3D News interviews Jane Jensen
Conducted by 3D News - July 1999
I have always been a fan of adventure games but it wasn't until the original Gabriel Knight came that I saw how powerful a gaming experience could be. GK was an incredible adventure game that set a standard that unfortunately most did not follow. We talked with Jane Jensen, creator of the GK series about the latest installment along with some question about GK in general.
3dnews: I honestly believe that the original Gabriel Knight is the best adventure game ever made due to the fantastic story telling. One thing that stands out is the fact that so much research went into the game. Not only was this apparent in the game's atmosphere, but the player had to do a great deal of in game research to learn what was going on. Before GK was released, were you at all worried about how the players were going to react to having to do all this research in the game?
Jane Jensen: I guess on all GK games, the new one included, there's always some questioning that goes on. The series is story-intensive, and there's always the question, since games are so typically action oriented, if the story is too much. But the first two games did very well with the press and with players, so they at least appeal to a certain kind of gamer.
3dnews: Once again one of my favorite actors, Tim Curry, will be taking the reins as the voice of Gabriel Knight. Were you there to work with him doing the recording? If so, how was he to work with?
Jane Jensen: Working with great actors is one of the highlights of my job. Tim was extremely polite and kind to people at the studio, and to us. He was unbelievably fast and spot-on with his recording. Sometime's I'd wonder how he knew the context given how little information was in the script, but he always nailed it. Intuition, I guess. He definitely had the character down pat. And he was very funny during breaks, telling stories from his films. To say the least, it was a pleasure.
3dnews: The original GK was designed with sprites in a 2D world. GK2 was live actor / FMV based and now GK3 will be in a fully realized 3D world. Why did you go to 3D for this game instead of doing another live or 2D version? Was this your decision or did the "powers that be" at Sierra "urge" you to take this game into a more current state of technology?
Jane Jensen: I didn't have a choice. GK3 would not have been produced in FMV or 2D. However, once I saw the prototype, I was all for it, and I think it's made GK3 one of the strongest *games* in the series, for sure.
3dnews: Do you have any concern about bad reaction to the new game engine from fans of the past games?
Jane Jensen: No. I think most people will really like the game when they see it, and feel the tradeoff was worth it for game playability. Of course, I'm sure they'll be a few hold-outs, just like people now say they prefer the 2D of GK1 to the FMV of GK2.
3dnews: Is there anything you can now do in the game because of the new engine that you wanted to do in the past but were limited because of the technology?
Jane Jensen: Sure. I think I always wanted to be able to get 'close-ups' of everything and zoom around, but in 2D we were limited because every close-up had to be new art.
3dnews: Now that the new Sega Dreamcast video game console uses Windows CE many PC games are being ported. Any plans of doing the same with GK3?
Jane Jensen: Not that I've heard of, but I think that'd be great if Sierra would do it.
3dnews: How long would you like to continue doing GK games and do you feel you are getting close to as far as you can take Gabriel in a game?
Jane Jensen: No, I'd like to do more. To me, it's reached a point where it's just a nice, strong detective series with characters I'm very fond of and comfortable with. I can see doing several more at least. However, I'd like to do other projects too -- just doing GK can get a little old. I'd like to take a break after GK3 and do a non-GK book. Then we'll see if there's any GK opportunities after that. I do have some ideas for a #4.
3dnews: There have been many rumors floating around about how there may be a movie. Have you thought of doing one or been approached by any companies about it or perhaps a TV series?
Jane Jensen: We have had a few calls about it, but nothing serious. I'd love to see it become a film or TV show. Maybe someday.
Last update: October 30, 2007
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