PS3 was like ‘alien technology,’ says Brink dev

The PlayStation 3 was like “alien technology” to developer Splash Damage when the studio began work on the now imminent multiplayer shooter Brink, boss Paul Wedgwood has told VG247.

Splash Damage worked on Activision’s multi-format Quake Wars, but only handled development of the PC version. Xbox 360 and PS3 builds were handled by Nerve Software and Underground Development.

“The truth of it is the Xbox 360 is quite similar to a PC in terms of architecture,” explained Wedgwood.

“Certainly, there are things that it does better and there are things that it does worse. But in terms of developing a game for it, setting aside the needs for certification when you actually get the game ready for release, it’s largely a similar-ish experience.”

He added: “The PlayStation 3, for us, was just alien technology. Take the cover off and it’s probably organic.”

It was the PC version – tech London-based Splash Damage was very familiar with – which led development.

“We decided from the beginning we’d get the PC up and running as quickly as possible for gameplay testing,” explained Wedgwood. “Within about three months of starting we were playing multiplayer games, just deathmatch with the initial weapon loadout. Then we started playing with the basic first couple of objectives. Then as SMART came in, we started playing with the basic vaulting, mantling, sliding under things and leaning around corners.”

From this base game, platform specific versions could then be built from.

Brink launches on Friday for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. Look out for our review tomorrow morning.