Warren Spector Sees Multiplayer as the Future of Immersive Sims with Thick as Thieves

As a lifelong fan of immersive simulators, particularly Warren Spector’s masterpieces like Deus Ex, I can hardly contain my excitement for Thick as Thieves. The man behind the iconic game designer has always had a knack for pushing the boundaries and innovating within the genre, and his latest project is no exception.

Legendary game director Warren Spector, known for creating Deus Ex, is exploring fresh landscapes with Thick as Thieves – a multiplayer game centered around “thief versus thief” dynamics, which challenges and expands the boundaries of the immersive simulator genre. Some have doubts about the compatibility of the immersive sim genre with multiplayer-style gaming, but in a 2024 Game Developers Conference interview with Game Developer magazine, Spector expressed his belief that this is not the case. In fact, he considers multiplayer as the natural evolution for the genre.

He mentioned that we want to empower players to handle interactions with other characters in various manners. This isn’t limited to combat; it extends to cooperation and even ignoring others. Additionally, he hinted at introducing fresh methods for engaging with non-player characters (NPCs), which would make the game world feel more vibrant and responsive.

Spector mentioned that a key aspect of the simulation involves people interacting within it. He’s currently exploring methods to enable players to converse with each other in a straightforward, back-and-forth manner.

Spector’s aspirations are deeply rooted in his lifelong love for tabletop role-playing games (RPGs). Notably, Deus Ex was initially inspired by a Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) tabletop game, and Thick as Thieves aims to replicate the experience of a conventional tabletop game. In this game, players will have the freedom to craft their own narratives, discover playstyles that cater to their tastes, and engage in creative interactions similar to those experienced during a DnD session with friends.

Developer Greg LoPiccolo explained that the game’s take on the immersive sim genre emphasizes distinctive social elements.

LoPiccolo explained that the game they’re working on has a stronger focus on social interaction compared to other immersive sims. Much of the gameplay revolves around gathering information and utilizing it effectively in this socially dynamic environment filled with numerous NPCs and an abundance of flowing data.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m truly excited about Spector’s vision, hinting at endless possibilities within the captivating realm of immersive simulators. Gamers like me can hardly contain their anticipation for Thick as Thieves! This intriguing title is slated for a 2026 launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, ensuring that we’ll be diving into the action on our favorite platforms.

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2024-12-19 21:13