What wonderful things could TT do with this engine?

[Bloody Eugene]

The New UNIGINE graphic engine, ready for Windows, PS3, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux.
Look and remain astonished:

http://youtu.be/YI5s_EaG4Fg?hd=1

It would be my dream to see TT using this Engine... I could pay more for a game with graphic like these.
Imagine how King Quest could turn out...

What do you think?

[Darth Marsden]

Telltale has, and I suspect always will, use an in-house engine to keep costs down and reduce development time (since they're pretty damn familiar with it). And honestly, for the type of games that Telltale are making, I think the engine they're using now looks fine. We don't really need more than that.

[Jennifer]

They also use their engine so they can be on as many platforms and computer configurations as possible. While it would be nice to see what the programmers and artists at Telltale could do with the latest graphics technology, it doesn't mesh with the Telltale business plan.

[RAnthonyMahan]

While Unigine is indeed gorgeous, I don't think Telltale will ever use an engine besides their own.

I do think that soon they should put the Telltale Tool to rest and develop a replacement engine, though. It's starting to show its age.

[Jennifer]

Originally Posted by RAnthonyMahan

I do think that soon they should put the Telltale Tool to rest and develop a replacement engine, though. It's starting to show its age.

They've gotten pretty good at making games look good with the engine though (and they have enhanced it over the years). The Walking Dead looks nice and it's got a great art style (art style rather than graphics power is what matters anyway).

[coolsome]

If they get a new one they should totally call it the Coolsome Engine.

[Ribs]

It can mend all wounds!

[Bloody Eugene]

So you guys think the actual engine could last for another 8 years?

[Jennifer]

Originally Posted by Bloody Eugene

So you guys think the actual engine could last for another 8 years?

The Telltale Tool? It can be used forever. Engines can always be updated when new technology comes in, look at SCUMM (actually SPUTM). It was extended endless times when new graphics technology came in, and was further extended at Humongous to support 16-bit graphics and then even later at LucasArts 2.0 to support HD resolution with the Special Editions.

You can tell that the Telltale Tool has been enhanced over the years. Look at Telltale Texas Hold'Em or Bone: Out from Boneville (or CSI: 3 Dimensions of Murder) and then look at The Walking Dead. There's improved shaders, more polygons, better lighting, shadows, etc.

I'm sure Telltale could produce a game with graphic bells and whistles, but it's a conscious decision by Telltale to keep the graphic requirements low so they can support crappy e-Machines computers like mine as well as low-end systems like the iPhone. They instead focus on style over graphic pizzazz, which is a good trade-off because their games look good because of that decision (and hyper realistic games tend to look dated more quickly than those with an artistic art direction).

[Darth Marsden]

Originally Posted by Jennifer

I'm sure Telltale could produce a game with graphic bells and whistles, but it's a conscious decision by Telltale to keep the graphic requirements low so they can support crappy e-Machines computers like mine as well as low-end systems like the iPhone. They instead focus on style over graphic pizzazz, which is a good trade-off because their games look good because of that decision (and hyper realistic games tend to look dated more quickly than those with an artistic art direction).

Ah, now you've gotten me to bring up my favourite video game comparison. Wind Waker and Twilight Princess. Which looks more dated?

Artistic Direction has, in my opinion, always been better than graphical prowess. You don't need to be pushing the boundaries all the time - just choose an art style that works in the games favour and you'll be sailing.