Author: John Scalzo

Focus Home Interactive and Dontnod are hoping that players will want to sink their teeth into Vampyr this Spring. In an attempt to sway prospective fans to their side, the publisher and developer have spent the past four weeks uploading a series of behind-the-scenes videos that offer a closer look at the game’s creation.

In today’s video, “Stories from the Dark,” the two companies confirmed that Vampyr will be released for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One on June 5:

In Episode IV: Stories from the Dark, Dontnod explain what makes videogames unique compared to other storytelling mediums, as well as their signature approach to narrative. As Narrative Director Stephane Beauverger explains, the player is often occupied with Vampyr’s intricate gameplay systems. Because of this, the exploration, investigations, citizen encounters, combat, and hard-hitting choices are all fundamentally intertwined with the game’s narrative. Game Director Philippe Moreau elaborates, saying that the relationship between a player and their character, as well as the direct feeling of control, is unique to games and something he has worked to make special in Vampyr.

In doing so, Dontnod likens it to theatre, creating a close relationship between actor and spectator that’s more effective and powerful than any film or TV show. Total immersion is the goal, and this episode also highlights how the studio has used motion capture to make the cast of Vampyr that much more human. Subtleties of facial animation can be recreated and combined with the fantastic music, characters, and creatures of the game to produce a living, breathing 1918 London. It’s then up to you who survives it.

Previous episodes in the video series can be found on YouTube.