The odyssey behind the argument
During our visit to Los Angeles for the launching events of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, we had the opportunity to chat with Aaron Contreras, Narrative Lead (head of Narrative) at Respawn Entertainment, the studio developer of this new game of the famous saga of Science fiction.
“Aaron, you have a Spanish last name. Where are you from?"
Aaron: “(Laughs) I know! But in reality I am Italian, from Sicily. There is this legend that my last name came with a fencing coach who worked for the nobility there. Sure, it can be a rumor, but it's fun. ”
“This may seem like an overly open question, but: what was the biggest challenge in creating this story? We know her… We have tried the title and I must say that it is very attractive. ”
Aaron: "I think the challenge, and the opportunity is … Well, the first thing we decided to do with the story for Fallen Order was to create something that immediately told you" This is Star Wars. " Simultaneously it must be a Star Wars story and be something new and fresh. The fantasy that fulfills the game is to become a Jedi, right? So it's about this hero's journey, much like what Luke Skywalker had to go through. But Cal (Kestis) is unique, it is very different from Luke. In this way the difficulty was to create that experience with which you were already familiar, but at the same time it made you feel that everything is totally original. And the story goes to many places never seen, especially in a Jedi story. ”
Cal possibly was inspired by Luke Skywalker
"Do they take any inspiration from any character in the movies?"
Aaron: “No, I think we focus on A New Hope as our guide for Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and this hero's journey. Cal is not yet a Jedi in his formation, he is not yet at the peak of his powers. But these grow along with him during the course of the game. Luke was this little farmer who became the hero who destroyed the Death Star. We wanted to replicate this. ”
"For you … Is this story just for a Star Wars fan or is it for everyone?"
Aaron: “Oh, it's absolutely for everyone. I think one of the advantages of Star Wars is that it is for anyone. If you see what Geogre Lucas did with episode IV, it's a timeless story. It is the mono-myth. It is the hero's classic journey, the creation of a hero. That is what makes Star Wars so popular: it is accessible and is for everyone. Similarly, we wanted to reach all audiences. At the same time, Star Wars has been out there for 40 years; so we include these elements in the story and gameplay. That's why we include it, to talk to those who have grown up with this saga for decades. ”
A story that is for everyone
"Was George Lucas involved in this process?"
Aaron: “No, no, no! (Laughter) We only take what he created and try to do justice. I'm not completely sure, but I think he hasn't participated in anything related to Star Wars since he sold the franchise. ”
"As Narrative Leader: would you like to see this story in a movie or TV series?"
Aaron: "No. Not directly. It's a story we made specifically for a game. An advantage of our media is that it is interactive, so we created a story that could only flow with the interaction of a player. Simultaneously, movies, series and comics; All were created for your particular environment. We made an interactive story: you become a Jedi along with Cal. I think you can only do it that way. In the same way it is difficult to take a novel or a movie and turn it into a game. Suddenly you have the player and his decisions there, what he wants to do. If Cal and the other characters we create appear in other media it would be super exciting. ”
A story that is based on a New Hope
“For you, what is the most memorable moment when creating this game?”
Aaron: "Oh! That is difficult. Personally … For me, when I was interviewed to collaborate in the game and all the security around it; I was not allowed to play it. And it was when I was deciding if I wanted to be part of the team. Usually, that breaks the deal for me. But because the project had to be kept secret because it was Star Wars, I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. So the most memorable thing was when I was finally able to play it. A demo very early in development. And I knew immediately that it would be special. Having control in my hand gave me a good dose of confidence. I knew it was the right game and that I had made the right decision. ”
“For you as a person, what do you prefer? The Dark side or the bright side of the Force?
Aaron: “(Laughs) I think it would be bright. I am a type of blue saber. If we see what each side represents within Star Wars and what they represent in the real world, I want to support the bright side and defeat the dark. ”
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order will be available from November 15 on PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
#JediFallenOrder is available for preload on Xbox One, PS4, and PC! Pre-order now and download to be ready to play on November 15. pic.twitter.com/bg1hsQVZ31
– Respawn (@Respawn) November 13, 2019
