Exploring the Inspirations Behind Dragon's Dogma 2: A Real-World Adventure

The Quest for Realism

As the highly anticipated Dragon's Dogma 2 prepares to take the gaming world by storm, its creator and director, Hideaki Itsuno, has unveiled the remarkable real-world influences that have shaped the game's vast open-world map. A sequel to the critically acclaimed Dragon's Dogma, the upcoming release promises to redefine the gaming experience, with an expansive map that transcends the boundaries of its predecessor.

In a recent revelation, Itsuno disclosed that the size and nature of the game's open world were inspired by real-world locations and experiences. The map, set to be four times larger than the original game, posed a significant challenge for the development team, who initially aimed for a map only 1.5 to 2 times larger. This ambitious undertaking reflects the team's dedication to delivering an unparalleled adventure for players, characterized by the thrill of exploration and danger.

To achieve a heightened sense of peril and adventure within the game, the development team embarked on extensive location scouting, drawing inspiration from renowned high-altitude landmarks such as the majestic Osaka Castle and the towering Abeno Harukas skyscraper. Additionally, immersive mountain climbing trips provided invaluable insight, shaping the realistic and treacherous mountain environments that players will encounter in Dragon's Dogma 2.

Embracing Peril and Choice

Itsuno's vision for Dragon's Dogma 2 extends beyond size, seeking to capture the essence of perilous exploration and authentic mountain climbing experiences. Reflecting on the development process, Itsuno emphasized the desire to evoke a genuine sense of 'danger' in high-altitude settings, a sentiment that transcends mere in-game messages.

The team's firsthand encounters during mountain climbing expeditions inspired the game's approach to mountain traversal, with a focus on presenting players with the realistic challenges and choices inherent in scaling treacherous peaks. Itsuno's team sought to replicate the intricate paths taken by real-life climbers, infusing the game with a balanced sense of freedom and danger.

In a bold departure from traditional open-world designs, Dragon's Dogma 2 aims to offer players a sense of choice that is tempered by the inherent dangers of uncharted territories. Itsuno explained that rather than allowing players to roam anywhere without consequence, the deliberate placement of perilous areas encourages strategic exploration, mirroring the selective paths taken by mountain climbers.

Guiding the Adventurer

As the map of Dragon's Dogma 2 expands to unprecedented proportions, Itsuno and his team faced the challenge of keeping players engaged within its vast open world. To address this, the developers strategically placed items and landmarks throughout the map, guiding players' gaze and curiosity while maintaining an element of mystery and discovery.

Itsuno's emphasis on ensuring that players do not become disoriented or disinterested in the immense world of Dragon's Dogma 2 underscores the meticulous attention to detail that has been dedicated to crafting a truly immersive and captivating gaming experience. By strategically concealing certain landmarks and items, the game aims to sustain the player's sense of wonder and exploration, ensuring that each journey through its expansive world remains a compelling and enriching adventure.