Guerrilla Developers Dive into Character Development in Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition

Horizon Forbidden West is a game that immerses players in a world teeming with life, from its stunning landscapes to its awe-inspiring machines. But what truly sets this game apart is its cast of authentic tribal characters. In this article, we delve into the process behind bringing these characters to life, from their development to their performances and implementation in the game.

The narrative team at Guerrilla starts by asking a fundamental question: what does each character want? By establishing their desires and the obstacles they face, the team can shape their personalities and create compelling conflicts within the story. Motivations are carefully crafted based on relationships and circumstances, resulting in cohesive worldviews and believable interactions.

One interesting aspect of character development in Horizon Forbidden West is the evolving attitude towards the protagonist, Aloy. Depending on her actions, characters may have different sets of dialogue, reflecting their changing perception of her. This allows players to truly get to know the characters by experiencing their growth and development alongside Aloy’s own journey.

Casting is a crucial step in bringing these characters to life. The team at Guerrilla follows a specific process to find actors who can embody the vision of the narrative team and add depth to the characters. Working with actors in a video game presents unique challenges, as they must rely solely on their performances without the aid of costumes or sets. Directors must work closely with them to provide context and ensure they understand their character’s motivations.

Once the performances are captured, the cinematics team steps in to create non-interactive cutscenes that convey the story beats of Horizon Forbidden West. They focus on cinematic camera work, using subtle movements and angles to achieve a grounded, real-world feel. The goal is to immerse players in the events and emotions of the game, making them feel connected to the characters and their journeys.

Conversations in the game are treated with the same level of detail as cinematics. The conversations design team aims to elevate the quality of these interactions, blurring the line between conversations and cinematics. They handcraft each scene, considering the emotional state of the characters and their cultural gestures and mannerisms. The goal is to create authentic and immersive conversations that enhance player immersion.

The end result of this collaborative process is a world filled with characters that feel alive and full of depth. Horizon Forbidden West invites players to explore a world where everything, from the landscapes to the characters, feels real and vibrant. Whether players love or hate these characters, they are sure to gain a deeper understanding of the world of Horizon and its inhabitants.

Horizon Forbidden West is set to release on Playstation 5 on October 6, with a PC release planned for early 2024.