One of the more intriguing mechanics in Sony Bend’s upcoming open world zombie shooter Days Gone looks to be the “Freak-O system”, which will govern the AI of how units spawn and interact, with one another, with the environment, and with the player character. Potentially, this could be the game’s most important system, as it could add spontaneity and emergence to the game.
Sony Bend will be discussing this mechanic at GDC this year. During an AI summit at the event, AI lead Darren Chisum, and senior staff programmer Tobias Karisson will discuss exactly how the Freak-O system works, and how it will play into the game’s combat.
There will be a second talk on Days Gone at GDC, this one by lead graphics programmer at Bend, Graham Aldridge, who will talk about how Sony Bend is using screen space shadows to maximize shadow detail in the game.
If you are looking forward to the game, these talks should prove to be very exciting for you. Days Gone is due out exclusively on the PS4 later this year.