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E3 2010: Interview - DJ Hero 2's Jamie Jackson (pt. 2)
We discuss DJ Hero simulators, artist-specific releases and DJ Hero 2's brand-new Empire Mode in the second part of our interview with FreeStyle Games' Jamie Jackson.
Written by David Scammell, 13 June 2010
GamerZines: Was there any interest in releasing a new version of the turntable controller?
The first screens of DJ Hero 2!Jamie Jackson, Creative Director, FreeStyle Games: This time around, no, we're just going to be releasing the same plastic, but there's going to be different coloured versions and bundles. You're going to be able to buy software-only, a bundle with one turntable, and a Party Bundle with two turntables and a microphone. Future? Who knows? Maybe. Your guess is as good as mine - well, it's not as good as mine, but that's about all you're getting out of me!
The first screens of DJ Hero 2!GZ: How do you strike the balance between the complex nature of simulating DJing with an easier arcade style?
JJ: I think we've navigated it perfectly. We had the idea of freestyle gameplay before DJ 1, but we wouldn't put something in a game if we didn't feel it was absolutely perfect. If we did something like a simulator it would be completely wrong; it has to be something that allows gamers to be able to play around, customise the music and sound good straight away. If we gave you a simulator we'd all suck, myself included, and we'd ask what was the point. I can't wait for you guys to play DJ Hero 2 because I genuinely believe you'll feel it straight away, whether it's the crossfader or the scratch, you'll see how we've put the time and effort into that to give people what they really want. No one wants a simulator right now. It is hard, there's a fine line, but I think we've done it very well.
GZ: Are there some aspects of DJing that you don't think would translate well to DJ Hero?
JJ: Yeah, if you got people to try and put a record on and off, I think that would be a disaster. I believe where we've got to with the crossfader, the turntable and the euphoria button, that's what it needs to be. I don't think we need to try and add too much more. I think if we add too much more we're in danger of going way over the top and we start falling down that gap of becoming a simulator. I think in terms of what you do, there's enough.
GZ: Did you ever think about having two turntables for one player?
JJ: Oh yeah, we definitely thought about it. It was really hard, that's all I'm going to say.
P3Zine Issue 45
For our latest DJ Hero 2 coverage, click here to download P3Zine Issue 45 for free.GZ: Can you talk more about the Empire Mode and how that differs from DJ Hero 1's single-player campaign?
JJ: Empire adds some context and a bit of story to the single-player experience. In DJ 1 we didn't put in any mode like that, we just gave you a whole bunch of music from the beginning - which we're going to do again - but this time around we wanted to give some sort of narrative and show you this journey of what it's like to be a start-up DJ who lugs his own records round to grim little clubs, all the way through to an open night at the biggest Ibiza club you've ever seen. It follows that story and introduces celebrity DJs - Deadmau5 is in there and we'll announce more - but it introduces them in quite a meaningful way. As you progress from one club you get the opportunity to take over another club, and it becomes your club. At the start of the game you pick a brand and that brand will dictate how your club differs. So you might pick a different logo to me and our clubs might have a slightly different style, a bit more of a hip hop feel or a house feel, and that'll continue through. What might start as a sticker on the back of your laptop in the first club might be a giant glowing rotating sculpture in the final one. The opening nights will be these celebrity DJs and it gives a bit more context to it than just going you've unlocked so and so. Don't expect Warriors of Rock though, they've killed it this year. Those boys have done an amazing job with Guitar Hero from a story point of view.
GZ: Have you learnt anything from the Guitar Hero team?
JJ: Yeah, absolutely loads. Having a team that has worked on that game for so many years, and the calibre of Neversoft as well, to be able to pick up the phone and ask them about mistakes they've made or something they would change in what they've done, you know.. We've got a battle mode in our game now, DJ Battles, and obviously they had it in GH3 and people didn't really respond to it particularly well. To speak to the guys that designed it and learn why is very useful. There's a lot of sharing of ideas and trying to help each other from going down paths that we all know end in pain and suffering.
GZ: Guitar Hero has had band-specific offshoots with games like Guitar Hero: Aerosmith and Guitar Hero: Metallica. Is that something you'd be interested in for DJ Hero?
JJ: Me personally? No, not really. I think if we throw a load of products at people again where we are in the market it's just a sure-fire sign for disaster. Fewer and better is what we need to do. DJ Hero is not about one type of music; it's about a huge broad sense of music. So for me it would feel as if we were going against the grain if we suddenly decided to do a house version. It makes sense to stick with what we've been good at so far.
GZ: Do you think DJ Hero could ever be as big as Guitar Hero?
JJ: We found that the people who bought DJ Hero were mostly a new audience to music rhythm games. It wasn't a crossover to Guitar Hero. I think if we keep doing the right thing and making this a social game, there's no reason why we can't be as successful as Guitar Hero. Obviously we've got a long way to go - Guitar Hero 3 was a stand-out 12m seller - but for us to say we're that popular, in my mind that's what we've got to achieve. It's certainly there for the taking.
DJ Hero 2 launches this autumn on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii.
DJ Hero 2 coverage available in P3Zine Issue 45 - click here to download it for free!
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