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{{Infobox Company
{{Infobox Company
| company_name = Insomniac Games, Inc.
| company_name = Insomniac Games, Inc.
| company_logo = [[Image:Insomniac.png|256px|Current Insomniac Games logo.]]
| company_logo = [[Image:Insomniac.png|256px|Current Insomniac Games logo.]]
| company_slogan =
| company_slogan =
| company_type = [[Private company|Private]]
| company_type = [[Privately held company|Private]]
| owner =
| owner =
| foundation = [[1994]]
| foundation = 1994
| location = [[Burbank, California]], [[United States|USA]]
| location = [[Burbank, California]], [[United States|USA]]
| industry = [[Video game industry]]
| industry = [[Video game industry]]
| revenue =
| revenue =
| num_employees = 145
| num_employees = 145
| key_people = [[Ted Price]] (CEO)
| key_people = [[Ted Price]] (CEO)
| products =
| products =
| homepage = [http://www.insomniacgames.com www.insomniacgames.com]
| homepage = [http://www.insomniacgames.com www.insomniacgames.com]
}}
}}
'''Insomniac Games, Inc.''' is an independent [[United States|American]] [[video game developer]] founded in [[1994 in video gaming|1994]] that has released titles for [[PlayStation]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[PlayStation Portable]] and [[PlayStation 3]]. They created the first three hugely successful ''[[Spyro the Dragon (series)|Spyro the Dragon]]'' games, ''[[Disruptor (video game)|Disruptor]]'', and the ''[[Ratchet & Clank (series)|Ratchet & Clank]]'' franchise, which have combined to sell over 25 million copies worldwide and have won dozens of awards. Insomniac released ''[[Resistance: Fall of Man]]'' in [[2006 in video gaming|2006]], a first-person shooter and PlayStation 3 [[launch title]]. On August 21st, 2008, Insomniac released their first title for the PLAYSTATION Network, ''[[Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty]]''. In 2007, Insomniac released ''[[Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction]]'', their first ''Ratchet & Clank'' title for the PlayStation 3, and their third PS3 title, ''[[Resistance 2]]'', was released in 2008.
'''Insomniac Games, Inc.''' is an independent [[United States|American]] [[video game developer]] founded in 1994 that has released titles for the [[PlayStation]], [[PlayStation 2]], and [[PlayStation 3]] [[video game console]]s. They created ''[[Disruptor (video game)|Disruptor]]'', the first three hugely successful ''[[Spyro (series)|Spyro the Dragon]]'' games, and the ''[[Ratchet & Clank (series)|Ratchet & Clank]]'' franchise, which have combined to sell over 25 million copies worldwide and have won dozens of awards. Insomniac released ''[[Resistance: Fall of Man]]'' in 2006, a first-person shooter and PlayStation 3 [[launch game]]. In 2007, Insomniac released ''[[Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction]]'', their first ''Ratchet & Clank'' title for the PlayStation 3. On August 21st, 2008, the company released their first title for the [[PlayStation Network]], ''[[Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty]]'', and their third PlayStation 3 title, ''[[Resistance 2]]'', in 2008.


