Dontnod outlines “global-scale” console game

Dontnod Entertainment outlined its first video game “on console” in a press release today. The developer, based in Paris, is “secretly crafting its first original title,” which they describe as a “highly confidential production for current generation consoles.”

The project is of “global-scale” and has been in development since 2008, “to ensure a completely immersive and unique experience.” Alain Damasio, the “leading light” of French science-fiction, and Aleksi Briclot, a “world-renowned artist,” are respectively crafting the scenario and art direction. They aim to “open up a new realm of possibilities” and “become a landmark for future game creation on latest HD platforms.”

Dontnod is built of 70 employees, who’ve worked at the likes o Ubisoft, EA, Criterion, and other studios.

“Staying faithful to the rules of the genre, our action adventure game will include heart-stopping, original gameplay, with powerful narrative sequences carried by innovative and compelling themes,” said Jean-Maxime Moris, creative director of the studio and the visionary behind the project.

“The game design is the fundamental backbone of our project. The different development departments are in constant communication to make sure that the artistic vision translates into, facilitates, and fuels the immersion of the player,” added Aleksi Briclot.

Studio CEO Oskar Guilbert understands the risks of such a big production.

“We understand the risks involved in a big budget production, in so much as many are called but few are chosen,” said Guilbert.

“While artistic vision, storytelling and game design are the pillars of our project, above all it’s the sum of human talent driven by a shared vision and sound management that will make the difference.”

Built on the Unreal Engine 3, the game is also using a “rising star,” real-time fluid simulator called ‘Fluidz,’ which has been recognized for its “innovation.”

Previous job listings have outed the company to be working on an “AAA action-adventure game for PS3,” which is published “by Sony Computer Entertainment.” The game is reportedly titled Adrift.

Dontnod will be at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany next month. It’s possible a reveal will happen at the show.