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Revolution Software Revives Broken Sword Franchise
Revolution Software made an exciting announcement at Gamescom 2023 regarding the revival of the beloved Broken Sword franchise. Not only will Broken Sword – The Shadow of the Templars receive a full remake, but the studio also revealed plans for a sixth title in the series called Broken Sword – Parzival’s Stone.
During an interview with TRG prior to the announcement, Cecil, a charismatic figure, shared details about the remake and the upcoming sixth installment in the Broken Sword series. Cecil even illustrated the plans for Parzival’s Stone by carrying a pocketful of stones. He also discussed the utilization of AI technology to upscale Broken Sword – The Shadow of the Templars.
AI Technology in Game Animation
Cecil openly acknowledged the studio’s use of AI technology and provided a thorough explanation for its implementation. The team plans to employ AI technology to update the game’s animations.
In response to concerns about this decision, Cecil reassured, “I completely share and appreciate the concerns. We’re using our own data to train on. But probably more importantly, we’re using a bunch of really talented animators who are taking the original animations and working on them so that we can use AI to upscale them.”
He further added, “It’s absolutely brilliant. And that is then the basis on which they can then reanimate those characters. It’s our own system.”
Cecil emphasized that the intention is not to plagiarize anyone’s work and emphasized the role of quality animators in the process. In fact, the AI system is enabling the Broken Sword remake. By automating labor-intensive tasks, such as converting animations, the studio can focus on the creative aspects of the game’s development.
A Bright Future for the Franchise
While Cecil did not explicitly confirm plans for a remake of Broken Sword 2, his remarks strongly suggest that the team is considering remaking the second game in the series as well.
Personally, I initially had reservations about AI technology infiltrating game development. However, in the case of Broken Sword, it appears to be a means of delivering a deserving and modernized re-release of a beloved game.
If you’re eager for more gaming experiences while awaiting the Broken Sword remake, check out our curated lists of the best RPGs for a new adventure. Additionally, if you prefer a more communal gaming experience, we have a selection of the best multiplayer games on PC.