==Company overview==
==Company overview==
Insomniac was founded in 1994 as an independent video game developer and is now based in [[Burbank, California]]. Its initial game, a first-person shooter called ''[[Disruptor (video game)|Disruptor]]'' for the PlayStation, was released on November 20, 1996, and was a critical darling. Since then, the company has released eight more games in two series (both of which were created by the company) for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3 and all have been both critical and commercial successes. After they produced three ''Spyro the Dragon'' games, the company sold the [[Spyro the Dragon (series)|Spyro the Dragon series]] to the other Developer that also worked on the 3 games known as [[Vivendi Games|Universal Interactive]]. They later went on to create the ''Ratchet & Clank'' series. The first ''[[Ratchet & Clank]]'' has the notable distinction of being the first Western-produced game to be officially bundled with the PS2 in [[Japan]], a country notoriously fickle in its [[video game]] tastes. This was a result of ''R&C'' being the first western video game to crack Japan's top 100 list.
Insomniac was founded in 1994 as an independent video game developer and is now based in [[Burbank, California]]. Its initial game, a first-person shooter called ''[[Disruptor (video game)|Disruptor]]'' for the PlayStation, was released on November 20, 1996, and received critical success. Since then, the company has released eight more games in two series (both of which were created by the company) for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3 and all have been both critical and commercial successes. After the company produced the first three ''Spyro the Dragon'' games, the company sold the ''Spyro'' license to Universal Interactive, now know as [[Vivendi Games]]. They later went on to create the ''Ratchet & Clank'' series. The first ''[[Ratchet & Clank]]'' has the notable distinction of being the first western-produced game to be officially bundled with the PlayStation 2 in [[Japan]]. This was a result of ''Ratchet & Clank'' being the first western video game to make Japan's top 100 list.


The company has been named as one of the top 10 Best Small Companies to work for in America for 3 years in a row for their relaxed environment, flexible hours, yoga, Fragfest Fridays, movie nights, and indoor 7/11. Their Yoga sessions have earned them the "Most Flexible Game Company" Award from IGN.com. The company also took its entire workforce on a free cruise.
The company has been named as one of the top 10 Best Small Companies to work for in America for 3 years in a row for their relaxed environment and flexible hours.


In 2003, a few of Insomniac's staff members, left the company to create a new company called "[[High Impact Games]]".
In 2003, a few of Insomniac's staff members, left the company to create a new company called [[High Impact Games]].


In 2006, Insomniac released a comparatively mature, M-Rated PlayStation 3 first-person shooter, very unlike its other works. Its name during production was ''I-8'', but it was then renamed ''[[Resistance: Fall of Man]]''. The game's futuristic weapons seem to be influenced by the company's ''Ratchet & Clank''.
In 2006, Insomniac released a comparatively mature, M-rated PlayStation 3 first-person shooter, very unlike its other works. Its name during production was ''I-8'', but it was later renamed ''[[Resistance: Fall of Man]]''. The game's futuristic weapons seem to be influenced by the company's ''Ratchet & Clank'' series.


In 2008, at the [[Game Developers Conference]], Insomniac announced a new project titled [[The Nocturnal Initiative]]. This is a free [[wiki]] based project designed to encourage the distribution of development technologies which may be used in other games. Insomniac has shared technology they developed for use in titles such as [[Ratchet and Clank Future]] and [[Resistance 2]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://kotaku.com/359346/insomniac-announces-nocturnal-initiative-gives-away-source-code | title=Insomniac Announces Nocturnal Initiative, Gives Away Source Code|accessdate=2008-02-22|date=2008-02-21}}</ref>
At the 2008 [[Game Developers Conference]], Insomniac announced a new project titled the Nocturnal Initiative. This is a free [[wiki]] based project designed to encourage the distribution of development technologies which may be used in other games. Insomniac has shared technology they developed for use in titles such as ''[[Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction]]'' and ''[[Resistance 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://kotaku.com/359346/insomniac-announces-nocturnal-initiative-gives-away-source-code | title=Insomniac Announces Nocturnal Initiative, Gives Away Source Code|accessdate=2008-02-22|date=2008-02-21}}</ref>


