've found myself actively getting involved, even going in to coach another actress FOC :) but i guess i'd be the same with any project as i dont want to look, sound or feel like I havent gained the best results. It helps the CEO being a massive car buff too, I showed him a lil clip of my cars exhaust and he wants a copy to use as a sample on something in the game!!! how i LOL'd.


Luckily as im not employed by the company as such I can speak my mind and get to sit in on important meetings that are in reality above my station, the insight is crazy... also the CEO is asking me questions that are in essence really important to the game, often though theres people there fully able to answer so I have to make everyone feel as if I'm not stepping on their toes.

not sure why have babbled on, just thought it would be of some interest to some of the gamers and peeps on here and gives a lil insight into the job I do (when theres bleeding work about!!)

back in tomo to continue being a Scot haha. As soon as I get the all clear to post some in game stills and the trailers online, etc i'll let anyone bothered know. oh and the minimum estimated download numbers for the game upon release are estimated at 2 million so far!!!! wow...

"mines a pint"
 
  R.I.P Clio
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

*Creamed*

Mate that sounds PHENOMENAL, Will be gettin on that upon release!!
One question WILL it be making its way to Sex Box 3 Sexy or is it Piss 3 / PC bound??

Good luck for the rest of it matey will be a buzz to tell people I know the voice actor haha ;)
 
  Merc A class
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

Interesting!

So that what you have been writing all night! ;)
 
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

haha yeh right, although the credits at the end will throw people as my voices are totally different (i hope!)

mark i honestly cant say anymore mate as I will get my arse whooped. trust me its totally worth the wait, i saw the trailer as it was finally uploaded today and my hairs stood up and I got all emotional.

i'll DEFO keep you posted mate :)
 
  n/a
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

could you break it down for me please as reading alot is against my religion :rasp:
 
  Mito Sportiva 135
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

Ok had a scan, and I have actually heard of this! I assumed you were promoting some kind of Sims were you train a pornstar or something?

Anyways mate looks cool - give us a few updates how the game is coming along. And if you need a tester for the sexbox, let me know! ;)
 
  R.I.P Clio
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

Defo mate no worries sounds MIINNTT, keep me posted lad!
 
  1.2 Dynamique billabong
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

awesome buddy, thats great stuff congrats on getting in there, industries like this can be tough to crack.

well done mate
 
  n/a
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

oh ok i see, good on you mate wish you all the best on the release and will also be looking forward to any updates :approve:
 
  Mk1 MX-5 next summer
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

Sounds incredible mate, not only the people you've met but just experiencing the production of a computer game must be ace, especially something thats aiming to be so unique.

It should open up a whole new area of work for you too which can only be a good thing.

Good s**t.
 

SharkyUK

ClioSport Club Member
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

Hi mate,

Sounds very interesting but I'd like to just pipe up with a couple of comments...

Firstly, be very careful what you say and where you say it. I have worked in the games industry as a 3D graphics programmer for 13 years and I would have lost my job for comments like you have made (possibly faced legal proceedings, too). Even if you are not directly employed by the Company, you still have to exercise a bit of caution and restraint. I've seen far too much sh!t heaped on folks for accidentally saying the wrong things at the wrong time, in the wrong place. I know you've not really given much away but please, please be careful. I shall say no more! :D

That aside, I'm glad you are having fun and getting actively involved in the project. It's certainly an eye-opener alright! I remember reading about the game many moons ago and look forward to seeing how the emergent behaviour and fluid dynamics affect the gameplay. I haven't read/heard much about it recently so will have to check out the latest details/gossip.

Enjoy and have fun. :cool:
 

Rob

ClioSport Moderator
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

What a great read, perked up my morning on a dull Thursday.

Sounds like a really interesting job and certainly something you've been lucky to get into. Look forward to the trailer and hearing your skills.

What is it you actually normally do then? (as you say this is stepping away from the norm). You're an actor? Or a voice specialist?
 

Gally

Formerly Mashed up egg in a cup
ClioSport Club Member
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

Oh Naith you make me moist!

Well done fella.

How was the scots accent to do? Base it on Gaz? :)
 
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

i actually rang gaz for help with a word, i couldnt understand him though. its very borders/edinburgh softy softy my voice, also set in the future so im lucky.... but yeh thanks :)

sharky, totally understand where you're coming from fella. although even now ive held back from giving away info and anything ive said is only stuff thats public knowledge/i've had clearance to post at the moment, although I shall be careful and not get too excited and blarb some big secret!

i learnt that the hard way a few years ago on a tv programme!

robbos: yeh general lovey dovey mate, do anything that involves a characterization (these days very little tbh :()
 

Lee

  BMW M2C
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

Nice one Naith.

