Telltale Games

Arbitrator · 12/23/2012, 01:15 pm

"The story is TAILORED to your decisions".

Bobs · 02/03/2013, 08:36 am

So I thought the game was tailored by my descisions - but now after beating it I realised its actually just a bluff. Everything happens no matter what I do and I can't change anything (maybe just postpone). Dont get me wrong, I love the game and was devastated when it ended, but I somehow feel "tricked" since there is just one possible ending that cannot be changed by any means. What about Katjaa? What about the bite, the dairy, Carley? I wish I could have made it different...what do you think?

Hudomonkey · 02/03/2013, 08:43 am

The game is 'tailored' not completely changed

It doesn't change the destination but it changes the experience and the ride

Telltale isn't a big company and The walking dead was more popular than would have been expected

Tailored is correct but not changed or different especially

They didn't have the budget, time for different endings and it is hard to work out how different endings could impact season 2 especially if it is a continuation of the story

Riadon · 02/03/2013, 08:46 am

The Walking Dead was Telltale's first attempt at a story with branching arches. You saw the length of the credits, and the budget wasn't exactly "AAA". Coupled with their inexperience in "tailored" games, this limited what they could do with the game. Still, the game did a lot better at tailoring than some other games, and the writing and voice-acting was great.

Expect to see a lot more "tailoring" going on in the second season. Telltale is now a lot more experienced in the area and the commercial success of the game will help to justify a higher budget and a larger team.

I'd like to see something like The Witcher 2, where a single decision made in the first chapter will completely change the location of the 2nd chapter (roughly 15 hours), along with the quests and your alliances. You could really feel the impact of choices, and it felt good.

Hudomonkey · 02/03/2013, 08:51 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riadon

The Walking Dead was Telltale's first attempt at a story with branching arches. You saw the length of the credits, and the budget wasn't exactly "AAA". Coupled with their inexperience in "tailored" games, this limited what they could do with the game. Still, the game did a lot better at tailoring than some other games, and the writing and voice-acting was great.

Expect to see a lot more "tailoring" going on in the second season. Telltale is now a lot more experienced in the area and the commercial success of the game will help to justify a higher budget and a larger team.

I'd like to see something like The Witcher 2, where a single decision made in the first chapter will completely change the location of the 2nd chapter (roughly 15 hours), along with the quests and your alliances. You could really feel the impact of choices, and it felt good.

The problem with that is that basically means that they have to make 2 games resulting in double the time between episodes, double the costs

It makes things too complicated for a smaller business like Telltale

I do like games like the Witcher 2 and I do like big decisions and choices but not if they are so costly and time consuming and personally would rather their resources to be more divided to allow for other series to continue instead of recquiring double the actors and maps etc

I'd rather them spend time on Sam and Max season 4 as well...

Riadon · 02/03/2013, 08:56 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hudomonkey

The problem with that is that basically means that they have to make 2 games resulting in double the time between episodes, double the costs

It makes things too complicated for a smaller business like Telltale

I do like games like the Witcher 2 and I do like big decisions and choices but not if they are so costly and time consuming and personally would rather their resources to be more divided to allow for other series to continue instead of recquiring double the actors and maps etc

I'd rather them spend time on Sam and Max season 4 as well...

I'm not really expecting the game to take decision making to the same level as The Witcher 2, I just used it as an example of a game with meaningful choices. It would not be impossible, though, CDProjekt created a new engine for The Witcher 2 along with state-of-the-art assets and graphical effects. Their budget still came in at under 10 million, but I understand that the game was in development for a long while and team was larger than Telltale's.

More realistically, the game can have a few branching arches and some different dialog (ala Mass Effect), but not a completely different outcome.

Bobs · 02/03/2013, 09:42 am

I figured that Telltale isnt EA - and thats great! Thats why their story feels so real, its no Hollywood desk-planned story. Its a tale that could happen, a tale of normal people trying to survive, a tale with heart and soul. I hope they made the dineros to feature bigger decisions in Episode 2 though. Too bad they killed my favourites off...