In June, 2008, in an interview with GameDaily BIZ, Ted Price announced that Insomniac Games plan to expand and open a sister studio in North Carolina, with Chad Derzern taking on the role of Studio Director. Derzern will be hiring twenty-five to thirty new developers and will prepare the studio to begin work on games based on new and existing intellectual properties. The current plan is for the studio to open in January 2009. <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/insomniac-to-open-studio-in-north-carolina?page=1 | title='Resistance' is futile. Insomniac Games has revealed to GameDaily BIZ that it's becoming bi-coastal with a new studio in North Carolina. We speak with CEO Ted Price about his company's plans.|accessdate=2008-06-06|date=2008-06-03}}</ref>
In an interview with GameDaily BIZ in June 2008, Ted Price announced that Insomniac Games plans to expand and open a sister studio in North Carolina, with Chad Derzern taking on the role of studio director. Derzern will be hiring twenty-five to thirty new developers and will prepare the studio to begin work on games based on new and existing intellectual properties. It is planned for the studio to open in January 2009. <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/insomniac-to-open-studio-in-north-carolina?page=1 | title='Resistance' is futile. Insomniac Games has revealed to GameDaily BIZ that it's becoming bi-coastal with a new studio in North Carolina. We speak with CEO Ted Price about his company's plans.|accessdate=2008-06-06|date=2008-06-03}}</ref>

⚫
In ''[[Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando]]'' and ''[[Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal]]'', the player can visit an [[Easter egg (media)|easter egg]] known as the "Insomniac Museum". This is located on the planets Dantopia (a reference to Dan Johnson who has since passed away) and Burbank (a reference to the company's location). The museum lets players find items, enemies, objects and conceptions that did not make it into the final resulting games. The Insomniac Museum in both games has the actual layout of the Insomniac Games offices.


==Games==
==Games==
Insomniac Games have released/working or will be working on the following:
Insomniac Games have released twelve games since the company was formed.


{|class="wikitable"
{|class="wikitable"
!Game Title !! US Release Date !! Platform
!Game Title !! US Release Date !! Platform
|-
|-
|''[[Disruptor (video game)|Disruptor]]'' || [[November 20]], [[1996]] || [[PlayStation]]
|''[[Disruptor (video game)|Disruptor]]'' || November 20, 1996 || [[PlayStation]]
|-
|-
|''[[Spyro the Dragon]]'' || [[September 10]], [[1998]] || [[PlayStation]]
|''[[Spyro the Dragon]]'' || September 10, 1998 || PlayStation
|-
|-
|''[[Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage]]'' || [[November 2]], [[1999]] || [[PlayStation]]
|''[[Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!]]'' || November 2, 1999 || PlayStation
|-
|-
|''[[Spyro: Year of the Dragon]]'' || [[October 11]], [[2000]] || [[PlayStation]]
|''[[Spyro: Year of the Dragon]]'' || October 11, 2000 || PlayStation
|-
|-
|''[[Ratchet & Clank]]'' || [[November 7]], [[2002]] || [[PlayStation 2]]
|''[[Ratchet & Clank]]'' || November 7, 2002 || [[PlayStation 2]]
|-
|-
|''[[Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando]]'' || [[November 11]], [[2003]] || [[PlayStation 2]]
|''[[Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando]]'' || November 11, 2003 || PlayStation 2
|-
|-
|''[[Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal]]'' || [[November 2]], [[2004]] || [[PlayStation 2]]
|''[[Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal]]'' || November 2, 2004 || PlayStation 2
|-
|-
|''[[Ratchet: Deadlocked]]'' || [[October 25]], [[2005]] || [[PlayStation 2]]
|''[[Ratchet: Deadlocked]]'' || October 25, 2005 || PlayStation 2
|-
|-
|''[[Resistance: Fall of Man]]'' || [[November 17]], [[2006]] || [[PlayStation 3]]
|''[[Resistance: Fall of Man]]'' || November 17, 2006 || [[PlayStation 3]]
|-
|-
|''[[Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction]]'' || [[October 23]], [[2007]] || [[PlayStation 3]]
|''[[Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction]]'' || October 23, 2007 || PlayStation 3
|-
|-
|''[[Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty]]'' || [[August 21]], [[2008]] || [[PlayStation 3]]
|''[[Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty]]'' || August 21, 2008 || PlayStation 3
|-
|-
|''[[Resistance 2]]'' || [[November 4]], [[2008]] || [[PlayStation 3]]
|''[[Resistance 2]]'' || November 4, 2008 || PlayStation 3
|}
|}