I've currently got two people (who I can't name yet) in the studio recording the script I've written for F1.

As Sharky says though, be very careful what you say. Just because you don't work for them doesn't mean they won't sue. I'm scared to death of commenting on F1 on here as Codies don't mess about when people post things they don't like.
 

SharkyUK

ClioSport Club Member
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

sharky, totally understand where you're coming from fella. although even now ive held back from giving away info and anything ive said is only stuff thats public knowledge/i've had clearance to post at the moment, although I shall be careful and not get too excited and blarb some big secret!

No worries mate - I'm sure all is good. Thanks for taking it seriously as I had intended, and not taken it as a 'put down' (which is most certainly wasn't/isn't!!!!) Enjoy!

As Sharky says though, be very careful what you say. Just because you don't work for them doesn't mean they won't sue. I'm scared to death of commenting on F1 on here as Codies don't mess about when people post things they don't like.

Come on, then... you gotta spill the beans now... ;)

Just kidding mate! As you say, you have to be careful as Big Brother is always watching...
 
  AMV8, Mk1 Golf
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

sounds pretty epic, even tho i cant stand games myself (moatly because im shite at them always have been) i know how people get sucked into these other worlds and i tthink its pretty cool if you can be a part of the escapism.

look forward to seeing the results, myslef being involved with graphics and design this interests me :D

good luck... enjoy
 
  Meg R26, Nissan 200sx S13
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

you voicing a "chirpy Scottish Mechanic"? You've just sold me the game haha!
 
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

Lol. Are you a photographer pestering the pit girls? :D

Nice work, Naith!
 

Darren S

ClioSport Club Member
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

Lol. Are you a photographer pestering the pit girls? :D

Nice work, Naith!

Sure is. Lee's pre-rendered in the background taking pics of nothing but T&A! :cool:

Top work Naith. Couldn't you wangle it to have played a slightly deranged and heckling Welsh person? Not sure how it would fit into the script - but you'd get the voice spot on! :D

D.
 
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

Nice one Naith.

I've currently got two people (who I can't name yet) in the studio recording the script I've written for F1.

As Sharky says though, be very careful what you say. Just because you don't work for them doesn't mean they won't sue. I'm scared to death of commenting on F1 on here as Codies don't mess about when people post things they don't like.

I do expect a full report next weekend mind ;)
 
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

http://www.hydrophobia-game.com/

the trailer and a playable demo breaks this coming week. i'm rather excited as i'm the voice of the trailer.

so thats three voices done for the game now.

i've played two of the voices to various people and they didn't recognize me, i wont lie it made me feel proper good and that i'm doing the job right, so to speak. they asked if i could use different names when the game comes out as people will be like WTF if i do three names on the credit, so one will be my grandads name in memory of him :)

the people at the studio and offices are all loving the voices too so good times.

i strained my voice so much this week doing a voice that i was coughing up blood, hows that for suffering for your art :D
 
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  RIP Dan
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

Nice one Naith, didn't see this first time round, well done.

Nice idea to to remember your Grandad in the credits.
 
  RS6+ & 40d MSport X5
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

Scottish accent? Glad i could help with that ;)
 

TimR26

South Central- West Berks
ClioSport Area Rep
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

Nice touch remembering your Grandad. Is the demo going to be on Xbox Live this week?
 
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

cheers, yeh he was a big inspiration to me :)

demo, i'll find out. i know its playable at the games con this coming week, release to play, i'll ask tomo
 
Re: the computer games industry... and moi.

yeh mate, trailer came out this morning at the PAX conference in America...its being published by no other than Microsoft!! :D

so yeh there we go, its one of three voices i did. would have loved to have been given more time, etc. but its the fast paced world i gotta work in and the guys at the conference have really got behind it.

my brief was 'a depressed eastern european scientist, locked in his room with a bottle of vodka, talking about the horrors to which he no longer has control...'

Those that know me, or have heard my voice should hopefully apprieciate the fact that a salfordian scally is actually able to break away from his voice and if im honest out of my three done so far its the closest to my actual voice (kind of sounds like my dad but with less arabic in ;))

*Make sure you play it on decent speakers and loud to get the music sync and little nuances i always try to throw into my work*

[YOUTUBE]oku59QGcG8c[/YOUTUBE]

granted wont be to everyones tastes but hey ho as is life.

when the games out you'll see how cheeky i've been and little bits ive included during the work...
 
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