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Oni: Difference between revisions
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Work on Oni began in 1997 when Bungie decided to found a second studio, Bungie West. The concept for their first project was devised by Brent Pease and Michael Evans, whose primary influence was the animé film ''[[Ghost in the Shell]]''.<ref>Pease discusses his role as Oni's creator and GitS' influence on the game [http://oni.bungie.org/special/part1/brent.html here].</ref> Pease and Evans had been working at Apple on game-related technology, and their first step was to begin work on the engine, gradually hiring employees to produce concept art and author content for the game. The name "Oni" was originally intended only as a code name during development; Pease intended it to be a reference to their inspiration, believing its meaning to be "Ghost".<ref>The meaning of "oni" is usually given by those familiar with Japanese myths as either "demon" or "ogre". Pease explains the origin of the code name [http://oni.bungie.org/special/part1/brent.html here], and seems to still think the word means "ghost"; however, Hardy, his eventual replacement, indicates [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=19851 here] and [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=18292 here] that he understood "oni" to mean "demon" and had re-written the story with that in mind.</ref><ref>At one time during development, the name "Mnemonic Shadow" was considered according to the [http://marathon.bungie.org/story/newjan-feb01.html Marathon Story Page].</ref> The characters of [[Konoko]] and [[Griffin|Commander Griffin]], members of the Technology Crimes Task Force, are analogues to [[wp:Motoko Kusanagi|Motoko Kusanagi]] and [[wp:Daisuke Aramaki|Chief Aramaki]] of Section 9 in ''Ghost in the Shell''. Early development presented Konoko as a [[wp:Cyborg|cyborg]], furthering her resemblance to Motoko. | Work on Oni began in 1997 when Bungie decided to found a second studio, Bungie West. The concept for their first project was devised by Brent Pease and Michael Evans, whose primary influence was the animé film ''[[Ghost in the Shell]]''.<ref>Pease discusses his role as Oni's creator and GitS' influence on the game [http://oni.bungie.org/special/part1/brent.html here].</ref> Pease and Evans had been working at Apple on game-related technology, and their first step was to begin work on the engine, gradually hiring employees to produce concept art and author content for the game. The name "Oni" was originally intended only as a code name during development; Pease intended it to be a reference to their inspiration, believing its meaning to be "Ghost".<ref>The meaning of "oni" is usually given by those familiar with Japanese myths as either "demon" or "ogre". Pease explains the origin of the code name [http://oni.bungie.org/special/part1/brent.html here], and seems to still think the word means "ghost"; however, Hardy, his eventual replacement, indicates [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=19851 here] and [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=18292 here] that he understood "oni" to mean "demon" and had re-written the story with that in mind.</ref><ref>At one time during development, the name "Mnemonic Shadow" was considered according to the [http://marathon.bungie.org/story/newjan-feb01.html Marathon Story Page].</ref> The characters of [[Konoko]] and [[Griffin|Commander Griffin]], members of the Technology Crimes Task Force, are analogues to [[wp:Motoko Kusanagi|Motoko Kusanagi]] and [[wp:Daisuke Aramaki|Chief Aramaki]] of Section 9 in ''Ghost in the Shell''. Early development presented Konoko as a [[wp:Cyborg|cyborg]], furthering her resemblance to Motoko. | ||
An additional influence came through Oni's concept artist Alex Okita, who was a big fan of ''[[Bubblegum Crisis]]'', calling it and ''Ghost in the Shell'' "the two main influences at the time."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170705124855/http://www.glixel.com/interviews/oni-bungies-classic-inspired-by-ghost-in-the-shell-w474297 Glixel, "Flashback: 'Oni', Bungie's Cult Classic Inspired by 'Ghost in the Shell'"].</ref> He particularly cited Kenichi Sonoda, character designer of ''Bubblegum Crisis'', as an influence on [[:Category:Art by Alex Okita|his work]].<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20010118230100/http://www.onicore.com/interviews/alexokita.html OniCore, Interview with Alex Okita].</ref> Later, Lorraine Reyes also showed her familiarity with Sonoda's work with [[:Image:Konoko_Variants.jpg|a sketch]] that resembles her [[:Image:Konoko Kneeling Pre-Beta.png|finalized design]] for Konoko. In August of 1999, Hardy LeBel was brought in as Design Lead, and revamped the story.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20010727151534/www.insidemacgames.com/features/00/lebel/ Inside Mac Games, Interview: Oni's Hardy LeBel].</ref> He cited ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion]]'' as a personal influence when doing so.