⚫
In ''[[Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando]]'' and ''[[Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal]]'', the player can visit an [[easter egg (media)|easter egg]] known as the "Insomniac Museum". This is located on the planets "Dantopia" (a reference to Dan Johnson who has since passed away) and "Burbank" (a reference to the company's location). The Museum lets players find items, monsters, objects and conceptions that did not make it into the final resulting games. The Insomniac Museum is notable because it has the actual layout of the Insomniac Games offices in [[Burbank, California]].


==People==
==People==
Line 68: Line 68:
*Brian Hastings (Chief Creative Officer)
*Brian Hastings (Chief Creative Officer)
*Chad Dezern (Art Director)
*Chad Dezern (Art Director)
*See also [http://www.insomniacgames.com/about/team/ Team members]
*See also: [http://www.insomniacgames.com/about/team/ Team members]


==The Full Moon Show==
==The Full Moon Show==
On the first and third Thursday of every month, Insomniac Games releases a new episode of [[The Full Moon Show]], which lets gamers know what is happening in the world of Insomniac Games, along with community updates regarding ''Resistance: Fall of Man'' and their online community. Episodes can be downloaded either from the [http://www.insomniacgames.com/podcast/podcast.php Insomniac website] or [[iTunes]] and now ZUNE marketplace. Insomniac Games has started to include members of their community in their podcasts. A few members from the ''Resistance'' community have been mentioned in this podcast such as bpowter, Lord Yod, Zotmaster, HiSToRiKL, and BertoFFA and a few clans from the game have also been mentioned, including [P$] ProFe$$ioNaL $kiLL$, [S!N] Slay! 9 as well as some others.
On the first and third Thursday of every month, Insomniac Games releases a new episode of [[The Full Moon Show]], which lets gamers know what is happening in the world of Insomniac Games, along with community updates regarding ''Resistance: Fall of Man'' and their online community. Episodes can be downloaded either from the Insomniac website, [[iTunes]], or the [[Zune]] marketplace. Insomniac Games has started to include members of their community in their podcasts.


⚫
==Relationships with other developers==
A company music video named "(pin)Ballz" was released instead of a podcast in the week of February 21st, 2008. The only other time(s) they didn't make a podcast was in August because they went to Germany and in October because the Resistance 2 Public Beta was released that week, along with a new trailer.

⚫
==Relations with other developers==
===Naughty Dog===
===Naughty Dog===
Insomniac has had a close relationship with fellow developer [[Naughty Dog]] from when they worked together in the same building on a Universal Studios backlot. They make games that are similar in style, which sometimes contain references to each other (as seen in secret ''[[Jak 3]]'' gun courses, the start-up menu in ''[[Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando]],'' as well as on the T.V. screen in Clank's apartment and various posters throughout the games). Demos for one company's games often appear on the other's releases. ''[[Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!]]'' contained a demo of ''[[Crash Team Racing]]'', for example. Because of their friendship, many fans have wondered if the two companies would collaborate on a game. However, they have, in the past, publicly stated that they don't have plans for making a game together, although both ''Jak II'' and ''Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando'' featured billboard cameos of each others heroes (and a scene in ''Going Commando'' shows Ratchet playing both his games, both ''Jak'' games, and ''[[Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus]]''). This is taken one step further in ''[[Jak X: Combat Racing]]'' and ''[[Ratchet: Deadlocked]]'' as both feature Ratchet and Jak respectively as unlockable skins/characters. In a more recent game, Daxter for the PSP, you can find a mask that makes Daxter look like Ratchet.
Insomniac has had a close relationship with fellow developer [[Naughty Dog]] from when they worked together in the same building on a Universal Studios back-lot. The company makes games that are similar in style, which sometimes contain references to each other. Demos for one company's games often appear on the other's releases. ''[[Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!]]'' contained a demo of ''[[Crash Team Racing]]'', for example. Because of their friendship, many fans have wondered if the two companies would collaborate on a game. However, it has been publicly stated that the two companies do not have plans for making a game together, although both ''Jak II'' and ''Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando'' featured billboard cameos of each others heroes (and a scene in ''Going Commando'' shows Ratchet playing both his games, both ''Jak'' games). This is taken one step further in ''[[Jak X: Combat Racing]]'' and ''[[Ratchet: Deadlocked]]'' as both feature Ratchet and Jak respectively as unlockable skins/characters. In a more recent game, ''[[Daxter]], a Ratchet and a Clank mask can be found.


