Brutal Gamer Interview with Darksiders II Developer Haydn Dalton

Haydn Dalton: During the run up to release, it’s always an exciting, and slightly nervous time for us. Everyone is coming down from the pressures of finishing the game, and now, for all to see, their efforts are going to be viewed, scrutinized in detail, and written about throughout the world. It’s a very satisfying time though, especially when you walk into a store, see a TV advert or somebody playing and enjoying it, these things make it all worthwhile.

Brutal Gamer: What does a lead designer do? Can you walk us through a day in the life of Darksider II’s Lead Designer Haydn Dalton? What are some of the tasks that most people wouldn’t expect to be handled by a lead designer?

Haydn Dalton: That’s a hard question, because the role of a Lead Designer varies drastically from company to company. My role on [Darksiders] and [Darksiders II] was more like a Design Director role at most other places. I help come up with the all the base systems and infrastructure of the game, and then work with the different disciplines to get the designers what they need, to create the game we’re trying to make. Most normal days – certainly during full production – are about guiding what is done, and how it’s being done. I get involved in everything from player control to which actors are put forward to do the [voice overs] for the game. It’s a very fulfilling role for me personally, as I love to work with the different disciplines, seeing all the individual aspects coming together.