<ref> | An additional influence came through Oni's concept artist Alex Okita, who was a big fan of ''[[Bubblegum Crisis]]'', calling it and ''Ghost in the Shell'' "the two main influences at the time."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170705124855/http://www.glixel.com/interviews/oni-bungies-classic-inspired-by-ghost-in-the-shell-w474297 Glixel, "Flashback: 'Oni', Bungie's Cult Classic Inspired by 'Ghost in the Shell'"].</ref> He particularly cited Kenichi Sonoda, character designer of ''Bubblegum Crisis'', as an influence on [[:Category:Art by Alex Okita|his work]].<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20010118230100/http://www.onicore.com/interviews/alexokita.html OniCore, Interview with Alex Okita].</ref> Later, Lorraine Reyes also showed her familiarity with Sonoda's work with [[:Image:Konoko_Variants.jpg|a sketch]] that resembles her [[:Image:Konoko Kneeling Pre-Beta.png|finalized design]] for Konoko. In August of 1999, Hardy LeBel was brought in as Design Lead, and revamped the story.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20010727151534/www.insidemacgames.com/features/00/lebel/ Inside Mac Games, Interview: Oni's Hardy LeBel].</ref> He cited ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion]]'' as a personal influence when doing so.<ref name=conquer>[https://web.archive.org/web/20041209033107/http://www.apple.com/games/articles/2001/02/oni/ Apple.com, Conquering Demons: Bungie on Oni].</ref><ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=4618 OCF post by Hardy LeBel, "Re: The Analytical reasons behind Oni's influences"].</ref> The final version of Oni abandons the cyborg nature of the heroine and instead introduces original concepts such as the [[Daodan Chrysalis]] and [[SLD]]s. | ||
''Further reading:'' [[Oni/Early Story|Early Story]], [[Oni/Positioning|Positioning Statement]]. | ''Further reading:'' [[Oni/Early Story|Early Story]], [[Oni/Positioning|Positioning Statement]]. | ||
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After E3 1999, Oni received the Game Critics Award for "Best Action/Adventure Game".<ref>[[wp:Game_Critics_Awards#Best_Action/Adventure_Game|Wikipedia, "Game Critics Awards"]].</ref> This award is based on the games exhibited at the year's E3, which are usually still in development and expected to release soon. | After E3 1999, Oni received the Game Critics Award for "Best Action/Adventure Game".<ref>[[wp:Game_Critics_Awards#Best_Action/Adventure_Game|Wikipedia, "Game Critics Awards"]].</ref> This award is based on the games exhibited at the year's E3, which are usually still in development and expected to release soon. | ||
After an initial onslaught of advertising which saw Konoko appear on many gaming magazine covers, Oni's development stalled (as discussed below), and Bungie suspended the advertising of the game so as not to expend their budget before Oni was even released.<ref name=advert /> At the same time, Bungie's HQ in Chicago had their own game under development; previously known only by its code name "Blam!", in 1999 it came to be known as "Halo" and slowly drew attention away from the oft-delayed Oni as images and trailers for it began to appear. | After an initial onslaught of advertising which saw Konoko appear on many gaming magazine covers, Oni's development stalled (as discussed below), and Bungie suspended the advertising of the game so as not to expend their budget before Oni was even released.<ref name=advert>[http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=4570 OCF post by Matt Soell, "Re: Matt- could you address this?"].</ref> At the same time, Bungie's HQ in Chicago had their own game under development; previously known only by its code name "Blam!", in 1999 it came to be known as "Halo" and slowly drew attention away from the oft-delayed Oni as images and trailers for it began to appear. | ||
''Further reading:'' [[Trailers]], [[History of the Oni community]], [http://oni.bungie.org/special/ Oni Central interview with Bungie West], [http://web.archive.org/web/20001206162500/http://www.insidemacgames.com/features/00/dunn/ IMG interview with Dave Dunn], [http://web.archive.org/web/19990824063223/http://avault.com/previews/preview_temp.asp?game=oni&page=1 Adrenaline Vault interview with Doug Zartman]. | ''Further reading:'' [[Trailers]], [[History of the Oni community]], [http://oni.bungie.org/special/ Oni Central interview with Bungie West], [http://web.archive.org/web/20001206162500/http://www.insidemacgames.com/features/00/dunn/ IMG interview with Dave Dunn], [http://web.archive.org/web/19990824063223/http://avault.com/previews/preview_temp.asp?game=oni&page=1 Adrenaline Vault interview with Doug Zartman]. | ||
==Troubles== | ==Troubles== | ||
