Warren Spector Talks Disney

When it was announced that Warren Spector, the producer of Wing Commander, System Shock, and Deus Ex, was going to be working on a Disney game, some people might have thought it a bit like asking Philip Roth to write copy for a Bud Light ad. Turns out it's not actually so strange after all, as Spector reveals to Next-Gen that he's basically a huge Disney fanboy.

Disney has created the most recognizable icons on the planet. Literally, this company has a hold on people’s imaginations which is unparalleled – and it has been for 80 years. So the opportunity to play in those particular playgrounds… [W]hen you start talking about Donald, Goofy, Uncle Scrooge – those are characters I’d love to play with. And I wanted to be an Imagineer, you know? I wanted to create theme park attractions when I was younger, and I never got the opportunity. So now, indirectly, I get to do that.”

As for the game that will come out of the partnership, Spector can't say anything about it, except that it's based on a Disney character (or group of characters), and although it wasn't one of his first choices, he seems pleased with the selection, although “It’s a challenge.” Gummi Bears revival confirmed?

The article continues with a discussion of Spector's glee regarding becoming a Disney Imagineer and examines how a hypothetical conversation between him and Pixar's John Lasseter. He also briefly touches on Mass Effect and the difference between Bioware's binary morality systems and his traditionally grey view of character action, a subject that also arises when he brings up the traditional Disney story model.

“I love games that are about shades of grey – stories where there’s no right and wrong. And with Disney there’s basically a hero and a villain, and good defeats evil. So I’m trying to wrap my head around how I’m gonna deal with that directive; it really is part of the core culture of the company. But the real key for me is player choice and consequence, and I don’t think you need moral or ethical ambiguity to get into that. We’ll see how right I am.”

There's no word at the moment about the game, so keep your eyes and ears open for more news. Any characters you'd love to see him tackle?

Warren Spector's Rodent Love Shock [Next-Gen.biz]