Jon McKellan
Reporting and statements that mention Jon McKellan.
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Silent Hill: Townfall’s Use of PS5 Features, DualSense Controller Detailed
Silent Hill: Townfall will leverage the PlayStation 5's features, including 3D audio and ray tracing, to enhance its horror atmosphere. Developer Screen Burn will utilize the DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for immersive gameplay. The game is set in 1996 and will be released on PC and PlayStation 5.
Silent Hill: Townfall is the most Scottish game I've ever played and the most effective horror game I've seen in ages: 'It made sense for us to dig deep into our upbringings, into our past, and try and build a place that felt believable'
Silent Hill: Townfall is praised for its effective use of Scottish culture and 90s nostalgia to create a deeply unsettling psychological horror experience. Developer Screen Burn, led by Jon McKellan, meticulously crafted a believable Scottish town, St. Amelia, drawing from personal upbringings and authentic details to enhance the game's atmosphere and themes of medical trauma and community impact.
KONAMI PRESS START Reveals Rhapsody in Scarlet, Project Zircon and More | Invision Game Community
KONAMI's PRESS START event revealed several new titles including Rhapsody in Scarlet, a story-driven action-adventure set in 1920s New York, and Project Zircon, a deck-building roguelike. Updates were also provided for KONAMI Wai Wai World Craft, SILENT HILL: Townfall, Rev. NOiR, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, and eFootball Kick-Off!.
Silent Hill: Townfall’s 1996 Setting is “Almost Like the Perfect Time For Horror”, Says Writer
Silent Hill: Townfall writer Jon McKellan explained that the game's 1996 setting was chosen because the technology of the era was not advanced enough to assist the player, creating a perfect environment for horror. This choice aligns with developer Screen Burn's thematic focus on archaic technology. The game is set to release on September 24th for PC and PlayStation 5.
Silent Hill Townfall taps back into analog horror, but its tech is "never going to lie to you"
Screen Burn's Jon McKellan and Konami's Motoi Okamoto discuss Silent Hill: Townfall's approach to analog horror and its unique CRTV mechanic. The game, set in 1996 Scotland, utilizes a first-person perspective and a pocket television to create an immersive and unsettling experience, with the CRTV serving as a reliable tool for players. The developers emphasized Konami's trust in Screen Burn's creative vision for the new installment.
The '90s are a "perfect time for horror," says Silent Hill: Townfall dev who wants the game to make you…
Silent Hill: Townfall writer Jon McKellan explains that the game's 1996 setting was chosen to evoke a sense of discomfort, reflecting the socio-economic climate of the UK at the time and the limitations of technology. The absence of smartphones and readily available digital maps contributes to the intended atmosphere of unease and isolation for players.
I found solace from Silent Hill: Townfall's stealthy horror in the soothing Britishness of its abandoned homes
Silent Hill: Townfall, developed by Screen Burn Interactive, offers a stealth-focused survival horror experience set in a 1990s Scottish village. The game emphasizes evasion and puzzle-solving over combat, utilizing a unique CRTV device to track enemies. Director Jon McKellen highlights the nostalgic British setting and the deliberate clunkiness of the technology to enhance the unsettling atmosphere.
Silent Hill: Townfall’s Otherworld is Tinged in Red and Swarming With Monsters in New Gameplay
New gameplay footage for Silent Hill: Townfall reveals the game's "Otherworld" as a red-tinged, monster-filled environment. Players will utilize Simon's pistol and environmental tactics like locking doors to navigate and survive encounters with fleshy monsters. The survival horror title is set to launch on September 24th for PlayStation 5 and PC.
How Silent Hill: Townfall gets deep into its protagonist's headspace
Silent Hill: Townfall, developed by Screen Burn, aims to deliver a deeply immersive psychological horror experience through a first-person perspective. The game focuses on protagonist Simon Ordell's internal struggles and his search for his significant other in the eerie Scottish town of St. Amelia, incorporating social commentary and analog horror elements. Developers Jon McKellan and Motoi Okamoto emphasize a grounded narrative and character connections, drawing inspiration from intelligent thrillers and drawing parallels to games like Alien Isolation for its survival mechanics.
Silent Hill: Townfall’s CRTV is “Authentic” Because Screen Burn Actually Used (and Abused) Old TVs
Silent Hill: Townfall developer Screen Burn is using authentic CRT screen effects for its in-game device by feeding footage through old hardware and intentionally damaging cables. Director Jon McKellan stated this approach is crucial for the story's feel, differentiating it from traditional maps. The game will feature five endings, with two secret ones unlocked via New Game Plus, and releases September 24th for PlayStation 5 and PC.