Rubarack · 02/09/2013, 02:54 am

The way I see it Season 1 did a lot of good with false choices and made a story that was interesting right till the end. The problem is they have now played that card and it won't work a second time. I'm not going to agonise over decisions of who to give food to or who to take with me in Season 2 because I'm expecting those changes to be irrelevant. Sure some choices can end up being invalidated, but unless I'm given reason to believe there will be some real consequence to at least some of my actions this time I won't care about them. Without that interest Season 2 will find it much harder to have the same impact Season 1 did.

The shame is, any theme of fatalism aside, it would have been terribly easy to sow some seeds in Season 1 that call back on your choices. There could have been several different endings for Carly, Doug, Lily, Kenny, Omerta, Ben, Christa and Omid depending on your actions, and some of them could reflect on Clem too. It would only have taken writing a half-dozen extra scenes based on your choices throughout and there could be a real feeling that any of your choices could have serious consequences. Instead that was entirely undermined.

double_u · 02/11/2013, 11:09 pm

I'm fine with the game as is, but I definitely would not object to more meaningful branching ala Witcher 2 style in the future.

GREYxDUZxKRUSH · 02/15/2013, 11:07 pm

The reason the game was griping to me is because i thought my choices would play a part in the GROUPs survival/demise.Particularly lee/clem.I finished.Realized only choice that matters is doug/carly,kinda changed my thoughts from this a game is a 10 to its an 8.5.Dont get me wrong loved the game but S2 must change in the choices matter section.

mz3 · 02/16/2013, 03:13 am

I don't know why we didn't have any option to save chuck or leave him behind.or about hershel's son.and in episode 4 there isn't any difference between lee go alone or not.
they miss the boat Anyway.kenny's death is unacceptable when you don't save ben.and more .....
I hope in season 2 we have wider choices with Different consequences and we make the game.

gimmeseason2 · 02/16/2013, 05:52 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by mz3

I don't know why we didn't have any option to save chuck or leave him behind.or about hershel's son.and in episode 4 there isn't any difference between lee go alone or not.
they miss the boat Anyway.kenny's death is unacceptable when you don't save ben.and more .....
I hope in season 2 we have wider choices with Different consequences and we make the game.

I definitely agree. The game was amazing but it would a been better if your choices made a much bigger impact on the game itself.

Janickje · 02/20/2013, 11:16 am

Just a question for u guys don't you think if you choose to have lily back in the RV when she shot Carley that she is returning in Season 2 of the game?

Jaded X Gamer · 02/20/2013, 11:25 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janickje

Just a question for u guys don't you think if you choose to have lily back in the RV when she shot Carley that she is returning in Season 2 of the game?

Originally Lilly's departure was in part because she was one of the characters in the comic and the game is supposed to be canon with the comic. Since then that comic character was given a new backstory by the comic's author which means game Lilly is now considered an original character. So odds are she may come back in the next season, even if it wasn't originally planned that way.

staticfl · 02/21/2013, 03:51 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arbitrator

"The story is TAILORED to your decisions".

It should say "The dialogue is tailored to your decisions".

zjs · 02/22/2013, 01:57 am

Some of the decisions which had very little consequence could actually have a purpose in the second season. If Lilly were to return, it would be a nice feature to have her angry/likely to go for your group if you kicked her off the RV, and friendlier if you didn't. Likewise, Kenny should appear if you let Ben die. It would also add more replay-ability to the first season.

In terms of choices, there should be more chances to actually influence the story. Things like the choice between Doug or Carley was an actual choice, even if it was purely cosmetic. More choices like that, and choosing between which character in the group to save, require almost nothing to implement and would make a big difference. Likewise, decisions such as cutting people loose - although they may not later influence the story - give you some sort of choice. It would just be nice to see some of those choices actually matter, too; such as saving Lilly and then being able to convince her not to go (even if she was scripted to die/leave soon after even with this), or being able to choose Omid/Christa to go down with you to help Ben.

One of the easiest examples of a choice which had literally no difference beyond dialogue but should have was The Stranger who captures Clementine. The only difference is a few lines about leaving him and his family stranded. It's powerful until you play through without doing this and realise it makes absolutely no difference to his mood. Working some softer dialogue in, where he's thankful for you not taking the supplies personally etc, would actually give the choice some meaning.

