Arkane Studios is a developer that has made its mark in the industry creating games, like the Dishonored series and this year's Prey, that follow in the tradition of classic first-person immersive simulators on PC. But how did the studio come to be and who are its major players? In this three-part behind-the-scenes video series, GameSpot travels to Arkane Studios to explore the history of the team, the roots of modern first-person RPGs, and the decade-long struggle that led to the studio's current fame.
Part one gives us a look at Arkane's breakout hit, Dishonored. Part two delves into the origins of the immersive sims and the genre's influence on the studio. And the final part gives us insight on how Arkane learned from these early games, its struggles to iterate on its own work, and its hopes for the future.
For more videos like this, watch our GameSpot Studios documentaries on Mass Effect Andromeda and the history of Relic Entertainment. You can also check out our full GameSpot Studios playlist on YouTube.
Part 1: How Dishonored Saved Arkane Studios
Arkane discusses its struggles to find success for 12 years, how Dishonored propelled the studio into the limelight, and helped revive immersive sim RPGs.
Diablo 4 | Loot Reborn | Gameplay Trailer Dead By Daylight | Official Castlevania Teaser Trailer Project T (New Dead By Daylight World Game) | A First Look The Casting Of Frank Stone | Official Story Gameplay Trailer Dead By Daylight X Dungeons & Dragons | Official Cinematic Reveal Trailer Dread Delusion 1.0 Launch Trailer Robobeat | Official Launch Trailer Stumble Guys - Official PlayStation Launch Trailer Samurai Warriors 4 DX - Steam Launch Trailer Valheim: Ashlands - Official Animated Release Trailer Homeworld 3 | Official Launch Trailer Stellar Blade - Accolades Trailer | PS5 Games
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Part 2: The Secret Origins Of Arkane Studios
GameSpot tracks down Richard Garriott and Warren Spector, two legendary developers who helped pioneer immersive sim RPGs in the '90s, to discuss how they mentored the members of Arkane Studios.
Diablo 4 | Loot Reborn | Gameplay Trailer Dead By Daylight | Official Castlevania Teaser Trailer Project T (New Dead By Daylight World Game) | A First Look The Casting Of Frank Stone | Official Story Gameplay Trailer Dead By Daylight X Dungeons & Dragons | Official Cinematic Reveal Trailer Dread Delusion 1.0 Launch Trailer Robobeat | Official Launch Trailer Stumble Guys - Official PlayStation Launch Trailer Samurai Warriors 4 DX - Steam Launch Trailer Valheim: Ashlands - Official Animated Release Trailer Homeworld 3 | Official Launch Trailer Stellar Blade - Accolades Trailer | PS5 Games
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Part 3: How Arkane Studios Mastered a Genre
We talk to Arkane about the challenges that came with the success of Dishonored, the problems with making a sequel, how Prey develops the studio's identity, and where the team wants to go in the future.
Diablo 4 | Loot Reborn | Gameplay Trailer Dead By Daylight | Official Castlevania Teaser Trailer Project T (New Dead By Daylight World Game) | A First Look The Casting Of Frank Stone | Official Story Gameplay Trailer Dead By Daylight X Dungeons & Dragons | Official Cinematic Reveal Trailer Dread Delusion 1.0 Launch Trailer Robobeat | Official Launch Trailer Stumble Guys - Official PlayStation Launch Trailer Samurai Warriors 4 DX - Steam Launch Trailer Valheim: Ashlands - Official Animated Release Trailer Homeworld 3 | Official Launch Trailer Stellar Blade - Accolades Trailer | PS5 Games
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