Benson Russell
Reporting and statements that mention Benson Russell.
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Former Naughty Dog Designer Comments on Cutting Down Long Development Cycles and “Waste”
Former Naughty Dog designer Benson Russell believes that the studio, and other AAA developers, can shorten lengthy development cycles by establishing a clear 'North Star' early on. This central goal can help align siloed teams and reduce waste, potentially cutting years off projects like the upcoming sci-fi title Intergalactic.
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune "is rough around the edges," ex-Naughty Dog designer says, and "went through a whole lot of hell during development"
Former Naughty Dog designer Benson Russell described the development of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune as tumultuous, citing issues with ditching old technology for the PlayStation 3 and a lack of clear direction. Despite its rough edges and a difficult development cycle, Russell expressed pride in the game's achievements and its role in launching the successful Uncharted franchise.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet "might need to be edited" to avoid "another Last of Us 2 situation," former Naughty Dog dev warns
Former Naughty Dog designer Benson Russell warns that the studio's upcoming game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, might need editing to avoid the prolonged development issues seen with The Last of Us Part II. Russell suggests Naughty Dog's current six-year development cycle for the new IP is unsustainable and could lead to a similar outcome if not managed effectively.
Uncharted difficulty was tuned to "slow the player down if they were too good," says Naughty Dog designer: "We can't charge 60 bucks for a 5-hour game"
Former Naughty Dog developer Benson Russell revealed that the original Uncharted's difficulty was intentionally tuned to slow players down if they were performing too well, to extend the game's perceived length. This dynamic difficulty system was based on average encounter times, with the game becoming harder if players finished combat too quickly. While present in all three original games, the system in Uncharted 2 and 3 was adjusted to better match player skill rather than artificially prolong the experience.
An Uncharted remake would feel "like a cash grab," says OG designer who thinks Naughty Dog should make a new…
Original Uncharted: Drake's Fortune designer Benson Russell believes a remake of the game would feel like a "cash grab" and that Naughty Dog should instead focus on creating a new entry in the series. He argues that existing remasters are sufficient for players to experience the original title and that a remake would necessitate story changes that alter the game's spirit.
'It Doesn't Make Sense' — Uncharted Designer Doesn't Want a Remake of Drake's Fortune
Benson Russell, a designer for the original Uncharted games, expressed his reservations about a potential remake of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. He feels that remaking the first game doesn't make sense given its age and design.
Former Uncharted Dev On Possible New Remake Or Remaster: “What’s The Point?”
Benson Russell, a designer on the original Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, questions the necessity of a remake or remaster for the 2007 game, stating it's still relevant and available on modern platforms. He suggests a new entry in the franchise would be more valuable than a "cash grab" remake, a sentiment echoed by past Sony considerations. While some developers like Shigeru Miyamoto defend remakes for introducing games to new audiences and funding new projects, Russell believes Naughty Dog should focus on creating new experiences.
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune Designer Says a Remake Doesn’t Make Sense
Benson Russell, the original designer of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, believes a remake of the game doesn't make sense due to its still-relevant gameplay and visuals. He argues that resources would be better spent on a new title inspired by Uncharted 4, rather than a remake that might feel like a cash grab and alter the original's spirit.
OG Last of Us designer is still "pissed" about Naughty Dog re-doing his work for the remake: "It is literally taking my scripts, pushing delete, and putting all new scripts in"
Original The Last of Us combat designer Benson Russell expressed frustration with Naughty Dog's remake, The Last of Us Part I, stating it replaces his original scripts and work. Russell feels the remake, which he calls a "sour spot," disrespects the effort put into the original game by presenting itself as the definitive version.
Former Naughty Dog Dev Recalls Crunch Culture for Games Like The Last of Us and Uncharted
Former Naughty Dog designer Benson Russell shared insights into the studio's past crunch culture, suggesting it was perceived as necessary for developing games like The Last of Us and Uncharted. Russell's comments highlight the intense work environments that have historically been part of AAA game development.
Naughty Dog Embraced Crunch Culture After The Last of Us, as It's 'What It Takes to Make Games at Our Level'
Former Naughty Dog employee Benson Russell stated that the studio embraced crunch culture after The Last of Us, viewing it as necessary for developing games at their level. He explained that while not legally mandated, crunch is incentivized through bonuses, and employees are implicitly expected to participate or seek employment elsewhere. The studio reportedly treats internal deadlines as external ones, contributing to the demanding work environment.
The Last of Us led Naughty Dog to accept crunch is "what it takes to make games at our level," former designer says, so Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet devs are probably deep in it
A former Naughty Dog senior game designer, Benson Russell, stated that the studio views crunch as a necessary component for creating games at their level, citing internal deadlines treated as external ones. This perspective, reportedly solidified after the release of The Last of Us in 2013, suggests that overtime is considered inevitable for employees, with an option to leave if unwilling to comply. The article also mentions ongoing crunch for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and the scrapping of The Last of Us Online.
Uncharted 2 dev says the truck chase "was taken directly from Resident Evil 5" because The Last of Us co-creator Neil Druckmann thought it was "f***ing awesome"
Former Naughty Dog designer Benson Russell revealed that the truck chase sequence in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves was directly inspired by a similar scene in Resident Evil 5. Neil Druckmann, co-creator of The Last of Us, reportedly saw the Resident Evil 5 scene and wanted to implement a comparable moment into Uncharted 2, which was achieved months before its release.
Former Naughty Dog Developer Says Studio Learned From The Last of Us That “Crunch is a Requirement”
Former Naughty Dog senior game designer Benson Russell stated that the studio learned from developing The Last of Us that crunch is a requirement for making games at their level. Russell explained that internal deadlines are treated as external, and employees are incentivized to work overtime, with bonuses offered for larger contributions. Reports from 2020 and earlier also highlighted Naughty Dog's culture of unhealthy working hours, with developers expressing concerns about the sustainability of such practices.