Silent Hill: Townfall's dev team wrecked old TVs with magnets to make its in-game gadget feel real
The development team behind Silent Hill: Townfall, Screen Burn, used old televisions and magnets to create an authentic analogue feel for the game's in-game gadget, the CRTV. Writer and director Jon McKellan explained that running gameplay footage through damaged hardware was key to achieving this realistic effect. The article also touches on the broader revival of the Silent Hill franchise and its focus on psychological horror narratives.
Silent Hill: Townfall's devs say they're purposefully playing against your nostalgic tech feelings, but I'm not sure it'll work on me
Developers of Silent Hill: Townfall are intentionally using '90s analog technology, like a portable CRT replacing the series' iconic radio, to play against players' nostalgic feelings. Director Jon McKellan explained that while they have a fondness for this tech, they aim to create unease by making players rely on devices that feel unstable and unreliable. The author questions whether this approach will be effective on players with a personal connection to such retro technology.
Silent Hill: Townfall is “Leaning Into” Expectations But Also “Massively Subverting” Them, Says Director
Jon McKellan, writer and director for Silent Hill: Townfall, stated that the game will lean into player expectations of the Silent Hill franchise while also massively subverting them. The game, launching September 24th for PlayStation 5 and PC, will feature melee combat and multiple endings. A new trailer is set to debut at Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25th.
Silent Hill: Townfall Features 5 Endings, Including Two Locked Behind New Game+
Silent Hill: Townfall will feature five distinct endings, with three main endings determined by player choices and two secret endings locked behind New Game+. Player actions, including aggression levels and investigation thoroughness, will influence the outcome. The game launches September 24th for PlayStation 5 and PC, and a new trailer will be shown at Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25th.
Silent Hill: Townfall takes place in 'the perfect storm'—a remote Scottish town that stands on the edge…
Director Jon McKellan discussed the setting and themes of the upcoming horror game Silent Hill: Townfall, which is set in 1996 Scotland. He highlighted the relevance of the era's technological advancements and the town's isolation to the game's narrative, emphasizing the importance of player empathy for the community. McKellan also noted that the subjective nature of Silent Hill allows for diverse player interpretations of the story.
Silent Hill: Townfall's director finds it 'utterly terrifying to be the next one in the series' but is still confident fans will enjoy the experience
Jon McKellan, director of Silent Hill: Townfall, admits it's 'utterly terrifying' to be the next in the series but is confident fans will enjoy the experience. He and producer Motoi Okamoto discuss the game's setting in 1996 St. Amelia, its psychological horror narrative, and how they aim to subvert expectations while remaining true to the Silent Hill identity.
Here’s Why Silent Hill: Townfall Is A First-Person Game
Silent Hill: Townfall director Jon McKellan confirmed the game will feature a first-person perspective, a departure from the series' typical third-person view. This decision was made from day one, influenced by the developer's prior experience with first-person games and the necessity of the in-game CRTV mechanic for puzzle-solving and threat detection. The game is set to release on PlayStation 5 and PC on September 24.
Silent Hill: Townfall Dev Wants Players To Discuss Its Story Mysteries For Decades
Jon McKellan, game director at Screen Burn, aims for Silent Hill: Townfall to generate story mysteries and discussions for decades, similar to Silent Hill 2. He believes maintaining ambiguity is key to encouraging players to theorize about the game's themes and plot, avoiding explicit answers to foster long-term engagement.
Silent Hill: Townfall Could Be Proof Of The Franchise’s Renaissance Moment
Silent Hill: Townfall is poised to mark a renaissance for the franchise, showcasing a willingness to evolve beyond its traditional roots. The game's Scottish setting, first-person perspective, and innovative CRTV mechanic offer a fresh take on the psychological horror genre. Developer Screen Burn Interactive is given creative freedom by Konami to explore new themes and gameplay, potentially leading to a divisive but exciting new entry.
Silent Hill: Townfall Hands-On Preview
Silent Hill: Townfall is set to evolve the long-running psychological horror series with a new setting in 1990s Scotland and a first-person perspective. Developed by Screen Burn Interactive and published by Konami, the game emphasizes regional horror and features a unique CRTV tool for puzzles and combat. It is scheduled for release on September 24 for PlayStation 5 and PC.