Game news It's the French GTA, this open world video game is one of the precursors of the genre…
Published on 11/11/2024 at 8:00 p.m.
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While there are more and more open worlds over the years, you should know that one of the precursors of the genre is a French game developed by none other than the CEO of Quantic Dream. We return to this video game nugget in our latest JV Legends in podcast format.
One of the first Open Worlds is French!
Today, open worlds are everywhere, the genre having become popular over time with titles such as Red Dead Redemption, Skyrim or even The Witcher 3. However, if I ask you to tell me which was the very first open mode where you can visit a city in 3D? Some would say GTA III or even Shenmue. However, before these two famous titles, it was a French game which was at the origin: The Nomade Soul. Released at the time in 1999 and imagined by David Cage (the father of Quantic Dream). This game will experience a rather unique development, imagined at the time on PS1 by a group of friends.
In 1996, the group of friends completed a demo. David Cage then proposed the game to several publishers who all refused. Although disappointed, the man makes the decision to create his own studio to focus 100% on PC gaming this time. He therefore created Quantic Dreamnow known for titles like Beyond: Two Souls as well as the much-loved Detroit: Become Human. After 6 months, the second demo is ready, and finally the British video game publisher Eidos Interactive is won over and signs a contract.
A futuristic and dystopian open word
In 1999, The Nomade Soul was released, and players could finally discover the city of Omikron, a futuristic and polluted metropolis, divided into several diverse and varied districts. A title that also aims to be “Multi Gameplay” with exploration on foot or by car, unarmed combat, FPS, multiple choice dialogues as well as the game's flagship mechanic: Body swapping. Indeed, the game gives you the possibility to switch bodies with other characters who have their own identity, apartment, etc.
A title which is inspired by its creator's readings such as SF novels from the 30s to 50s and 60s to 70s such as Dune by Frank Herbert, Hyperion by Dan Simmons or even 1984. However, we also find musical inspirations. Well, to be exact, it is the late David Bowie who will be at the origin of the soundtrack of the title, and who will even invest 100% in the project, to the point that characters inspired by him and his wife will appear in the game.
To discover more about the history of the game and anecdotes about its design, visit our dernier podcast JV Legends available on all podcast applications (Spotify, Apple Podcast…). Yes, JV is now moving into podcasts by adapting JV Legends to a 100% audio format. Of course, remember to subscribe so you don't miss any of the craziest stories from the world of video games!
