The Creators of Spider-Man 2 and Alan Wake 2 Reveal The Secrets Behind Two of 2023's Best Games
Alan Wake 2 and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 may not have much in common on the surface. One is a dark mystery thriller with a story that unfolds alongside its protagonists minds, while the other is a fast-paced and exhilarating action game about bright and colourful superheroes.
Looking a little deeper reveals several solid similarities though. Developed by Remedy Entertainment and Insomniac Games respectively, Alan Wake 2 and Spider-Man 2 are both narrative-driven adventures, both feature dual protagonists, and both build off stories told previously.
IGN invited Remedy creative director Sam Lake and Insomniac narrative director John McAdam to chat about designing these games, from early development decisions, to dealing with the media, handling complicated narratives, and much more.
John McAdam, Senior Narrative Director, Insomniac Games: Hi, I am John McAdam. I'm senior narrative director at Insomniac Games.
Sam Lake, Creative Director, Remedy: And I'm Sam Lake, the creative director of Remedy.
John McAdam: Let's talk about Alan Wake 2 and Spider-Man 2.
Sam Lake: Yes. Congrats on shipping, okay?
John McAdam: Congrats to you as well. Yeah, you know what I like is that I think now, the marketing lead times are shorter. It used to be we would announce a game two years out and then we'd talk about it for a long time. I think it's a little less now. I think there's so many more games out there.
Sam Lake: Sure.
John McAdam: You know?
Sam Lake: And it's better that way also the game is more in a form you are actually making.
John McAdam: Yeah, exactly.
Sam Lake: When it used to be like Max Payne or the original Alan Wake, we were already doing a lot of press while we were still figuring it out, or then you end up switching the direction. And
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