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Celebrate Dead Space 2's Launch With A Lesson On Lighting

developer diary

by Jeff Cork on January 25, 2011 at 01:00 PM

5,199 Views

Dead Space is one of the more atmospheric series around, and a great deal of that is courtesy of the game's lighting. Environments are often ruined, strobe-lit places, and players often manage to freak themselves out by imagining the horrors that may be lurking in the shadows. In this new developer diary, the team at Visceral show off some of the tools and tricks they've developed for lighting the world of Dead Space 2.

One of the more interesting kernels of information from the video is that Visceral devoted as many people on lighting the world as they did in populating it with characters. As they explain, when lighting is almost a character itself, it only makes sense to devote the necessary resources to make it as effective as possible.

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Filed under: News, EA, developer diary, Visceral, Dead Space 2, Isaac Clarke

Comments

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by farlus Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 02:52 PM

I think dimly lit rooms or a flashing light in a far away room has as much to do with the terror as the visuals of the monsters or the sounds...just so creepy. It's incredible how dedicated they are to terrifying you.
by eyros2k Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 02:54 PM

*nodding* Yeap... sound and lighting (atmosphere) in Dead Space is a huge element. Even if you just power through Dead Space campaign, these elements can't be ignored. So much care and detail even in the first, this vid has me stoked to jump into the sequel after work today :D
by Mike Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 02:59 PM

cant wait til my copy comes in the mail
by God Of Irony Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 03:00 PM

... atmosphere is scary.

jeez, people, loud noises and pop ups are NOT scary!
by Darth Maul Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 03:00 PM

In Dead Space's case, the lighting perfectly complements the horrific atmosphere.
by Ryan Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 03:01 PM

The lightning in the first one was great. I hate being in the dark with just a flashlight because only being able to see what's in front of you is awful (in a good scary way) Can't wait to play this.
by Ryan Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 03:01 PM

The lightning in the first one was great. I hate being in the dark with just a flashlight because only being able to see what's in front of you is awful (in a good scary way) Can't wait to play this.
Mod

by Warbuff Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 03:03 PM

I wonder if having the lights constantly move or flicker attributed to Reiner feeling drained playing this game.
Mod

by DStubbs Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 03:09 PM

I'm actually waiting for tonight to start my campaign. I got blinds but the sunlight still seeps in. I want it pitch dark when I play.
by xwolfpack93 Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 03:17 PM

i am guessing it will be hard and scary definetely make your eyes bleed from anticipation
by Kurt Thomas Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 03:42 PM

I've been watching a walkthrough on youtube (late at night with all the lights out, of course (: ) of an early retail copy and I've gotta say, these guys basically nailed the lighting. Seriously, it is spot on. Give it up for Visceral gaming!!!
by WS-N Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 05:18 PM

Everything in Dead Space is awesome...even the lighting.
by BMW Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 06:03 PM

Absolutely stunning in my eyes!
by papajon555 Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 06:13 PM

this video gave me goosebumps.
by BillyBobJoe234 Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 06:48 PM

i love this this looks great
by Opfer der Seele Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 08:05 PM

Horror games, where flashlights have no true value
by bioshocker Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 09:05 PM

I think the Dead Space franchise (especially Dead Space 2, from what I've played so far) nails the lighting effects, and it really does keep you on edge.
by Marvel Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 09:10 PM

OH! YEAH.................=]
by boogieman29 Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 09:48 PM

between the sounds and the lighting, they really know how to bring on the scares. ive only been able to play about an hour and a half of DS2 so far but they lay that creepy atmosphere on you full force.
by Brad Tramel Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 11:24 PM

I almost had a seizure there.

Still looks awesome, gotta get my hands on it.

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Celebrate Dead Space 2's Launch With A Lesson On Lighting

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