Unveiling Raphaël Colantonio's Latest Project: A Unique Blend of Action and RPG Elements

Raphaël Colantonio, the mastermind behind Dishonored and Prey, has been working on a new project with his team at Wolfeye Studios. Although details are scarce, the game is expected to be a first-person action-RPG set in a retro sci-fi universe, leveraging Colantonio's expertise in creating immersive worlds and player choice-driven narratives. The team, comprising former Arkane developers, including Christophe Carrier and Joackim Daviaud, is poised to deliver a game that will resonate with fans of their previous work. Colantonio describes this project as "the perfect fit" for his team, emphasizing the importance of creative freedom and the pursuit of innovation. When asked about the decision to develop Weird West first, Colantonio explains that it was a necessary step in the studio's growth. "After Arkane, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do next," he admits. "I knew I wanted to work on something smaller, and Julien [Roby, Wolfeye CEO] shared the same mindset. We had to bootstrap the company, and it was challenging to recruit people and get them to gel as a team." Colantonio notes that the success of Weird West, although not a massive commercial hit, enabled the studio to recruit the necessary talent and resources for their current project. "We had a good deal on Weird West, and it was our first time having revenue share and retaining the IP. It was a grounding experience, and we needed that to recalibrate." The new title is expected to feature a first-person perspective, with guns playing a central role in combat. However, Colantonio is hesitant to label it a first-person shooter, emphasizing the importance of RPG elements and player choice. "There's something about real-time decision-making that makes us feel more immersed," he says. "I'm surprised the intersection of RPG and first-person shooter hasn't been explored more." Colantonio cites Bethesda's Fallout series as an example of how blending genres can lead to engaging gameplay experiences. He believes that their new project will offer a unique blend of action and RPG elements, setting it apart from other games in the same genre. Historically, the immersive sim genre has struggled to gain mainstream success, with franchises like Dishonored, Deus Ex, and Thief facing commercial challenges. Colantonio acknowledges the complexity of these games, which can be both a strength and a weakness. "The fact that you can approach problems in multiple ways creates a big mess of systems and storytelling," he explains. "But that's what makes it exciting." Colantonio looks to Baldur's Gate 3 as a prime example of how RPGs can offer players a sense of agency and freedom. "People appreciate the choices they have, the consequences of their actions, and the ability to cheat the system in creative ways," he says. "It's about making the player feel like they're not too lost, providing just the right amount of guidance, and removing anxiety. We need to encourage players to explore and experiment, and that's what makes immersive sims so rewarding."