As for people complaining about release dates... I'd rather wait a year longer and have a game with a couple more story branches, better correlation between the two seasons and actual consequences from my choices beyond character's attitudes.

PinkxAngel · 02/22/2013, 06:45 am

Personally I love the game and think that the choices your Lee made will make more of a impact later on (although they did make a difference this season)

The only thing that annoys me is like other people have said not having the choice to save Carley, They could have at least carried her on to the last episode and that our way our choices at least made one big impact this season

and the same if you choose Doug but tbh it's Carley all the way for me!

GREYxDUZxKRUSH · 02/28/2013, 06:19 pm

If waiting longer means Choices that matter i would wait.

Mark$man · 03/01/2013, 09:27 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by GREYxDUZxKRUSH

If waiting longer means Choices that matter i would wait.

I agree

Mikejames · 03/02/2013, 09:23 pm

I didn't complain about the first season's singular ending, because I'm glad they had one incredible finale rather than three or four quick endings.

That said, I do like the idea of more branching variation in season 2, but in the hopes that it wouldn't make the rest of the story feel spread thin.

02/03/2013, 08:36 am	#622
Bobs Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 6	"tailored game" So I thought the game was tailored by my descisions - but now after beating it I realised its actually just a bluff. Everything happens no matter what I do and I can't change anything (maybe just postpone). Dont get me wrong, I love the game and was devastated when it ended, but I somehow feel "tricked" since there is just one possible ending that cannot be changed by any means. What about Katjaa? What about the bite, the dairy, Carley? I wish I could have made it different...what do you think?

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Walking Dead does not start, Win7, Steam (Merged Threads)	HSuke	PC/Mac Support	10	01/14/2013 02:45 am
Release date discussion (merged threads)	Invertedframe	The Walking Dead Discussion	185	12/06/2012 05:25 am
Episode 5 predictions/discussion based on TROPHY LIST (merged threads)	Christoaster	The Walking Dead Story Discussion - SPOILERS	51	11/20/2012 01:55 pm
[Ep1-3, SPOILERS]Team Lilly vs. Team Kenny (merged threads)	Zeekay980	The Walking Dead Story Discussion - SPOILERS	316	09/02/2012 01:59 pm
Steam discussion - merged threads	The Gentleman	Back to the Future Discussion	205	09/06/2011 02:47 am

12/23/2012, 01:15 pm	#621
Arbitrator Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 67	"The story is TAILORED to your decisions".

02/03/2013, 08:43 am	#623
Hudomonkey Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 481	The game is 'tailored' not completely changed It doesn't change the destination but it changes the experience and the ride Telltale isn't a big company and The walking dead was more popular than would have been expected Tailored is correct but not changed or different especially They didn't have the budget, time for different endings and it is hard to work out how different endings could impact season 2 especially if it is a continuation of the story

02/03/2013, 08:46 am	#624
Riadon Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 297	The Walking Dead was Telltale's first attempt at a story with branching arches. You saw the length of the credits, and the budget wasn't exactly "AAA". Coupled with their inexperience in "tailored" games, this limited what they could do with the game. Still, the game did a lot better at tailoring than some other games, and the writing and voice-acting was great. Expect to see a lot more "tailoring" going on in the second season. Telltale is now a lot more experienced in the area and the commercial success of the game will help to justify a higher budget and a larger team. I'd like to see something like The Witcher 2, where a single decision made in the first chapter will completely change the location of the 2nd chapter (roughly 15 hours), along with the quests and your alliances. You could really feel the impact of choices, and it felt good.

02/03/2013, 09:42 am	#627
Bobs Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 6	I figured that Telltale isnt EA - and thats great! Thats why their story feels so real, its no Hollywood desk-planned story. Its a tale that could happen, a tale of normal people trying to survive, a tale with heart and soul. I hope they made the dineros to feature bigger decisions in Episode 2 though. Too bad they killed my favourites off...