Contrary to popular opinion, Insomniac never at any time borrowed any part or form of [[Playstation 2]] engine code or technology from [[Naughty Dog]] to use on the ''[[Ratchet & Clank]]'' games. As for the two companies' direct involvement, [[Naughty Dog]]'s Richard Lemarchand said in an IGN interview: "We don't really trade anything concrete in terms of technology, but we definitely compare war stories of life in the trenches, and try and learn from each other's experiences."<ref name="enginetech1">Robinson, Martin. [http://ps3.ign.com/articles/895/895045p2.html "Naughty Dog Q&A"] IGN.uk 30 July 2008</ref> Insomniac's president Ted Price described Insomniac's stance on engine technology in an interview with ''Independent PlayStation Magazine'' (now called ''[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine]]''):
Contrary to popular belief, Insomniac never borrowed any part or form of the [[PlayStation 2]] engine code or technology from Naughty Dog to use on the ''Ratchet & Clank'' games. As for the two companies' direct involvement, Naughty Dog's Richard Lemarchand said: "We don't really trade anything concrete in terms of technology, but we definitely compare war stories of life in the trenches, and try and learn from each other's experiences."<ref name="enginetech1">Robinson, Martin. [http://ps3.ign.com/articles/895/895045p2.html "Naughty Dog Q&A"] IGN UK 30 July 2008</ref> Ted Price described Insomniac's stance on engine technology, saying:


<blockquote>"We've always developed all our own technology. It's been a little frustrating in the past for us to hear people say, 'Oh yeah, the Insomniac game is running on the Naughty Dog engine." People assumed that we were using Naughty Dog's engine for ''Ratchet'', and that was not true. We shared some technology with Naughty Dog way back when, and that was great, but we are a company that puts stock in developing specialized technology and we will continue to do so." --Ted Price, ''Independent PlayStation Magazine'', [[September]] [[2006]]<ref name="enginetech2">Slate, Chris. "PS3 Trailblazing: PSM Chats With Ted Price, President of Insomniac Games." ''Independent PlayStation Magazine'' Sep. 2006</ref></blockquote>
<blockquote>"We've always developed all our own technology. It's been a little frustrating in the past for us to hear people say, 'Oh yeah, the Insomniac game is running on the Naughty Dog engine.' People assumed that we were using Naughty Dog's engine for ''Ratchet'', and that was not true. We shared some technology with Naughty Dog way back when, and that was great, but we are a company that puts stock in developing specialized technology and we will continue to do so." -- Ted Price, ''Independent PlayStation Magazine'', September 2006<ref name="enginetech2">Slate, Chris. "PS3 Trailblazing: PSM Chats With Ted Price, President of Insomniac Games." ''Independent PlayStation Magazine'' Sep. 2006</ref></blockquote>


===[[High Impact Games]]===
===High Impact Games===
[[High Impact Games]] is a newer company formed by ex-Insomniac staff, so far they have released ''[[Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters]]'' and ''[[Secret Agent Clank]]''.
[[High Impact Games]] is a newer company formed by ex-Insomniac staff. They have released the titles ''[[Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters]]'' and ''[[Secret Agent Clank]]'' for the PlayStation Portable, as well as a PlayStation 2 port of ''Size Matters''.

