It seems that everyone is jumping on the second screen bandwagon. Companion apps look like they may become a default in upcoming games. Now we get details of how Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag will make you a tablet pirate.
It seems a bit odd to me that Game Director Ashraf Ismail believes we need comforting while playing, but apparently that’s what he’s going for:
“The philosophy behind the companion app is that it’s an extension of the game and a comfort tool. Comfort in the sense that you can have the world map out and it’s directly connected to the game, so it’s not just a static map. It’s actually updating live with what’s happening in your world.”
The app will provide a fully functional, real-time map that allows you to tag nearby things and create waypoints in game. Originally, this was developed so that players could find things easily, but that aspect has evolved into a “first mate” experience.
“We know a lot of the time when people play they will have their significant other, friend, brother or sister in the room. Maybe they really enjoy the story and they’re just watching – but to actually have them involved is really cool. It’s not an intense experience, but they can see stuff you might not be paying attention to and they can highlight it for you and tell you, Hey, something is happening over there.”
I honestly love this concept. Before I started playing games myself, I used to watch my older brother play, draw up maps and generally act as the navigator/brains. While plenty of people play games on their own, this could be a nice way to engage with significant others or close friends while completing a single player campaign. I think it would be really cool to be “first mate” – could be involved in the gaming experience, even if not holding the controller.
Last Updated: September 13, 2013
Tarisma
September 13, 2013 at 14:03
love this idea, currently my girlfriend operates as my treasure finder/navigator. We actually have an uncharted 3 play session tonight.
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 13, 2013 at 14:14
Very cool indeed
Sargon
September 13, 2013 at 14:20
I’ll pick this up. Sounds rad.
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 13, 2013 at 14:21
I could do with a reassuring companion app for playing Dark Souls.
“Don’t feel bad poplap, everyone struggles. And it really doesn’t help to swear. How about I make you a nice cup of tea? Would that make you feel better?”
RincemySniperKittEH0-O
September 13, 2013 at 14:24
0-O
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 13, 2013 at 14:26
poplap?
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 13, 2013 at 14:27
It was the most annoying pet name I could come up with on short notice. heh.
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 13, 2013 at 14:30
It seems, tooo, familiar for you to just “come up with”
THE TRUTH MISTER! Your mom still calls you poplap innit???
RincemySniperKittEH0-O
September 13, 2013 at 14:40
I’m with you on this. It was way too easy to come up with…
Alien Emperor Trevor
September 13, 2013 at 14:46
It’s what I call one of my colleagues when I want to irritate her. Either that or “blom-blom.” True story lol.
Admiral Chief of Rivia
September 13, 2013 at 15:03
Riiiight
😛
RincemySniperKittEH0-O
September 13, 2013 at 14:25
Sho, no matter how much people rant this seems to be something that we are going to have to get used to. Doesn’t anyone else has issues with LOOKING AWAY FROM THE SCREEN? Or is something wrong with my one eye?
ToshZA
September 13, 2013 at 15:01
Yet another reason for me to get excited for this game.
Very, very cool feature.