What's Happening?
Dan Houser, former co-founder of Rockstar Games, recently appeared on the Lex Fridman Podcast where he discussed his views on the gaming industry. During the conversation, Houser compared the design of Nintendo's open-world Zelda games, Breath of the Wild
and Tears of the Kingdom, to the cinematic style of Alfred Hitchcock. He praised the games for their systemic design and cinematic quality, likening them to Hitchcock films in their ability to speak the language of video games. Houser, who left Rockstar Games and founded Absurd Ventures, aims to create new intellectual properties across various media.
Why It's Important?
Houser's comparison highlights the artistic and narrative depth of the Zelda series, which has been influential in the gaming industry. His comments underscore the importance of design and storytelling in video games, drawing parallels to classic cinema. This perspective may influence how developers approach game design, emphasizing the integration of cinematic elements to enhance player experience. Houser's new venture, Absurd Ventures, could potentially bring similar innovative approaches to storytelling across different media, impacting the broader entertainment industry.