===Other companies===
Insomniac has stated that some of [[Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony]]'s development teams are starting to develop closer relationships and are sharing technology and ideas. Naughty Dog also credits various first-party developers at Sony in ''[[Uncharted: Drake's Fortune]]''.

===See also===
*[[The Full Moon Show]]
*[[Ratchet & Clank (series)]]


==References==
==References==
Line 98: Line 89:
==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.insomniacgames.com/ Official website]
*[http://www.insomniacgames.com/ Official website]
*[http://forums.insomniacgames.com/index.php Official Insomniac Games Forum]
*[http://forums.insomniacgames.com/index.php Official Insomniac Games forum]

{{Insomniac Games}}
{{Insomniac Games}}


Revision as of 06:38, 3 January 2009

Insomniac Games, Inc.
Company typePrivate
IndustryVideo game industry
Founded1994
HeadquartersBurbank, California, USA
Key people
Ted Price (CEO)
Number of employees
145
Websitewww.insomniacgames.com

Insomniac Games, Inc. is an independent American video game developer founded in 1994 that has released titles for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3 video game consoles. They created Disruptor, the first three hugely successful Spyro the Dragon games, and the Ratchet & Clank franchise, which have combined to sell over 25 million copies worldwide and have won dozens of awards. Insomniac released Resistance: Fall of Man in 2006, a first-person shooter and PlayStation 3 launch game. In 2007, Insomniac released Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, their first Ratchet & Clank title for the PlayStation 3. On August 21st, 2008, the company released their first title for the PlayStation Network, Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty, and their third PlayStation 3 title, Resistance 2, in 2008.

Company overview

Insomniac was founded in 1994 as an independent video game developer and is now based in Burbank, California. Its initial game, a first-person shooter called Disruptor for the PlayStation, was released on November 20, 1996, and received critical success. Since then, the company has released eight more games in two series (both of which were created by the company) for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3 and all have been both critical and commercial successes. After the company produced the first three Spyro the Dragon games, the company sold the Spyro license to Universal Interactive, now know as Vivendi Games. They later went on to create the Ratchet & Clank series. The first Ratchet & Clank has the notable distinction of being the first western-produced game to be officially bundled with the PlayStation 2 in Japan. This was a result of Ratchet & Clank being the first western video game to make Japan's top 100 list.

The company has been named as one of the top 10 Best Small Companies to work for in America for 3 years in a row for their relaxed environment and flexible hours.

In 2003, a few of Insomniac's staff members, left the company to create a new company called High Impact Games.

In 2006, Insomniac released a comparatively mature, M-rated PlayStation 3 first-person shooter, very unlike its other works. Its name during production was I-8, but it was later renamed Resistance: Fall of Man. The game's futuristic weapons seem to be influenced by the company's Ratchet & Clank series.

At the 2008 Game Developers Conference, Insomniac announced a new project titled the Nocturnal Initiative. This is a free wiki based project designed to encourage the distribution of development technologies which may be used in other games. Insomniac has shared technology they developed for use in titles such as Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction and Resistance 2.[1]

In an interview with GameDaily BIZ in June 2008, Ted Price announced that Insomniac Games plans to expand and open a sister studio in North Carolina, with Chad Derzern taking on the role of studio director. Derzern will be hiring twenty-five to thirty new developers and will prepare the studio to begin work on games based on new and existing intellectual properties. It is planned for the studio to open in January 2009. [2]

In Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando and Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal, the player can visit an easter egg known as the "Insomniac Museum". This is located on the planets Dantopia (a reference to Dan Johnson who has since passed away) and Burbank (a reference to the company's location). The museum lets players find items, enemies, objects and conceptions that did not make it into the final resulting games. The Insomniac Museum in both games has the actual layout of the Insomniac Games offices.

Games

Insomniac Games have released twelve games since the company was formed.

