Criterion chief talks 2003
31st Dec 2003 | 10:00
Alex Ward is the director of design at Criterion Software, the UK developer responsible for the superb Burnout series. Criterion is also working on a couple of brand new titles for next year, the intriguing BLACK and Dust Storm. For now, though, we tracked down Ward to find out what he made of 2003.
What's been the big event for you this year, gaming wise?
Ward: EyeToy.
And what was the biggest disappointment?
Ward: Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness. What were they thinking?
What games have you seen that have really impressed you?
Ward: SSX3 was exceptional. Simpsons: Hit and Run made me laugh a lot and offered instant entertainment. NFS Underground changed night time in racing games for ever. Conflict: Desert Storm II was good fun. Freedom Fighters also kept me interested - the assassination level was excellent.
How's the year been for you guys, industry-wise?
Ward: Good. We put Burnout 2: Point of Impact out on Xbox and GameCube and toured the world telling people about it. We also announced two new projects, BLACK and Dust Storm.
So what's going to be big news in 2004?
Ward: PSP. Playstation 2 in your pocket. Bring it on.
Where do you see the games industry going over the next 12 months?
Ward: Onwards and upwards.
Outside of gaming, what's really impressed you from a creative viewpoint, i.e movies, music, TV?
Ward: Movies: I was really happy with Terminator 3 - I feared the worst. Also, the IMAX 3D film from James Cameron - "Ghosts of the Abyss" - took me down to the wreck of the Titanic - it was incredible. Also, another IMAX film called Ultimate X floored me.
TV: second seasons of "24" and "Alias" really impressed. Just wait until you see the third seasons...