Oni was originally expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 1999,<ref name=advert | Oni was originally expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 1999,<ref name=advert /> but as that date approached, the release date was pushed back. This occurred repeatedly, until finally the rumored release date was as late as March 2001.<ref>Discussions on [[OCF]] of: a [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=2533 fall 1999] release date, a [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=1129 summer 2000] release date, a [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=4084 fall 2000] release date, and finally a [http://carnage.bungie.org/oniforum/oni.forum.pl?read=4699 spring 2001] release date. These "release dates" were generally rumors, ephemeral dates used by online stores for pre-orders, or vague estimates by Bungie PR, not official statements. Nevertheless, it was clear that Oni was taking longer than planned to finish, which was a cause of some concern among Bungie fans.</ref> Some of the uncertainty over Oni's status came from Bungie's typical reluctance to announce or adhere to fixed release dates. | ||
However, unbeknownst to the public, development of Oni was troubled from the start. The team was young and inexperienced, and development suffered from a lack of direction. A great deal of code had been written, and assets created, without producing a playable game with a story. By mid-1999 it became clear to management back in Chicago that the game was not going to be ready by year-end, so Hardy LeBel was added to the team with the goal of bringing focus to the development efforts and producing a shippable product. | However, unbeknownst to the public, development of Oni was troubled from the start. The team was young and inexperienced, and development suffered from a lack of direction. A great deal of code had been written, and assets created, without producing a playable game with a story. By mid-1999 it became clear to management back in Chicago that the game was not going to be ready by year-end, so Hardy LeBel was added to the team with the goal of bringing focus to the development efforts and producing a shippable product. | ||
The second half of 1999 saw the replacement of the AI programmer and the departure of one of the level designers, followed by Brent Pease himself at the very end of the year (with his Project Lead title being passed to Michael Evans). LeBel and the team began honing the gameplay, shaping the final story, and figuring out what features or content would have to be dropped in order to ship the game before it was too late; Bungie was secretly suffering from serious money problems (see "Buyout" section below). In May of 2000, it was announced that multiplayer was being removed from the game due to latency issues and lack of time to create suitable arena levels for | The second half of 1999 saw the replacement of the AI programmer and the departure of one of the level designers, followed by Brent Pease himself at the very end of the year (with his Project Lead title being passed to Michael Evans). LeBel and the team began honing the gameplay, shaping the final story, and figuring out what features or content would have to be dropped in order to ship the game before it was too late; Bungie was secretly suffering from serious money problems (see "Buyout" section below). In May of 2000, it was announced that multiplayer was being removed from the game due to latency issues and lack of time to create suitable arena levels for network play. | ||
This caused an upset among Bungie's fan base, which mostly consisted of Mac users. They considered Microsoft to be Apple's nemesis, and now the | In June of 2000, it was announced that Bungie had been acquired by Microsoft. This caused an upset among Bungie's fan base, which mostly consisted of Mac users. They considered Microsoft to be Apple's nemesis, and now the company behind the upcoming Xbox console had taken the most popular game developer from the Mac world and would be incorporating them into their offices in Seattle, Washington. The effect this had on Oni's development was dire: it meant that Bungie West needed to finish their work as soon as possible in order to join the rest of Bungie in Seattle. | ||
In order to ship the game by year-end, the Bungie West staff worked massive overtime for several months straight. During this "crunch" period, the unexpected departure of the graphics programmer led to his replacement and a minor overhaul of the graphics code.<!-- Congratulations, you found a secret reference! For a citation on the graphics programmer leaving, see this auction of a copy of Oni by Stefan Sinclair: https://archive.is/njEe3. Stefan tells the story in the Description section. We know that he replaced the previous programmer by August because that's when Stefan started posting questions online about OpenGL ^_^ Anyway, it's a bit awkward to link to a page like this as an official citation so I am hiding it here for now. -Iritscen --> Technical and/or gameplay issues required all 14 levels to have their geometry significantly altered over the course of 7 months.<ref name=conquer /> According to Hardy LeBel, "It was as bad a crunch as there has ever been in the video games industry."<ref>See CryMor Gaming's documentary [https://youtu.be/jbrPu15jjPs?t=960 Demon: The Untold Story of Bungie’s Forgotten Franchise], 16 minute mark.</ref> It is only due to this final push that a playable and enjoyable game was forged out of over two years of prior work. | |||
==Completion== | ==Completion== | ||
