The second episode of DONTNOD Entertainment’s webseries has aired, following the development of upcoming RPG Vampyr. The new episode, titled “Architects of the Obscure,” goes into the creation of London’s environment and the game’s score.
“We decided to go with four distinct districts which seemed particularly iconic to us,” narrative director Stephane Beauverger explained of Vampyr‘s environment. Because building the entire city of London would be a stretch, the game’s layout will instead be divided into Whitechapel, the immigrant district; the East End Docks, an impoverished and crime-ridden area; the West End, which is wealthier; and the Hospital. This district is of particular significance, as “it allows [DONTNOD] to place Jonathan in relation to the disease.”
Vampyr‘s protagonist, Jonathan Reid, will be able to “interact with nurses, heads of department, colleagues, and patients,” as he’s known in that area as a doctor (rather than a vampire). “But the player may kill everyone there,” Beauverger added.
The game’s music reflects the nightlife of early twentieth-century London. “The thought process behind the industrial music was to create a living city,” said Olivier Deriviere, Vampyr‘s composer. The aim with music for the game was to capture Jonathan’s solitude and inner struggle. The video offers a sample of the game’s sound as played by Eric-Maria Couturier, whose cello will feature prominently in Vampyr‘s score. You can watch the full episode below.
The first episode of “DONTNOD Presents Vampyr” was released last week. Vampyr launches this spring for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.