02/09/2013, 02:54 am	#628
Rubarack Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 96	The way I see it Season 1 did a lot of good with false choices and made a story that was interesting right till the end. The problem is they have now played that card and it won't work a second time. I'm not going to agonise over decisions of who to give food to or who to take with me in Season 2 because I'm expecting those changes to be irrelevant. Sure some choices can end up being invalidated, but unless I'm given reason to believe there will be some real consequence to at least some of my actions this time I won't care about them. Without that interest Season 2 will find it much harder to have the same impact Season 1 did. The shame is, any theme of fatalism aside, it would have been terribly easy to sow some seeds in Season 1 that call back on your choices. There could have been several different endings for Carly, Doug, Lily, Kenny, Omerta, Ben, Christa and Omid depending on your actions, and some of them could reflect on Clem too. It would only have taken writing a half-dozen extra scenes based on your choices throughout and there could be a real feeling that any of your choices could have serious consequences. Instead that was entirely undermined.

02/11/2013, 11:09 pm	#629
double_u Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Over the Hills and Far Away Posts: 316	I'm fine with the game as is, but I definitely would not object to more meaningful branching ala Witcher 2 style in the future.

02/15/2013, 11:07 pm	#630
GREYxDUZxKRUSH Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: In the ZA Posts: 242	The reason the game was griping to me is because i thought my choices would play a part in the GROUPs survival/demise.Particularly lee/clem.I finished.Realized only choice that matters is doug/carly,kinda changed my thoughts from this a game is a 10 to its an 8.5.Dont get me wrong loved the game but S2 must change in the choices matter section.

02/16/2013, 03:13 am	#631
mz3 stay close to me Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: bright falls Posts: 153	I don't know why we didn't have any option to save chuck or leave him behind.or about hershel's son.and in episode 4 there isn't any difference between lee go alone or not. they miss the boat Anyway.kenny's death is unacceptable when you don't save ben.and more ..... I hope in season 2 we have wider choices with Different consequences and we make the game.

02/20/2013, 11:16 am	#633
Janickje Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 1	*Just a question for u guys don't you think if you choose to have lily back in the RV when she shot Carley that she is returning in Season 2 of the game?*

02/22/2013, 01:57 am	#636
zjs Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 29	Some of the decisions which had very little consequence could actually have a purpose in the second season. If Lilly were to return, it would be a nice feature to have her angry/likely to go for your group if you kicked her off the RV, and friendlier if you didn't. Likewise, Kenny should appear if you let Ben die. It would also add more replay-ability to the first season. In terms of choices, there should be more chances to actually influence the story. Things like the choice between Doug or Carley was an actual choice, even if it was purely cosmetic. More choices like that, and choosing between which character in the group to save, require almost nothing to implement and would make a big difference. Likewise, decisions such as cutting people loose - although they may not later influence the story - give you some sort of choice. It would just be nice to see some of those choices actually matter, too; such as saving Lilly and then being able to convince her not to go (even if she was scripted to die/leave soon after even with this), or being able to choose Omid/Christa to go down with you to help Ben. One of the easiest examples of a choice which had literally no difference beyond dialogue but should have was The Stranger who captures Clementine. The only difference is a few lines about leaving him and his family stranded. It's powerful until you play through without doing this and realise it makes absolutely no difference to his mood. Working some softer dialogue in, where he's thankful for you not taking the supplies personally etc, would actually give the choice some meaning. As for people complaining about release dates... I'd rather wait a year longer and have a game with a couple more story branches, better correlation between the two seasons and actual consequences from my choices beyond character's attitudes.

02/22/2013, 06:45 am	#637
PinkxAngel Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 8	Personally I love the game and think that the choices your Lee made will make more of a impact later on (although they did make a difference this season) The only thing that annoys me is like other people have said not having the choice to save Carley, They could have at least carried her on to the last episode and that our way our choices at least made one big impact this season and the same if you choose Doug but tbh it's Carley all the way for me!

02/28/2013, 06:19 pm	#638
GREYxDUZxKRUSH Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: In the ZA Posts: 242	If waiting longer means Choices that matter i would wait.

03/02/2013, 09:23 pm	#640
Mikejames Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 175	I didn't complain about the first season's singular ending, because I'm glad they had one incredible finale rather than three or four quick endings. That said, I do like the idea of more branching variation in season 2, but in the hopes that it wouldn't make the rest of the story feel spread thin.