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==Release== | ==Release== | ||
Oni was finally released, much later than originally expected, at the end of January 2001<ref>[http://oni.bungie.org/newsarchives/2001/jan01.html Oni Central News Archive, Jan. 2001].</ref> (spring 2001 in Europe). Oni was translated into other languages, including Russian, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese.<ref>[http://oni.bungie.org/forum/viewtopic.php?id=2102 OCF thread, "What language is your copy of Oni in?"]. These localizations generally included re-dubbing the game's dialogue in that language, except for Chinese.</ref> These localizations were critical to building Oni's fan base, which today is largely based outside of primarily-English-speaking countries. | Oni was finally released, much later than originally expected, at the end of January 2001<ref>[http://oni.bungie.org/newsarchives/2001/jan01.html Oni Central News Archive, Jan. 2001].</ref> (spring 2001 in Europe). Oni was translated into other languages, including Russian, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese.<ref>[http://oni.bungie.org/forum/viewtopic.php?id=2102 OCF thread, "What language is your copy of Oni in?"]. These localizations generally included re-dubbing the game's dialogue in that language, except for the Chinese localization which only translated the in-game text. Unofficial distributions of the game were made in additional languages such as [[Slovak game manual|Slovak]] by only translating the manual and not changing any of the data on the game disc.</ref> These localizations were critical to building Oni's fan base, which today is largely based outside of primarily-English-speaking countries. | ||
Oni's storyline is fairly straightforward, although it has been called "understated". Because the story takes place over about a week and a half in the game's timeline, there is little room to develop the characters or setting, although large amounts of additional information are to be found in consoles scattered throughout the levels. | Oni's storyline is fairly straightforward, although it has been called "understated". Because the story takes place over about a week and a half in the game's timeline, there is little room to develop the characters or setting, although large amounts of additional information are to be found in consoles scattered throughout the levels. | ||
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Clearly Take-Two expected big things from Oni (see their valuation of Oni above, as well as their promotional efforts under the "Hype" section). They had assigned Rockstar Canada (now known as Rockstar Toronto) to start work on a PlayStation 2 port of Oni in 1999, and it was released alongside the Windows and Mac versions of Oni; however, the port has been considered to be an inferior version of the game due to technical limitations and control issues. | Clearly Take-Two expected big things from Oni (see their valuation of Oni above, as well as their promotional efforts under the "Hype" section). They had assigned Rockstar Canada (now known as Rockstar Toronto) to start work on a PlayStation 2 port of Oni in 1999, and it was released alongside the Windows and Mac versions of Oni; however, the port has been considered to be an inferior version of the game due to technical limitations and control issues. | ||
At first, Take-Two seemed intent on investing in Oni as a franchise. Shortly after Oni's release, a simple game billed as an Oni prequel<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20020221045402/http://www.fgnonline.com/pc/news/17352.html Fastest Game News Online, "Oni Prequel Announced"].</ref> (developed by Quantum Sheep) was released for [[wp:Wireless_Application_Protocol|WAP]]-enabled cell phones. More significantly, it was rumored<ref>[http://oni.bungie.org/newsarchives/2001/apr01.html Oni Central News | At first, Take-Two seemed intent on investing in Oni as a franchise. Shortly after Oni's release, a simple game billed as an Oni prequel<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20020221045402/http://www.fgnonline.com/pc/news/17352.html Fastest Game News Online, "Oni Prequel Announced"].</ref> (developed by Quantum Sheep) was released for [[wp:Wireless_Application_Protocol|WAP]]-enabled cell phones. More significantly, it was rumored<ref>[http://oni.bungie.org/newsarchives/2001/apr01.html Oni Central News, Apr. 1, 2001].</ref> that Take-Two had put Oni 2 into production; however, no sequel was ever officially announced. In 2016, an actual development build of the cancelled game was leaked.<ref>Documented by the game preservation YouTube channel PtoPOnline [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZItobLIJJMY here].</ref> Interviews with former employees of Angel Studios revealed that the game had been in development for about two years without a clear direction, and the troubled project was finally cancelled when Angel Studios was acquired by Rockstar in 2002 and renamed Rockstar San Diego. | ||
''Further reading:'' [[Oni (PlayStation 2)]], [[Oni 2 (Angel Studios)]]. | ''Further reading:'' [[Oni (PlayStation 2)]], [[Oni 2 (Angel Studios)]]. | ||