In a recent exploration of the gaming world, we delve into the digital realms of Raphaël Colantonio, co-founder of Arkane Studios, whose journey into PC gaming was sparked by a deep admiration for the Ultima series. His passion for gaming led him to purchase a PC solely to experience Ultima 7, a decision that ultimately opened the door to a career in game development. Colantonio reflects on this pivotal moment, stating, “It ended up being exactly what I wanted, because it [had] way more possibilities than any of the Ultimas until then.”
Colantonio’s career took flight in 1999 when he co-founded Arkane Studios, which debuted with the critically acclaimed Arx Fatalis. Over the years, Arkane has carved out a niche as a modern successor to Looking Glass Studios, delivering notable titles such as Dishonored and Prey. Their most recent project, Weird West, showcases their continued innovation in the gaming landscape, while Colantonio hints at an upcoming unnamed first-person RPG currently in development at WolfEye.
What game are you currently playing?
Colantonio’s current gaming obsession is Mewgenics, a title he approached with little prior knowledge. Initially disappointed by its departure from action-oriented gameplay, he found himself intrigued by its unique mechanics. “It kind of grew on me over time,” he admits, noting the game’s blend of frustration and satisfaction as it challenges players with unpredictable outcomes. He draws parallels with other tactical games he enjoys, such as Into the Breach and XCOM, acknowledging that while he may not design them, they captivate him as a player.
What was the previous game you played, and is it still installed?
His gaming journey recently included a foray into Cyberpunk 2077, a title he completed despite its mixed reception. Colantonio appreciates the game’s ambition but feels it falls short of the depth found in classics like Deus Ex. “It’s a great experience,” he says, “but it’s very hard for me to like everything about a game.” In contrast, he found unreserved enjoyment in Baldur’s Gate 3, a title that resonated with him on multiple levels.
What is the oldest game (by release date) currently installed on your PC?
Among his collection, Colantonio has revisited Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth, a game he played for both enjoyment and research. His fascination with Lovecraftian themes drew him in, although he acknowledges its mixed reception. “Making a game is so hard,” he reflects, recognizing the challenges developers face in creating experiences that resonate with players.
What is the highest number of hours you have in any given game, according to Steam?
According to his Steam profile, Colantonio has logged an impressive 649 hours in Wasteland 2, a title that captivated him during the development of Prey. He recalls the game’s engaging mechanics and its similarities to the Fallout series, highlighting how it managed to hold his attention during a busy period of game development.
What game will you never, ever uninstall?
When asked about games he would never uninstall, Colantonio expresses a sense of nostalgia for titles like Thief, Fallout, and Deus Ex. He fondly remembers the impact Thief had on him as a developer, noting its innovative approach to stealth gameplay and immersive atmosphere. “Dishonored was very much our own expression of a Thief game,” he admits, revealing how the design philosophies of earlier games continue to influence modern development.
What’s a piece of non-gaming software installed on your PC that you simply couldn’t live without?
Colantonio relies on DaVinci Resolve for video editing, whether for game mockups or personal projects. Additionally, he has a long-standing affinity for DiskState, a tool that visually represents hard drive space. “It’s been with me since maybe the ’90s,” he shares, emphasizing its importance in his workflow.
How tidy is your desktop screen?
On the subject of desktop organization, Colantonio takes pride in maintaining a tidy workspace. He describes his desktop as relatively clean, with only a few folders and icons present. “I’ve seen some super messy desktops,” he notes, appreciating the balance between minimalism and functionality.