Game Title US Release Date Platform
Disruptor November 20, 1996 PlayStation
Spyro the Dragon September 10, 1998 PlayStation
Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! November 2, 1999 PlayStation
Spyro: Year of the Dragon October 11, 2000 PlayStation
Ratchet & Clank November 7, 2002 PlayStation 2
Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando November 11, 2003 PlayStation 2
Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal November 2, 2004 PlayStation 2
Ratchet: Deadlocked October 25, 2005 PlayStation 2
Resistance: Fall of Man November 17, 2006 PlayStation 3
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction October 23, 2007 PlayStation 3
Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty August 21, 2008 PlayStation 3
Resistance 2 November 4, 2008 PlayStation 3

People

  • Ted Price (President & CEO)
  • Alex Hastings (Chief Technology Officer)
  • Brian Hastings (Chief Creative Officer)
  • Chad Dezern (Art Director)
  • See also: Team members

The Full Moon Show

On the first and third Thursday of every month, Insomniac Games releases a new episode of The Full Moon Show, which lets gamers know what is happening in the world of Insomniac Games, along with community updates regarding Resistance: Fall of Man and their online community. Episodes can be downloaded either from the Insomniac website, iTunes, or the Zune marketplace. Insomniac Games has started to include members of their community in their podcasts.

Relationships with other developers

Naughty Dog

Insomniac has had a close relationship with fellow developer Naughty Dog from when they worked together in the same building on a Universal Studios back-lot. The company makes games that are similar in style, which sometimes contain references to each other. Demos for one company's games often appear on the other's releases. Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! contained a demo of Crash Team Racing, for example. Because of their friendship, many fans have wondered if the two companies would collaborate on a game. However, it has been publicly stated that the two companies do not have plans for making a game together, although both Jak II and Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando featured billboard cameos of each others heroes (and a scene in Going Commando shows Ratchet playing both his games, both Jak games). This is taken one step further in Jak X: Combat Racing and Ratchet: Deadlocked as both feature Ratchet and Jak respectively as unlockable skins/characters. In a more recent game, Daxter, a Ratchet and a Clank mask can be found.

Contrary to popular belief, Insomniac never borrowed any part or form of the PlayStation 2 engine code or technology from Naughty Dog to use on the Ratchet & Clank games. As for the two companies' direct involvement, Naughty Dog's Richard Lemarchand said: "We don't really trade anything concrete in terms of technology, but we definitely compare war stories of life in the trenches, and try and learn from each other's experiences."[3] Ted Price described Insomniac's stance on engine technology, saying:

"We've always developed all our own technology. It's been a little frustrating in the past for us to hear people say, 'Oh yeah, the Insomniac game is running on the Naughty Dog engine.' People assumed that we were using Naughty Dog's engine for Ratchet, and that was not true. We shared some technology with Naughty Dog way back when, and that was great, but we are a company that puts stock in developing specialized technology and we will continue to do so." -- Ted Price, Independent PlayStation Magazine, September 2006[4]

High Impact Games

High Impact Games is a newer company formed by ex-Insomniac staff. They have released the titles Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters and Secret Agent Clank for the PlayStation Portable, as well as a PlayStation 2 port of Size Matters.

References

  1. ^ "Insomniac Announces Nocturnal Initiative, Gives Away Source Code". 2008-02-21. Retrieved 2008-02-22.
  2. ^ "'Resistance' is futile. Insomniac Games has revealed to GameDaily BIZ that it's becoming bi-coastal with a new studio in North Carolina. We speak with CEO Ted Price about his company's plans". 2008-06-03. Retrieved 2008-06-06.
  3. ^ Robinson, Martin. "Naughty Dog Q&A" IGN UK 30 July 2008
  4. ^ Slate, Chris. "PS3 Trailblazing: PSM Chats With Ted Price, President of Insomniac Games." Independent PlayStation Magazine Sep. 2006

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Insomniac_Games&oldid=261622992"